Karl Chester Photography

I’m Karl — a documentary wedding photographer based in Cheadle Hulme, on the edge of Manchester. I specialise in relaxed, reportage-style wedding photography for couples who want honest, un‑posed images that actually feel like their day. If you’re after perfect poses and staged moments I’m probably not your guy; but if you want photos that capture laughter, tears, character and the small unscripted moments, we’ll get on famously. Why choose me? My approach is built around storytelling. I spend the day observing, blending in and looking for real moments rather than manufacturing them. That means I catch the fleeting glances, the genuine smiles, the messy dancefloor joy — the bits you’ll want to relive when you flick through your photos years from now. I love modern portraits and natural light, but my first aim is to keep things authentic and individual. Imperfection is more interesting, and honesty makes images that matter. How I work with couples is simple and low-pressure. From our first chat I want to hear about the things that make your wedding unique — the plans, the people, the little details — and I’ll share how I like to document a day. On the wedding day I’m relaxed, friendly and unobtrusive: I aim to be part of the story, not a bossy presence. For couples who want a few guided portraits we’ll spend some time away from the crowd to create modern, natural images that feel effortless. For those who prefer to stay hands-off, I’ll stay close to the action and let the story unfold. I travel across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, the Lake District and beyond to photograph weddings, bringing a calm, confident, and creative eye to every celebration. Many couples also choose an engagement or portrait session beforehand — a great way to feel comfortable in front of the camera and to get to know how I work. A second photographer is also available to cover more of the day from a different angle if you’d like wider coverage of both sides of your story. If you value honest, emotive wedding photography that focuses on people and memories, let’s talk. I’d love to hear about your plans and how I can capture the real moments of your wedding day in and around Cheadle Hulme and Manchester.