Northamptonshire wedding photographer Karl Drage captures honest, documentary wedding photography in Kettering and beyond. Relaxed, professional approach with creative lighting for stunning wedding photos.
I’m Karl Drage, a Kettering-based wedding photographer who sees each wedding as a story waiting to be told. My work is rooted in documentary wedding photography — I watch, anticipate and capture the real moments as they unfold — but I also love to use creative lighting and selective posing to lift those memories into something striking and timeless. What sets me apart is a blend of quiet observation and practical creativity. I favour long lenses and a background presence that lets guests behave naturally, catching laughter, glances and the small interactions that make a day unique. When the light fades I’ll often introduce studio lights to create intimate, cinematic images you didn’t think possible after dark. The result is a gallery of professional wedding photos that feels honest, warm and expressive. Clients describe my manner as relaxed yet professional. I aim to put people at ease — especially those who say they dislike being photographed — and the transformation I see by the end of a day is one of my favourite parts of the job. I’ll give gentle direction when needed, add a few posed moments to complement the reportage images, and always prioritise keeping your day flowing naturally. I make it my challenge to get at least one lovely picture of every guest, because those family and friend shots matter just as much as the headline portraits. My process is straightforward and personal: we talk about your day, your priorities and the feel you want for your wedding photography. On the day I combine documentary instincts with considered use of lights and lenses to create a varied, cohesive collection of images. Based in Kettering and working across Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties, I’m also happy to travel further afield when a story is worth telling. While weddings and events are my primary focus and passion, I also enjoy photographing horses and other occasional projects, and I’ve begun incorporating short video elements into some equine sessions. If you’re planning a wedding in Kettering or elsewhere in the UK and want a photographer who values storytelling, atmosphere and striking professional wedding photos, I’d love to hear about your plans and discuss how I can help capture your day.