Raphael Lionel Photography

I’m Raphael — a Washwood Heath (Birmingham) wedding photographer who tells your wedding day like a story. My work sits at the intersection of documentary honesty and considered portraiture: I look for the unguarded moments — the laugh you didn’t plan, the quiet glance, the hands that fidget with a boutonnière — and I balance those with crafted bridal and couple portraits that feel modern and timeless. Why choose me for your wedding photography? Because I shoot with intention. I blend reportage wedding photography with a contemporary portrait sensibility so your final gallery reads like the day itself: truthful, emotive and beautifully edited. I care about light, composition and the small details that together form the narrative of your vows, speeches and celebrations. My aim is professional wedding photos that feel personal — images you’ll want to live with and pass down. How I work is simple and human. We begin with a pre-wedding conversation to understand the feel and priorities of your day. Many couples choose an engagement or pre-wedding session to relax in front of the camera and build rapport; it’s a great way to discover what works for you. On the day I move quietly through the moments, directing only when it helps the image, and always prioritising natural connection. After the wedding we’ll have a Reveal session where you can view selected images and explore heirloom options. I love producing real, handmade products — Italian leather folio boxes and Graphistudio albums — so your pictures become physical memories, not just files on a screen. Though weddings are my specialism, I also shoot modern portraits, family sessions and headshots/personal branding from my Jewellery Quarter studio. These services complement my weddings work: strong portrait skills mean flattering, honest bridal and couple portraits; experience with families helps me keep group shots moving and joyful. I’m fully insured, travel across the UK for weddings and bring the same calm, story-first approach whether your day is intimate in Washwood Heath or a larger celebration elsewhere. If you want wedding photography that values truth, craft and legacy, let me tell your story — thoughtfully, creatively and with care.