GENUINE
STORY-TELLING
MOMENTS

Birmingham Wedding Photographer Capturing Natural, Storytelling Moments

Real moments. Quiet glances. Big belly laughs. The things that matter.

Hi, I’m Clive — a documentary wedding photographer based in Birmingham. I specialise in capturing the unseen, fleeting moments that you’ll want to relive again and again. No awkward posing. No bossy directions. Just honest, story-led photography that reflects your day, exactly as it felt.

“His documentary style not only resulted in stunning photos but also allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the day without feeling constantly watched” — Jen and Will

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Your Day, Your Story—Captured Naturally

If the thought of awkward, staged wedding photos makes you cringe, you’re in the right place! My candid, documentary approach means you can forget about the camera and simply enjoy your day, giving you the maximum amount of time with your family and friends. I’ll capture the fun, laughter, and meaningful moments as they unfold, creating storytelling images you’ll treasure forever.

Portfolio

Real weddings captured naturally — honest, emotional, and unposed.

Clive Blair

About Me

Find out how I approach your day with calm, care, and quiet observation.

Pricing

Clear, upfront packages with full-day coverage and zero surprises.

Wedding photographer Birmingham West Midlands WPJA Top 10 Ranking

We shed so many tears, so many lovely moments captured.

During the day he was like a ninja!
You never saw him but he was everywhere!

Featured Events

As a multi-award-winning Birmingham wedding photographer, I travel across the West Midlands (and beyond!) to photograph weddings in all kinds of incredible venues. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a historic manor, a quirky city-centre venue, or even a castle, I’ll ensure your photos are as unique as your day.

COTSWOLD WEDDING

Julia and Paul

MIDLANDS WEDDING

Faye and Dan

NORFOLK WEDDING

Katie and Tayi

Quietly capturing emotional moments as they happen

I work intuitively and unobtrusively — no stiff posing, no interruptions — just the real moments as they unfold.

Relaxed Presence
Blending in so you can be yourselves, without staged distractions.

Genuine Moments
Honest storytelling that reflects what the day really felt like.

Full-Day Coverage
From the first quiet moments to the final dance — I’m there for it all.

If this sounds like your kind of photography…

What Next?

01 Explore my website

This site is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know. Learn about my relaxed, storytelling style, browse FAQs, and find wedding planning tips and venue inspiration. Still have a question? No problem—feel free to drop me a line by filling out my contact form below or give me a call on 07809505242.

02 Secure your date

Once you’re sure I’m the right photographer for you, it’s time to lock in your date. Let’s have a quick chat—on the phone, WhatsApp, Zoom, or even in person. To secure your booking, I’ll need a completed Booking Form and a £250 Retainer Fee. Then your date is all yours!

03 Stay in touch

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help. From sharing supplier recommendations to answering any last-minute questions, I’ll support you every step of the way. On the day, you can relax knowing you’re in good hands—I’ve got it all covered so you can focus on having the best time ever.

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Full Price Details

Getting married at Ashton Lodge, Plum Park Manor, The Great Barn, Bordesley Park, Gorcott Hall, or Ragley Hall?
Unlock exclusive offers as a ‘Venue Recommended Photographer‘

Wedding Planning Guide

After shooting 100’s of weddings over the many years, I can confidently say I’ve worked at most of the venues in and around Birmingham and the West Midlands area. So I thought I’d share some info for you to help you find your perfect venue and then plan your perfect wedding.

Worried about finding the ideal setting for your special day? Rest assured, I’ve captured countless love stories in diverse locations, from historic manors to scenic gardens and urban chic venues. Let my experience guide you in selecting the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable celebration.

Best 100+ Wedding Venues in The West Midlands

Planning Your Perfect Wedding

Birmingham Wedding Planning Guide

Why Choose Me as Your Birmingham Wedding Photographer?

Local Knowledge: Having photographed countless weddings across Birmingham and the West Midlands, I know the best venues and hidden gems to capture your day perfectly.
Experience: From tight timelines to unexpected rain, I’ve seen it all—and I’m ready for anything.
Natural Creativity: I tell your story through real, heartfelt moments, creating timeless photos you’ll cherish forever.

But don’t take my word for it!!
Here’s one of my favourite testimonials…

“You’re the best photographer, ever!”

Albie (aged 7 years)

Got Some Questions?

Yes. I know some photographers for various reasons don’t shoot winter weddings or during certain months of the year. I find the light during winter months has its own attraction that stimulates creativity when shooting a winter wedding in a different way to a summer wedding. So I love the flexibility and the challenge to shoot all year round.

Over the many years I’ve been working there aren’t many venues I’ve not worked at in the Midlands area. But on the off chance your venue is new to me, and you feel it would be advantageous to visit, I find that the pre-wedding session is an ideal time to plan it at your venue so I can have a recce. But also remember that as a documentary photographer, the emphasis will be on telling your story, where ever it happens, rather than knowing the venue like the back of my hand. The only time I’d utilise the venue would be during the time we spend for your photos together away from the crowds. Having shot in so many varied venues over the years, I’ve always been able to adapt quickly to use what is available, never having been there before.

Distance is no object. Although I’m based in the West Midlands, I have covered weddings the length and breadth of the UK, including weddings abroad.
Depending on your package, the only extra to my prices are for weddings beyond the range stated on my pricing page, for overnight accommodation if required, or for weddings abroad. Just ask for further details.

I do like the personal touch, so if you live near by I’d love to pay you a visit to get to know you better and vice-versa. After all we’ll be spending a whole day together, so you’d better know if you like me first of all. 😉
But because of distance, not everyone can meet up face-to-face. In that case Skype/Zoom/WhatsApp etc calls are the next best thing.
Failing that, if we’ve already met, perhaps at at another wedding, or you’ve studied my website carefully and you just trust your gut instinct based on what you’ve read and seen, or through a recommendation, then you can just book me over the phone.

That’s awesome!! I look forward to working with you both.
Just to make sure I’m available for your date, first ring/e-mail to check my availability, then you can either reserve your date over the phone and then later send in your Booking Form, or you can arrange for me to visit you.
£250 is required to secure the exclusive use of my services for your wedding date, as I only ever photograph one wedding per day.
Your final balance will then be due 2 weeks before your wedding. Please note that only a signed booking form along with the retainer fee can fully guarantee your date.

To date I’ve never missed a wedding! It would have to be an extremely severe illness or family problem for me not to turn up for your wedding day, the type of illness/problem that would prevent you from being at your own wedding!
But just in case, I have actively networked with many professional photographers who I know personally, to form a reserve of photographers that I’m able to draw from at short notice to cover for me should the worst scenario happen. This, together with indemnity and liability insurance will guarantee your day is not ruined.

I usually start off with attending the morning preparations, usually for the bride. I’m simply documenting what goes in without too much interference from myself. I always say “Just ignore me. I’m not here really” That way I get people to quickly relax as they won’t feel the need to always be posing for a photo. If the bride and groom are getting ready at the same venue, I like to visit both rooms to get some of the grooms pre-wedding preparation too.

I always plan for about 2 hours preparation photography before leaving for the ceremony. Once at the ceremony, after a quick photo of the groom and perhaps best man and ushers, I’ll be moving around to photograph guests arriving, ushers doing their job, the groom looking nervous. Whatever happens, I aim to document it. The same goes for when the bride arrives and during the ceremony. After the ceremony, I prefer the couple to again ignore me and go and say hello to their guests. Here again story telling images are made, as guests greet the newly married couple.

If required, group photos are then covered, followed by a quick informal photo session, or “walk-about” as I like to call it, for the bride and groom. Again the emphasis isn’t on camera-aware photos – looking at the camera and smiling. It’s an opportunity for the couple to walk in a field or nice area near by, and simply talk to each other about how each other is enjoying the day so far, while I discreetly capture those precious moments of them together.

Before everyone has sat down for the wedding breakfast, I’ll take a few detail shots of the room layout. I don’t take photos during the meal, as no one likes to have their photo taken with a mouth full of food. So, it’s at this point that I’ll put down my tools, grab something to eat, and wait for the speeches and the first dance.

Time and weather permitting I may get the bride and groom outside for one last brief photo session before I leave.

I don’t work with an assistant, as I generally work alone. During the day I’ll be blending into the background, and I find being a solo worker makes it easier to work that way. That way I can move here, there and everywhere without being concerned where’s my assistant, or how to avoid them being seen in the background of my images. Plus, you’ll be less aware of my presence if there’s only 1 person instead of 2.

I know how you feel, as I feel the same. I hate posing. I feel awkward and can’t wait till it’s over. So I’m totally on your side.
How I work to minimise that feeling is to concentrate on natural, un-posed photos that better capture your natural smile and personality.
Especially during the couples session, I never concentrate on getting posey-looking-at-the-camera-with-a cheesy-smile type of photos. Instead I look for natural, moment-led photos. It’s more about you two being together while I take camera-un-aware photos to tell a story.

I have more answers to popular questions here.
If you still have more questions, send me a message and we’ll chat.

Ready to CONNECT?

If you want beautiful, storytelling photos without all the posing, I’d love to hear from you. Whether your wedding is local to Birmingham or somewhere far-flung, let’s create something amazing together.
Get in touch today to check availability and start your journey!

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Why I Became a Photographer in Birmingham

Born and raised in Birmingham, it felt natural to dedicate my career to capturing love stories in this vibrant city and beyond. As a Birmingham wedding photographer, I’m fortunate to work in a region bursting with unique and beautiful venues that cater to every couple’s style and vision.

Birmingham might be famous for landmarks like The Bullring Market, Spaghetti Junction, The Rotunda, and The Cadbury Factory, but when it comes to weddings, it offers so much more. From stately homes and quirky city-centre venues to hotels with moats, marquee settings, cave weddings, castles, and outdoor spaces, the West Midlands has something for everyone. No matter where your big day takes you – in Birmingham, across the UK, or even abroad – I’d love to be there to tell your story.

Still searching for the perfect venue? Check out my curated list of the Best Wedding Venues in the West Midlands. It features a variety of stunning locations, all conveniently pinpointed on a map to make your planning easier.

My relaxed, candid approach to photography means you won’t need to worry about awkward posing or feeling like you’re always on display. Instead, you can fully enjoy your day with your loved ones while I blend into the background, capturing the genuine fun, laughter, and meaningful moments as they naturally unfold. The result? A beautiful, storytelling collection of images that feels just like a guest’s-eye view of your wedding day.

Over the years, I’ve been honoured to receive multiple awards, including the Great British Wedding Awards 2022 Outstanding Wedding Photographer of the Year. I’m also proud to be listed as a Top West Midlands Photographers by WPJA and ranked among the Top 100 Wedding Photographers in the UK by Your Perfect Wedding Photographer.

My work has been featured in bridal magazines like Your West Midlands Wedding Magazine and showcased on popular wedding blogs such as Boho Weddings, Love Our Wedding, and The English Wedding Blog.

Whether you’re planning a quirky, unconventional celebration or something entirely unique, I’d love to help bring your story to life!