Are you selling cake?

This one was asked by domain support at GoDaddy. But no, sadly I’m not. I’m a terrible baker. But I’m pretty good at detail-oriented film photography.

Why did you create Fruitcake Keepsakes?

Broaching my mid-thirties, I have been to my fair share of weddings, and I noticed that the silly, arty-farty, or proper meaningful shots between shots were getting missed. Whether because the photographer was busy with main shots or they just didn’t really care for the beautiful icing swirl left on the table. So, with careful, artful composition, I started taking them myself on my film camera, putting them in vintage wedding albums and gifting them to friends. They went down a royal treat, so I am now offering my little niche to every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Why Does Fruitcakes use analogue 35mm film photography?

With a limited number of shots and no preview, film photography requires discipline and intense observation. As an always-on perfectionist (a Virgo, if you’re in to horoscopes), these skills come naturally to me and enable others to benefit from my neurosis. Think disciplined rebel (Aries moon if you’re really into horoscopes). Analogue film is also far better at capturing subtle details and colour contrasts, which enables my fussy little vision to be translated more accurately. And everything is just all the more special isn’t it? “I can feel the day”, exclaimed one of my bride’s nan’s (who couldn’t make the wedding) as she flicked through the Fruitcake album, soddening the delightfully musky pages with her happy tears. The energy truly is palpable and captures the essence of the day in a way that digital cameras simply cannot.

Is film photography better than digital photography?

I think there is a place for both, certainly at a wedding, which is why I offer my service as an add-on. Digital photography is great for your full wedding coverage thus used more than film because it offers greater convenience, affordability, and flexibility, including the ability to preview images instantly, easily edit them post-capture, and shoot a large number of photos without worrying about film costs, making it a more practical choice for most photographers. But in my opinion, you cannot beat the special result film photography gives (and the process makes it magical too), so why choose one when you can have both?

Do I actually need you if I already have a main photographer?

This is entirely up to you as it really is a personal preference. Your main photographer, who will probably be shooting digitally, will be busy getting the full wedding coverage. Fruitcake Keepsakes has a less is more approach. Think less clicks and more intense observation resulting in fewer images telling multi-layered stories. The close-up details. The juxtaposition. The ironic elements. Packed into one shot. All of which are spotted and quickly snapped to create a photo that packs a punch. Whether it’s side moments or big moments from a different angle, Fcakes captures moments and details that might otherwise be overlooked with careful composition to give you nostalgia, art and humour, preserving the ambience in an intimate and authentic way, especially since it’s shot in film.

Why do you only do Wedding photography?

I stick to events and weddings because nowhere else do human quirks surface faster than the polite half-jog to the canapé tray. The best man grinding through a ChatGPT speech; the guests burst out laughing and, for a glorious second, he assumes it’s his punchline, when they’ve clocked the flower girl behind him stuffing profiteroles into her sash. Seconds later, a champagne cork ricochets off the fairy lights while Nan applauds like it’s all part of the show. Toss in that guest who’s prematurely swapped stilettos for one-size-fits-no-one flip-flops, and the bride’s unimpressed side-eye the instant she notices and you’ve got the kind of blink-and-you-miss-it comedy that keeps my shutter finger twitching. Those split-second collisions of beauty, chaos, and sheer hilarity are what my detail-obsessed eye lives for and likes to slam into one impactful shot, and why events will always be my favourite playground.

What’s your shooting style?

It’s rather silly, really. I like to form connections with the seemingly unconnected for a photo with humour and emotion. Think, a budget Wes Anderson. Manicured big toe looking extra cute in your open-toe Manolos? I got it! Your gran and grandad having a smoochy slow dance in the background? Got that! … And in the same shot! (But the toe takes the spotlight, of course). Your aunt’s Chantilly lace sleeve dipping in her minestrone soup? I’ll get that too, but perhaps it doesn’t make the Keepsakes photo album.

Is the vintage album included in the cost?

Yes! Everything is included in the Fruitcake Keepsakes package. Photographing your event, sharing the photos digitally once processed and preserving them in a vintage photo album for you and future generations to treasure forever - A (Fruitcake) Keepsake, if you will.

Do you send the images in digital format, too?

Absolutely yes! It would be a crying shame not to plaster these all over your social media.

Are photos too low quality for sharing on social media?

No, they’re better! This is a common misconception with film photography because of the grainy texture (that actually many now choose to add artificially to their digital photos). Basically, digital camera sensors are made up of millions of tiny squares that give us an image. Analogue film isn't split up in such a linear way, and because of that, it naturally blends light and colours better. And if you prefer less grain, this can be achieved with a different type of film. There’s bloody good reason film photography has made a comeback!

Will there be fewer photos than my digital photographer takes?

Yes and no. You’ll have fewer photos in total. But you’ll probably end up with a similar number of ‘goodies’, put it that way. Due to the limited number of images on a roll, us film photographers have to be more fussy about our shots, which actually makes us far more present and in the moment.

Do you know any wedding photographers for my main photos?

Absolutely, some of the best! And I have worked with them too! I’ll happily introduce you.

Do you shoot other events?

I shoot all types of events! Wherever there are people, I’ll shoot. But weddings are my flour, eggs and butter.

Are photos staged?

Never! They are completely natural. This requires being quick off the gas, especially in film photography, where more thought and precision are required to get THE SHOT. But fear not; this is my speciality.

What if it goes tits-up?

This is a common and very fair worry in the film photography world as to many, you’re venturing into the unknown. But worry not! Film is my best mate. Despite analogue often being more reliable than digital cameras, I shoot on two film cameras AND digitally for backup for ultimate reassurance - PHEW!

Will the photos take an eternity to get back to me?

They’ll probably be back (and inserted into their gorgeous album) quicker than your main photos due to the typically minimal (if any!) editing required.

Can I choose my photo album?

Yes, of course you can. I search the Kingdom for the best vintage photo albums to showcase the detail-oriented images I capture, ensuring they’re preserved for future generations to cherish forever.