I discovered photography at a young age, having been fortunate to grow up near the South Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty that to this day I love exploring and capturing with my camera.

My couples love good photography, and the last thing they want is a photographer who bosses them about and takes over their wedding day.

My wedding photography style is natural and creative. I capture all the romantic and special moments, and let you get on with having an awesome wedding. For me my favourite part about a wedding day is the portrait session, because it’s a chance for you to have a breather and for me to be creative.

Your wedding is all about having a wonderful time with your favourite people. You don’t care about ugly chair covers or expensive linens – you just want to have an amazing time with your friends and family.

I’ve always been drawn to a photograph’s ability to capture a specific moment and emotion in a way that no other medium can. Each photo tells a different story, creating a snapshot that can inspire sheer delight, tears, and everything in between. I love natural photographs, yet I consider some of the posed shots I have done to be incredibly honest. The joy of a wedding can shine through in these photos and express that emotion as well as any natural shot.

Your wedding is quite possibly one of the most important events, if not the biggest day of your lives and the last thing you need is someone telling you what to do. I will mix and mingle in with your guests and go by the plans you’ve set for the day. If you need gentle direction or friendly hints as to where or how to stand for some group photos or couples’ portraits my assistant will guide you without being demanding. I’m very laid back and photos should be part of the fun of the day not a necessary evil to get out of the way before you start to enjoy yourselves.

There is something about taking that specific photo of someone’s special day or event that captures the special moment which just feels so magical.

For all of my wedding packages I offer an assistant who can arrange everyone before the photographs. They will organise all requested family and group photographs so everything runs smoothly on your special day.

I also offer for a couple my other packages a second shooter and my second shooters have all got experience in shooting weddings.

I think wedding photography differs from other forms in that there is a large human element to it. A lot of people can feel anxious about having their photograph taken and so it is up to the photographer to create a relaxed environment. Only once people feel comfortable can they allow their emotions to captured on film, resulting in some really beautiful photos. It’s also important that a photographer doesn’t distract from the wedding, but still always being where they are needed. It is a massive privilege to be part of a couple’s wedding day and it is important to remember this. These events are not meticulously planned studio shoots and so a good photographer must be able to think on their feet and adapt to the situation, whilst also blending into the background and allowing the events of the day to take centre stage. No one likes a demanding wedding photographer who is constantly getting underfoot and the photographs will reflect that.

I feel incredibly privileged to be able to make a career out of my passion. There are very few people who are lucky enough to enjoy their job as much as I do and I try to remember that, even during the longest, most trying of days. If I wasn’t shooting weddings, I’d still be out in the countryside, taking pictures of the beautiful landscape as I did when I was younger.

I am a member of The Guild of Photographers, British Institute of Professional Photographers and The National Photographic society, as well as being one of the ‘wedding experts’ for Your Sussex Wedding Magazine, part of the County Wedding Magazines Group.

If this sounds like you, and you want to chat about your wedding then get in touch!

You can see examples of full day weddings I have photographed on my blog – HERE

My collections start at £1,550* and can be found – HERE

I am pleased to offer up to 15% off any full day wedding photography collection to HM Armed Forces. (Been offering discount for these services since 2015)

I cover are Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and London (Central) – I travel within 40 miles of PO228GL (Felpham) but I’m happy to travel abroad for a wedding as I photographed one in Pollensa, Majorca in 2015.

You can see my recommend suppliers I work well with HERE!

But that’s enough about me!  I’d love to hear about you… enquiries@joannacleevephotography.co.uk or joannacleeve10@gmail.com online contact page – HERE

Please contact me on 07885439751

My photography bucket list is awesome and I offer discount if your wedding is on it 🙂 See it HERE!

Thank you Kerry Jordan for doing my headshots (Whippet Snippets)

My about me was edited by Adam Carter and Anna Pumer