Based in Edinburgh, Scotland Charlotte Kinsella's style is editorial with a twist. It’s nostalgic. It’s energetic and enigmatic. She doesn't just take photographs, she crates art. Charlotte Kinsella is available to capture weddings worldwide.
Tell us about your business!
Hello! I’m Charlotte, a creative wedding photographer based in Scotland. I started my business in 2019 and haven’t looked back since. I completely overhauled my style in 2022 which made me fall even more in love with photographing weddings, as I discovered the less you follow trends and do what creatively comes to you, the better your work is going to be. So thats what I did. And I’m here today with a business I’m very proud of! Very excited for whats in store for 2024!
What would you like couples to know about you?
In July 2017, overnight I decided to quit my job. My supervisor at the time asked me, what are you going to do? I said ‘…Photography?’. With zero clients, zero savings and absolutely zero clue what I was doing, I had my first beauty shoot picked up by PhotoVogue on Vogue Italia that same month! In 2019 I started photographing weddings and fell in love. Ever since then, I’ve nurtured my passion for photography to help me create something really unique for people. I still can’t believe I’m doing a job I truly adore and grateful every day for it
Where are you based?
In the beautiful historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes! I’m heading to Italy and Thailand in the next year. I’d love to do more destination weddings.
How would you describe your style?
It’s editorial with a twist. It’s nostalgic. It’s energetic. It’s enigmatic with different edits and colours. I love to create art for my couples, not just wedding photos. I always follow a day as it naturally unfolds and try to not force moments, as I think this always produces the most beautiful photographs.
What is your most memorable career moment?
It’s hard to say just one, but I’d say every time I get an image accepted onto Vogue Italia I scream with excitement. And most recently, becoming an Anti-Bride vendor!
What inspires you?
Travel, music and art. Combine all three and my soul sings!
What motivates you to do what you do?
I absolutely adore my job, and can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve been a creative all my life and want to keep creating! Giving couples creative imagery that captures their love and one of the most special days is huge motivation in itself.
How would you describe your working style?
I love getting to know my couples before their wedding day, so when the day comes around I’m more of a friend than a stranger. I like to blend is a guest while I’m working and chat to people as there is always so much joy in the air. You’ll often find me peeking behind someone's shoulder during the reception, while I’m framing a gorgeous candid of someone further away.
When it comes to the couples shoot, I love going for a wander around and will always follow the light. I love capturing the natural laughs and smiles, so I often play some games with my couples to take their mind off of being photographed, and I love getting them to take photos of each other. I’m known for my flash photography, so once the sun goes down, I am obsessed with doing flash portrait sessions. Think of me as your personal paparazzi!
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Both! I’m a little bit obsessed with 35mm because it makes you stop for a second and think about the photo you're taking. I strive to capture moments or details of the day that I haven’t photograph on digital, so it gives a completely unique outcome for my couples.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I have a range of packages, from full day with a second shooter to half days and hourly. I’m super flexible with my packages and always happy to customise to each couples needs.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
This year, I’m introducing Platinum Palladium Prints, because they are known to last up to a thousand years, which is something special. I love the thought of a picture your great great great grandchildren can have in centuries to come hanging on their wall as a memory of you, still as striking as it was when it was first printed.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Where wouldn’t I love to go! I’d love to shoot a cool city wedding in New York with dinner somewhere like Balthazar, or all the party vibes in New Orleans. I’m also dreaming of shooting a wedding on Sumba, an island off the coast in Indonesia. They would be huge bucket list bookings for me.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client is someone who wants to have fun and throw all of the traditions out the window. Someone who wants a piece of art for their walls. They are fashion forward. They love travel, music, art, flowers, cocktails and all of the little details that bring everything to life!
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Do it exactly the way you want to do it! Pick suppliers who really resonate with your vision for the day and trust them to do their thing - that way, it’ll be easier for you to relax and enjoy yourselves. And at each moment, take a deep breath and really smell everything; from your perfume in the morning of getting ready, to the smell of your bouquet during the ceremony and candles over dinner. When you smell those scents at random days, months or years to come, it will transport you right back to the moment and you’ll really feel like you’re there once again.
