FINE ART WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
in south wales
Meet Zelda Rhiannon
WEDDING & LIFESTYLE Family WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
HELLO!
I’m Zelda and I’m a documentary and fine art wedding photographer based in South Wales.
I would describe myself as friendly, approachable, and a cat lover – In particular, British Shorthair cats! (I may have a few…) When I’m not out with my camera you’ll find me watching a good TV drama with a cat on my lap. Bliss!
I’m approachable and get on with pretty much anyone. I’m easy going, chilled and calm, and this carries through to how I approach photography and my relationships with my clients.
When I photograph a wedding people often say it’s like having another friend at their wedding – this means so much to me and is exactly how I want you to feel!
How I became a
photographer
Being the daughter of an Artist, and a musician, it was no surprise that the Arts were always my favourite subjects at school. I studied Art and Drama at college and although it was only a very small part of my foundation Art course, Photography was by far my favourite. That was 30 years ago now and little did I know how it would come back and become so important to me.
Growing up in Cornwall I was surrounded by the countryside and the coast and I loved the changes that each season would bring. Along with Wales, it is home.
We moved to the Cotswolds when I was 14, which was so different to Cornwall being so far from the sea, but equally as beautiful. I love going back to visit when I photograph a Cotswold wedding!
I worked for 15 years as a Cosmetic consultant, the most rewarding part of the job being making ladies feel good about themselves. I always prided myself on being approachable, being able to listen, and having many regular returning customers.
When I had my first child however, I became a full-time mum, the most demanding job I’ve done by far!
I have 2 wonderful boys and it is with them that my love for photography began.
I always wanted photos of them at different stages of their lives and having a record of special moments (and the not so special, often the loveliest!) was something important to me.
Those photos are still framed on my walls today, because they are my memories and they mean so much to me.
Getting married in 2015 began my desire to become a Wedding Photographer. It is so important to have the right photographer for your special day, I know exactly how exciting it feels and how happy you will feel when you choose the right person to create your memories.
I started training at my local college where I learned basic photography skills and then progressed to an advanced course, by now I knew I wanted to make it my job.
But I wanted a more in-depth knowledge of wedding and family photography. I have always admired the work of Sony ambassador Kate Hopewell-Smith.
Along with being a very well-regarded luxury wedding photographer, she is also a mentor for photographers. I knew she would be perfect to learn from.
During my training programme, I learned not only the skills, but also the business side of things. How to run a business is just as important as being a good photographer.
I am proud to have been trained and mentored by Kate. I have most certainly learned from one of the best in the industry.
My Style
My Style
natural, authentic, emotive
Photographers are often asked to describe their ‘style’- and my chosen genre is a combination of fine art wedding photography and documentary wedding photography: which means I capture images, as much as possible, as they unfold, whilst also using my vision to create images through use of light and guidance. I like my images to feel natural, and authentic.
But what matters the most to me, is how I make you ‘feel’. The best photographs should cause an emotional response – make you feel happy, sad, or even nostalgic.
Maybe even to feel like a “blubbering wreck” (quote from one client!) at the love they can visibly see in their photographs.
I am friendly, approachable, and promise to put you at ease. I know it can feel daunting being in front of the camera but I aim to make it an enjoyable experience that you will love.
I love style, and people that stand out from the crowd. Gatsby style, mid-century glamour, 40’s chic, I just love antique and vintage style.
Old music is my thing, 40’s & 50’s Rock n Roll, Blues, Country & Folk.
I’m a real homebody and LOVE my home. Give me a cup of Earl Grey tea and a good box set and I’m happy!
I am partial to a cocktail or a nice glass of bubbles mind. (Bollinger if you’re asking!)
I love architecture and design from the Art Deco era through to 50’s/60’s and feel inspired by the designs of those eras.
“She managed to take the most beautiful shots of all the perfect moments, whilst blending into our day efficiently taking photos without us even realizing!”
Katie & Patrick / Oxwich Bay
Zelda
behind the scenes
My Family
My hubby is called Mike, we met on a night out in Newquay when we went to see a Ska band called Rudis Message, they were so good!
We moved from Cornwall up to Wales 12 years ago. I’m Welsh/Cornish/Italian and have connections to both Cornwall and Wales. (And Italy – lots of family still over there!)
We have 2 boys called Logan & Brody. They’re both so different to each other and I always laugh at how the photos I take of them show their personalities so well! Brody is always the joker! My love of family photography started with them
My Perfect Day would be…
Going to our favourite vineyard for lunch or afternoon tea – Llanerch Vineyard – where we got married!
Or as a real treat, a couple of kid-free nights away in our favourite spa hotel in West Wales – it’s heaven! (Seriously – St. Bride’s Spa Hotel – go look it up!)
I’m happiest though spending an afternoon at the beach with Mike and the kids with fish n chips on the way home – that’s my idea of the perfect day.
