Meet our Supplier of the Month: Jackie Housley Photography

Each month we like to get to know a supplier even better and bring you snippets you won't know about them from their page. This month, our supplier of the month is Jackie Housley Photography . Here's what Jackie had to say when we quizzed her...

Who runs Jackie Housley Photography and how did you start out in business?

I’m the owner and founder. It all started in July 2008 when I was asked to photograph the wedding of a local footballer. He approached me following a team shoot and when he asked me, of course I was nervous but also exited by the opportunity. I have always loved photography and I’ve always had a camera in my hand especially on holidays but to be asked to photograph someone’s big day, oh boy – that was scary! But, I thought – if I say ‘no’, I would always regret not giving it a chance, so I said yes and have never looked back.

My husband now joins me on wedding days as he covers the groom getting ready and is my back up during the day.

What is your greatest fear when you are working on a wedding?

Equipment failure, that’s why I have back up cameras, batteries and plenty of memory cards. I clean and charge everything a few days before a wedding and double-check everything the night before!

What is your greatest extravagance that helps you get through the day?

Ohhhh, that’s a toughie. Obviously it would be my cameras firstly, but I’d say my footwear! Being on your feet most of the day, I need comfortable footwear that also looks smart and my latest boots are incredibly comfy! My feet really do thank me by the end of the day.

What is the best theme you have seen at a wedding?

That’s a hard question as I love the natural, rustic themed marquee/barn weddings, but I did photograph a wedding last year at Clearwell Castle which had a lovely, subtle Disney theme and THE best wedding cake! I managed to taste it at the end of the night and it really was divine!

What is the hardest thing a couple has ever asked you to do for their day?

Sunset shots! You just don’t know what the sky will be like until the day and even then, it may cloud over in the evening, but the sunsets I’ve taken – I’ve absolutely loved doing! I had one couple who I literally had to grab from the end of their wedding breakfast as it had been cloudy all day and I could just see the beam of sunlight as it was disappearing – we had a 10 minute window and then it was gone.

When was the last time you laughed out loud at a wedding? What happened?

That was on a very recent wedding where the couple had some really well thought out entertainment including ‘The Singing Waiters’ who were dressed as Policemen and came into the room between the main and the pudding. Oh my word – it was 20 minutes of just absolute hilarity, they had the whole room up singing and dancing, I was laughing so much as they really got everyone involved.

What moment are you most proud of in your profession?

Making the move from shooting weddings for friends and family, to actually going professional. Advertising on the Whitewed directory played a big part with that, it gave me the boost that I needed to meet all the criteria so I could advertise professionally. I’m incredibly proud of my website as although template based, I’ve designed everything on it and do try and keep it updated as much as I can.

Where is your favourite setting for a wedding?

I absolutely loved shooting a wedding in Oxford last year, the ceremony took play at a chapel in Oriel College and then we all walked across Oxford to the reception at Balliol College, but I appreciate that doesn’t happen every weekend!

I don’t think I have an overall ‘favourite’ as the setting is as good as the couple make it, I keep thinking ‘that was a fantastic wedding’ and then the next wedding will be even better! I do like venues that have a good outdoor space so I can take some nice, natural photos of the couple later on.

What is the one thing you can’t live without in your job?

Firstly, my cameras but secondly my iMac! My iMac is my ‘darkroom’ where images come to life, I go through every single photo afterwards and ensure they are the best they can be.

What is the most embarrassing thing you have seen at a wedding?

A drunk Dad who had to be prompted by his daughter when trying to do his speech…..he was extremely nervous and had had a few too many beers which I think suddenly went to his head as he started the speech, but I have to say it ended up being one of the funniest speeches I’ve heard and he received a well deserved round of applause at the end!

What question do you wish every couple would ask you when you are meeting with them for the first time?

That’s another hard one as photography is so personal to the couple. I try and answer any questions that they may have when I meet them for the first time. I always like to talk about the day, talk through any concerns they have, show them my previous work and just get to know them a little.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

From my clients. Honestly each wedding is unique to that couple and as you get to know them, you get to know what they like in terms of style. I always want to do my absolute best for my clients and try and go above and beyond. I love trying different things especially with the later weddings when you lose the daylight early.

What would people be surprised to learn about you and/or your work?

That I never thought I would be a wedding photographer. I’m not one to shout about myself and used to think that photographing people was ‘intrusive’ but I soon learnt that if done the right way, it’s not at all. I love the more natural shots at weddings but I also love interacting with the couple and getting the best from them too.

We love Jackie's natural style of photography, her unobtrusive approach and her ever constant cheerful demeanour.