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Real Weddings & Photography
Stories from Herefordshire and Beyond
This blog collects recent wedding stories, practical photography insight and simple behind-the-scenes notes from my work in Herefordshire and across the UK. I share real weddings, engagement sessions and honest thoughts on the craft and process of capturing memorable photographs.


A Summer Wedding at Dore Abbey and The Haybarn
A Herefordshire wedding at Dore Abbey and The Haybarn, featuring live choral music, relaxed spaces and a full dancefloor. Natural photography capturing the flow of the day.

Russell Lewis
2 days ago3 min read


A Summer Wedding at The Barn at Drovers
A summer wedding at The Barn at Drovers in Herefordshire, with engagement photos and natural, relaxed moments captured by Russell Lewis Photography

Russell Lewis
Dec 23 min read


Beth & Max’s Glewstone Court Wedding
Beth & Max’s wedding at Glewstone Court Country House was one for the books – and not just because it was one of the hottest days of the year. The kind of heat where ice melts faster than you can drink it, buttonholes wilt before the ceremony starts, and everyone’s secretly hoping the next photo spot is in the shade! A Bit About Glewstone Court Glewstone Court is a Georgian country house tucked away in the Herefordshire countryside, not far from Ross-on-Wye. Dating back to t

Russell Lewis
Aug 92 min read


RAW vs JPEG: The Real Talk on Editing
There’s a bit of a shift happening lately — I’ve noticed more wedding photographers ditching the editing process altogether and delivering JPEGs straight out of camera. No tweaks, no retouching, just pure, untouched shots. Now, coming from someone who lives for that extra bit of magic in post, I’ve got mixed feelings about it. So I thought I’d put pen to paper (well, fingers to keys) and share some thoughts. Especially since I’ve been playing around with the Nikon Z6ii and th

Russell Lewis
Apr 124 min read


Shining a Light on Marcus Holdsworth Photography
I first met Marcus Holdsworth back in our university days at Plymouth, where we both studied photography. Even back then, it was obvious he had an incredible eye for detail and a creative spark that set him apart. Fast forward to today, and Marcus runs a thriving commercial photography business in Nottingham — and his work is seriously impressive. I’ve had the pleasure not only of calling Marcus a friend but also of photographing his wedding. Seeing him on the other side of t

Russell Lewis
Feb 272 min read


Three affordable ways to make your wedding unique
Your wedding day will always be one of the most special days you and your partner will experience together. However, if you’re hoping to host a celebration that’ll leave a lasting impression on all your guests, you’ll want to make sure you incorporate some unique features. From the decor you use to the entertainment you plan, each detail of your day counts – however, the costs can quickly add up. To help you host a beautiful, affordable celebration, here are three ways to mak

Russell Lewis
Feb 192 min read


Introducing New Framed Canvases, Albums & Print Boxes
At Russell Lewis Photography, I believe your wedding memories deserve to be displayed and cherished in the most beautiful way possible. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce my latest collection of framed canvases, premium wedding albums, and exquisite print boxes . These new products offer the perfect way to relive your special day, whether through a stunning canvas on your wall, a handcrafted album, or a beautifully presented selection of mounted prints. Framed Canvases: Tur

Russell Lewis
Feb 42 min read


New Connection: Adrian Harrison
Here’s something cool—I’ve recently connected with Adrian Harrison, a photographer based in Sydney, Australia. He’s a bit of a big deal when it comes to corporate headshots and product photography, so I thought I’d give him a quick shoutout. What Adrian Does First up, corporate headshots. Adrian’s got a serious knack for making people look like total professionals without that awkward “school photo” vibe. If you’re in need of a polished headshot (and happen to be in the South

Russell Lewis
Jan 271 min read


Ellen & Laurence’s Engagement Session
For Ellen & Laurence, Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula is more than a stunning location - it’s a place full of personal meaning. When it came time to capture their engagement photos, it was the obvious choice. We headed there recently, joined by their dog, who won’t be at the wedding. Including her in the session was a thoughtful touch, making the photos even more personal. Engagement sessions are a fantastic way for me to get to know couples ahead of their big day. T

Russell Lewis
Jan 202 min read


The Benefits of Booking Your Photographer Early
Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and capturing it perfectly is something I’m truly passionate about. As a wedding photographer based in Herefordshire in the West Midlands, I’ve seen firsthand how planning ahead can make all the difference in creating stress-free, stunning memories. Here’s why booking me, Russell Lewis Photography, early is one of the smartest moves you can make for your big day. 1. Secure Your Preferred Photographer Before

Russell Lewis
Jan 142 min read


Barn at Drovers Rest Open Day
On November 16th, I had the pleasure of attending The Barn at Drovers Rest’s wedding open day as a featured photographer. Set in the heart of Herefordshire, this venue combines rustic charm with modern touches, creating an ideal space for weddings that are as personal as they are picturesque. A Venue That Ticks All the Boxes The Barn at Drovers Rest is more than just a beautiful backdrop. With 40 acres of fields and forest, it offers couples exclusive use of the entire estate

Russell Lewis
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Off-Season Wedding Discount
Thinking of tying the knot during the cosy winter months? Off-season weddings bring a unique magic, plus some fantastic perks—like more availability, charming seasonal details, and even cost savings. Booking with Russell Lewis Photography during the off-season comes with an exclusive £200 discount on wedding photography rates. This is the perfect opportunity to get high-quality, memorable photography with that little extra left in the budget for other wedding details. Let's l

Russell Lewis
Oct 31, 20243 min read


Treeopia Elopement Post
In a world where weddings can often feel overwhelming, the idea of eloping has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a more intimate and personal celebration. If you're dreaming of a secluded, romantic escape, Treeopia offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within 4 acres of private grounds, Treeopia features two luxurious treehouses that provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable elopement. The Allure of Eloping: A Private and Personal Celebrati

Russell Lewis
Aug 24, 20243 min read


The Magic of Post-Wedding Portrait Sessions
When the wedding day rush is over, and the vows have been exchanged, the idea of putting on your wedding attire again for a relaxed, romantic photoshoot can sound like a dream. This is where post-wedding portrait sessions come in, offering couples a unique opportunity to capture additional memories without the time constraints or pressures of the big day. At Russell Lewis Photography, we believe in creating timeless images that tell your love story—and post-wedding sessions a

Russell Lewis
Aug 14, 20242 min read


Summer Sustainable Wedding Tips
Picking the perfect date for your wedding day is no easy task. To start, you’ve got to find a date that works for you and your partner, and then match this up with your chosen venue. You’ll also want to make sure that important guests such as your parents or closest friends are free – and that’s before you’ve found suppliers such as a photographer who can make that date too. With all that in mind, sustainability isn’t often at the forefront of such a pivotal decision. But w

Russell Lewis
Jul 29, 20243 min read


Shack Revolution Showcase
I am delighted to announce that I'll be exhibiting at The Shack Revolution 's Wedding Fair in central Hereford on Sunday 14th April. The Shack Revolution is an exciting urban, industrial Wedding venue in the heart of Hereford and I'm really pleased to have a number of wedding dates booked in there throughout the year. A former warehouse that some out there may remember as once upon a time being The Dinosaur Market, The Shack Revolution have transformed it into a beautiful co

Russell Lewis
Apr 5, 20241 min read


30% Last-Minute Booking Discount
30% discount for last minute bookings It was such a rewarding experience being able to help Alison & Geraint out at the eleventh hour that I've decided to add a last minute discount option to my rates meaning that there is now a new 30% last minute booking discount! If your wedding happens to fall within 6 weeks of your initial enquiry and I happen to have the date clear then you'll receive 30% off my standard rates. Let down by your existing photographer? Last minute plan

Russell Lewis
Jan 13, 20241 min read


Alison & Geraint's story
It's just after 6pm on the 2nd January and a message request comes in from Geraint asking if I have availability for their wedding for the coming Saturday as their original photographer had unfortunately been taken ill. We immediately chatted about how I could help and being realistic I said 'I know you'll be inundated with messages from Herefordshire wedding photographers so don't panic, take a good look at options and styles then let me know if you'd like to chat further'.

Russell Lewis
Jan 12, 20243 min read


Unveiling Post-Wedding Portraits
Already married? Have you still got your wedding dress or access to one? Unveiling my Post Wedding Portraits! They offer you the unique opportunity to get the wedding portraits you always dreamed of. Perhaps the weather on your wedding day didn't quite work out, perhaps logistics meant you weren't able to get to the location you'd have liked, perhaps your chosen photographer didn't quite meet expectations or simply that you'd like more photos of the two of you in your wed

Russell Lewis
Nov 25, 20231 min read


Real Wedding at Eastnor
Freya and Oliver were married in the summer of 2022 in a beautiful and personal ceremony at The Church of St John The Baptist , Eastnor, Herefordshire. The Church sat next to Freya's family home where their wedding reception was hosted in a marquee that sympathetically sat in the stunning gardens. Although mainly dry it was a day where we kept looking to the heavens wondering when the rain would start and it was a question of finding the windows in the weather. The informa

Russell Lewis
Oct 11, 20231 min read
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