A year in numbers : 22 weddings photographed, 9 weddings filmed, 3 trips abroad , 16 further second shooting adventures, 37 venues, 14 international awards, 1 lost bowtie and many a new friend
2023 – The year I felt settled and started producing my best wedding photography
Heading into 2023 I was still in limbo. Since the relocation I lost most of my client referrals, venue recommendations and general supplier recommendations. This resulted in enquiries coming from the most unexpected of places. I decided 2023 was the year to try and grow other aspects of my businesses alongside my wedding, for instance: photography tuition; commercial; family shoots. In doing so 2023 turn out to be a transitional year to be less reliant of weddings. This would give me the freedom to use 2024 to focus on my wedding side again. I ended the year on high, an influx of gift voucher sales meant this was my greatest year with regards to non wedding work.
I have loved my weddings this year! Awesome couples! amazing venues! Many a hotel and a lot of distance covered. 36000 miles, via road and air, to be precise. All in all it has been mental! The quality of my work with weddings in 2023 was my best and I have had by far my greatest year in terms of shooting and enjoying weddings. I want to strike that right balance. One that will give me my target number of weddings whilst also having less days of travelling. My aim for 2024 is to build my wedding name more locally. By nourishing these relationships I hope to also become a recommended supplier at a few of my favourite venues around town.
The year I entered the worlds top 100 wedding photographers
I set the aim heading into the year of ” I want to rebuild and get to a level of bookings I am happy to sustain. I want to further grow my reputation, and hopefully pick up an award or two along the way.” As the year ends I am super happy to say it all went to plan. Why did I focus on awards though? My purpose was to get name back in the thoughts of other photographers and industry suppliers, and generally help for marketing in 2024. I have since been recognised by winning some awards this year in the worlds top photographers of the year lists for multiple international bodies. MyWed, This is Reportage and Photographers Keeping it Real. On top of this, I won my first two Fearless Awards. This was an ambition ever since I started my business. For all of the above I am super proud and look forward to what adventures the new year brings.
So what will my 2024 wedding adventure bring?
More of the same but better. As aforementioned, I sold a record number of gift vouchers towards the end of the year, most of which were for family shoots so I look forward to a further explosion there. This is the year I shall push my 24 day in the life shoots more for more family photography! Additional courses are lined up on the tuition side whilst cementing more wedding relationships in the local region. I also would love to do a lot more second shooting as over the past years I have done 50+ weddings as a second photographer and love it! It unlocks my mine and brings me much joy. I am currently rethinking my brand and going through an awesome process with my friend Bethan. I hope this will bring my wedding work and future business concepts in better alignment with the brand.
This all aside my most important aim for 2024 is to continue to enjoy the photography adventure. I fell very lucky to do my job and can’t wait to continue for many a future year. Although this year might not have been my greatest year in terms of numbers, It definitely was my greatest outcome wise, and most enjoyable year personally. I am well on my way to striking that perfect work life balance.
The section of appreciation
To end I would love to say thank you to all that have helped to make my year so fabulous. A special thanks goes to who have all photographed alongside me at some point throughout the year whether it be for myself, or me and for them. I’d also like to send thanks to all my friends and family who by just being them keep me dancing. But most importantly I was to send thanks to my Natalie, her constant support helps me to stay motivated even in my times of feeling low. She is my number one fan and my daily source of the funnies. I look forward many more rounds of sock off and Tesco aisle slow mo! I look forward to our future days and returning the same push to you in the years to come.
Anyways now to the photographs.
Below are some of my favourite images and moments from weddings this year. I hope you enjoy and if you like what you see then drop me a message!
Love and well wishes for everyones new year! Gavin. X
TWENTY TWENTY THREE – THE SLIDESHOW
TWENTY TWENTY THREE – THE PHOTOBLOG
WANT TO BOOK OR FIND OUT MORE?
If you like what you see and are interested in wedding photography with me then get in touch! I offer a range of packages from micro weddings to the full shebang extended coverage. All can be tailored to your specific needs.
