Lora Murphy's Blog: Getting to Know – Toby Lowe Photography

This post Getting to Know – Toby Lowe Photography first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Company Name: Toby Lowe Photography

Interview with: Toby Lowe

Website: www.tobylowephotography.co.uk

Location / Coverage: Based in Cornwall. Cover Cornwall, Devon, UK

How did Toby Lowe Photography start?

My background was originally in editorial and journalistic photography. Over a period I slowly drifted into weddings. I love taking my editorial experience and applying it to weddings. Toby Lowe Photography is now pretty much focussed on wedding photography.

Had you always wanted to be a photographer?

I come from a photographic family so it has always been in my life. It is such a fantastic art form, that can be approached from so many different angles. Every day with a camera opens up so many new possibilities.

Can you remember how old you were when you took your first picture? What was it of?

I can’t remember my first picture, but I always had a camera with me when I was a kid. Back then I used to take weird abstract pictures. I remember going on holiday and just taking pictures of random things like old bottles and road signs. When we got the prints back there wasn’t a single picture of a person. My mum just did not get it. To me though every picture had a story behind it.

Which areas of the UK do you cover?

Cornwall, Devon and the rest of the UK.

Describe your photography studio (if you have one)

I have just moved house so now have the challenge of building a new studio. Definitely a winter job once the wedding season is over.

What do you feel sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

The best bit of advice I was given when I was starting out, was to find my own style. It is so important. You have to have a clear vision of how you see the world and how you want to document it. Over a period that style may evolve, but there should be a continuity running through it. My style is now hopefully unique to me.

In terms of photograph approach, that sets me apart. The other aspect is my own personal interaction with people. Getting beautiful, relaxed images is all about trust. You cannot capture the day in a natural way unless people trust you. To do this, the manner you approach and engage with them is absolutely vital.

How would you describe your photography style?

Fine art imagery combined with a reportage approach in order to produce beautiful, bespoke imagery.

What packages do you offer and what are your rates?

I offer a Short Day Package and a Full Day Package. A price list is available via my website.

What is the best thing about your job?

People. I love meeting new people. As a wedding photographer you are constantly surrounding yourself with people that you have never met before. It is the same buzz as you get when you go travelling – you are constantly surrounded by new stories.

Do you have a specialist area of photography?

Definitely photographing people, candid or otherwise.

Who/what are your influences?

I love the pioneer documentary / reportage photographers like Dorothea Lange. If you look at what she was using, the conditions she worked in and pictures that she took you cannot help but feel humbled by her work. It is beautiful and incredibly real.

Do you have a favourite picture that you have taken (If you can choose!)?

Yes, this one…

What is your top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?

Choose your wedding photographer based on these two factors…

Do you like their portfolio and the way they shoot / their image post production?
Do you feel comfortable and relaxed with them? If not they will never capture, natural, relaxed looking photos.

You have to have a yes to both these questions in order to make the right choice for your wedding photographer.

Random question… If you could take a picture of anyone, who would it be and why?

My dad. He passed away before I became a professional photographer. I hope he would like my work. I would love to photograph him now.

What’s your typical day like (we know two days are never the same in the wedding world!)?

Ha ha, it is a good question. A lot of a photographer’s life can be summed up by one thing – you are there to notice things. You then make the decision as to whether they are part of the day’s story and need to be woven into the document of images. Noticing things pretty much sums up a typical day for me.