In Conversation: Our Chat With Wedding Photographer Tess Follett
Tess Follett started her photography journey with a love for photojournalism, which shaped how she tells stories through her work. After more than a decade of shooting weddings, she’s known for capturing the natural, beautiful moments that make each day unique. Her goal is to give couples photos that show the love and joy of their wedding in a way they’ll treasure forever.
Interview Alexander Ross
“My style has been described as timeless, romantic and fun! I love the emotions during your ceremony or the intimacy of your portrait hour just as much as your dancefloor shenanigans.”
What initially drew you to wedding photography, and what keeps you passionate about capturing love stories?
Initially, it was actually photojournalism I was drawn to. But immersing yourself in that world, shooting the (sometimes) darker side of humanity eventually takes its toll and I needed out. I’ve been shooting weddings for over 10 years now, and capturing beautiful couples who are madly in love, surrounded by everyone who loves them most… brings me far more joy! It’s such a rush, I hope the feeling never leaves me.
How would you describe your style of photography, and what do you hope couples feel when they see their photos?
My style has been described as timeless, romantic and fun! I love the emotions during your ceremony or the intimacy of your portrait hour just as much as your dancefloor shenanigans. For me, it’s about capturing those unscripted moments-in-between, just as much as the significant ‘big’ moments throughout the day. I think that’s the photojournalist in me.
My couples are often beautifully surprised (in a wonderful way!) about how they’ve been captured, as though they’re seeing themselves for the first time. So many people claim to be unphotogenic or feel awkward in front of the camera, but there’s this incredible thing that happens on a wedding day, where the love just radiates and once the couple relax into the experience (or ideally, they just forget I’m even there) you end up with these supernatural photos where everyone looks like their very best, truest selves. That’s what I love. That’s what I always hope for.
Plus, I get to run around and be in lots of different places documenting things my couples otherwise may not get to see. Like their partners preparations that morning, or a beautifully styled reception before it fills with guests, or the look on your friends and families faces during speeches (the tears and the side-splitting laughter). Not only do those photos give couples the gift of reliving their day afterwards, it often gives them glimpses into these special moments they would never have even seen, in real-time, on the day, which is an amazing feeling.
Where do you find inspiration for your work, both within and outside the wedding industry?
I just returned from two wonderful international adventures… and after spending the last few years fairly grounded (between covid and welcoming a new baby) I’d forgotten how much travel fills my inspiration cup. But day to day, I actually draw a lot of inspiration from my couples. With my photojournalism background, viewing each wedding through a documentary-style lens, I’m always drawn to different things. There’s so much beauty to capture, so many stunning details, surprising moments and unique personalities. I love that no two celebrations or love stories are ever the same. Even when I’m shooting at the same venue, I’m always looking for a new perspective. It’s a constant, ever-changing source of inspo.
What do you enjoy most about documenting weddings, and what moments do you always look forward to capturing?
I mean, witnessing the most joyful day, unfold in front of your lens… it’s incredibly special, it never gets old. No matter how many weddings I shoot, I still feel all the feels (I am not immune to tearing up now and then!). It’s also a very emotionally intimate experience, witnessing a wedding. It’s like you get to pull back the curtain on this couple’s life and see deep inside their world for a whole day. The unique energy of them with their siblings or best mates (their wedding party), hearing about their meeting and love story, often shared during ceremony or the hilarious misadventures that emerge during speeches, their first dance song choice, the winks and knowing looks and reaching for one another’s hands. It all paints a sort of amplified, extra magical portrait of two people, who are very much in love. And being privy to that (and photographing each of those moments) is such a privilege.
How has your approach to wedding photography evolved over time, and what have been the key influences on your journey?
I think the longer you do this, the more ‘innate’ your own style becomes. You get more comfortable and confident with how you like to shoot, understanding the rhythm of the day, painting with the light, as it changes and evolves too. The original path I took with photojournalism has certainly influenced the way I still shoot now. But I also find it really inspiring how many different, truly incredible wedding photographers are out there, each doing their own thing. Each of us have our own unique, signature style. It keeps things really interesting.
What advice would you give to couples to help them get the most out of their wedding photography experience?
Pre-wedding, your photographer knows about sunlight like no one’s business. Collaborate with them on your run sheet and timings. This isn’t just about nailing the perfect light for your golden-hour portraits, they’ll also have helpful tips to avoid you spending the whole ceremony squinting awkwardly into the sun.
On the day - I’m invested in you enjoying your beautiful party. And so because I don’t want to steal you away from your guests for hours at a time, my approach is reasonably fly-on-the-wall, but for things like family portraits (particularly for big families) having a clear idea of who you want to shoot, and a designated person to wrangle everyone quickly into place, helps keep things moving - and ensure no one gets missed on the day!
Finally - if you’re really nervous about having your picture taken or feel especially shy in front of a camera, some couples find an engagement shoot, or pre-wedding session a great exercise to ease the nerves. Plus we all get to know one another a little more, which is always lovely.
Are there any particular weddings or moments you’ve photographed that have left a lasting impact on you?
I’ve shot absolutely breathtaking, huge, wild, crazy-fun black-tie parties complete with fireworks and big brass bands, as well as the most exquisitely intimate elopements, where only a dozen people were in the room. They all leave their mark. One I’ll remember forever was one of the very first weddings back on, after we all emerged from the world’s longest lockdown. Guests were flying in for it and right up until a few days before there was this question mark over whether it would get to go ahead (or whether we’d be suddenly plunged back into another lockdown). The energy of everyone coming together after such a long time apart was unforgettable. Family reunited, friends seeing one another for the first time in months. It was just so moving to witness. Everything felt really heightened. And… I’ve never seen a dancefloor like it. Haha. Absolutely electric.
What do you hope couples take away from their experience working with you?
I’ve had couples tell me that I made things feel very fun, relaxed and effortless for them. And that’s all I want to hear, that’s my greatest hope for their experience. Planning a wedding is stressful so on the day you want a team that brings calm energy and the good-vibes-only.
Find Tess Follett online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @tessfollett
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
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