EXPOSURE

Siân, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Cardiff, with my husband Rod. We work in the business together. I had my first camera aged eight –it was love at first sight! From that point I was hooked and after I left school I trained in photojournalism at Newport Art College (as was). My tutor was Magnum photographer David Hurn, who I am still in touch with.

What style of photography are you involved in?
I am a people photographer. I take wedding and portrait photographs. I also work for a number of national magazines including Hello!

Let’s start with weddings, what do you do that’s different from other wedding photographers?
A wedding can be a stressful day for bride and groom and my job is to make it as stress-free as possible, but at the same time make sure I capture unobtrusively all the important parts of the day and the important people.

Do you keep up to date with the latest trends in photography?
I describe my style as ‘modern with a classic twist.’ I never try and keep up with ‘trends’ in wedding photography, because I like my work to look natural and timeless.

Tell us about your lifestyle photography.
I tend to use similar techniques with my portrait work. I like to keep it easygoing and natural and wait to capture lovely little moments or expressions. I quite like images of children when they are thoughtful.

What if the weather is bad?
The weather isn’t important to me – sometimes you can get a great shot of everyone running under a sea of brollies. It’s important to try and work with whatever happens.

You shoot many celebrities, how did that come about?
I have photographed nearly all the major Welsh celebrities over the years for magazine commissions. But I always use the same approach as I do on all my work – aim for simplicity and something beautiful may happen!

How do you ensure each client is given your undivided attention?
It’s part of my job to give my clients undivided attention – as whoever I am photographing it’s all about them. It’s about creating an atmosphere of trust – they need to know that I am going to be kind to them and give them a positive representation.

What is your work motto?
If I start to get a bit wired, my husband Rod always reminds me to go gently.

How do you like to relax?
I love to go to the ballet (I also attend ballet class every week!). Dolce Vita on Wellfield Road, Roath is my favourite place to eat lunch or an early supper. I like to take a walk round Barry Island on a summer evening and with a bag of chips!



“I describe my style as ‘modern with a classic twist.’ I never try and keep up with ‘trends’ in wedding photography, because I like my work to look natural and timeless.”