Master natural light with Tara Statton
All images Lens Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
Emporium. She catches up with other familiar faces from the local industry, too, giving the whole afternoon a very friendly and special atmosphere – even before any guests arrive. Unfortunately there aren’t any bridal models to photograph during this particular event, but there’s plenty to keep our cameras entertained outside – flowing tables of flowers, intricate jewellery displays and a vintage camper van overflowing with props.
Midelney Manor itself is a Grade I listed building, and the ‘potting shed’ – which is host to wedding ceremonies and a bar – also provides plenty of indoor photo ops. Inspired by fine-art film photographers, Tara shoots in Manual mode and with a manual ISO. She favours natural light for a delicate result. Inside, she starts shooting by taking advantage of the diffused window light to illuminate vases of floral displays. Like many wedding photographers, Tara carries two pro-end cameras at the same time; each has a different lens attached so that she can swap quickly between focal lengths.
While some photographers purposely underexpose their shots so that they retain every highlight detail, Tara often slightly overexposes. This is because she’s confident enough to know exactly how she wants her final images should look. “I think it’s important to have a recognisable style, so people know what to expect,” she says. “My thing is bright and light images. I use my own presets to help me achieve that consistency.”
Beyond our shoot, Tara has her busiest month of the year, but she’s only excited for what’s to come. “I am a quiet, creative and sentimental person. Working with people so happy and in love is the best.”