Hello again!
I’m Phoebe; mother, wife, animal lover and wedding photographer!
I’d describe myself as an introverted extrovert! I'm definitely in my comfort zone in quiet moments, at home with my family, going for gorgeous walks around Derbyshire or having a mooch around TK-Maxx, to add to my ever growing mug and candle collection! I also find I really thrive in my connection with others, particularly when it comes to capturing their wedding day. It sounds cheesy, but photography really is more than just a job for me. It’s a love I’ve nurtured since my teens. I really loved (still do), fashion photography and visual storytelling. I had VOGUE piled high and pages ripped out and stuck to my bedroom walls! Which has definitely had a big influence on why my photography style aligns with a more modern, documentary and editorial approach.
I went to Loughborough College to study photography and business studies, although I only stayed for half the year! If you had told me they'd end up shaping my future career I'd have laughed! I’ve never been a particularly academic person, and have always been drawn to making art in my own way! I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was in school, so it was inevitable I'd find a career that fitted well with my own particular strengths. Fast forward to today, and I’ve found my calling in the world of weddings. Capturing them professionally since 2021!
Before embarking on my current path, I had a handful of other jobs. My first was receptionist at a Citroen dealership, which is actually where I met my husband! I then moved on to retail (Claire’s Accessories, to be specific. That experience scarred me for life, but maybe that’s a story for another day?!) Working in retail and hospitality is a real eye-opener, and I reckon it should be mandatory for everyone to do a stint in one or the other for a year; it might just solve a few of the world’s problems!
From 2015-2020, I was a stay-at-home mum with a very part time waitressing job. When the pandemic hit, life threw me a bit of a curveball, but not in the life altering, international lock down type of way you might expect. After my own wedding in November 2019, our photographer asked my husband and I to model for a photography workshop she was hosting. It sounded fun so we jumped at the chance. From March 2020, weddings were't going ahead as usual so wedding photographers found themselves organising 'styled shoots'. After our initial workshop with our wedding photographer in Jan 2020, we ended up doing 40+ shoots with loads of different photographers, over the span of about 18 months. If you’re feeling a bit nosy, you can check out the archive on our Instagram @thegriffs_.
Having the camera pointed in your direction makes you think about photography from - quite literally! - another point of view. My 'modelling' experience made me keen to get back on the other side of the lens, and propelled me to start my own business. I’ve learned in the process that I’m definitely most suited to being my own boss!
I’m a homebody at heart, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, especially cooking. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me cosied up with my family, eating a massive bowl of pasta, rewatching 'The Parent Trap' for the hundredth time!
Every wedding I capture is unique, and I consider it a true honour to freeze your precious moments in time. I’m not just there to document your day, but to craft a narrative that reflects your authentic love story exactly as it plays out.
So, your turn! I can’t wait to hear your story, and your vision for your wedding day!
