Woodland Wedding Photography

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Woodland Wedding Unstaged Documentary Photography UK

Wedding Photography Portfolio:

Ana and Joe booked me to photography their wedding in the woods, somewhere between Stoke on Trent and Manchester, in a secluded setting, which involves a ten minute walk from the car park, sometimes wading through stinging nettles and Brambles.

A secluded wedding celebration with confetti in the woods with Ana & Joe

Here’s a collection of my favourite photographs from one of the coolest and most unique weddings I’ve had the privilege to be booked for my photography style.

My style of photography:

I always shoot with a more documentary storytelling manner. You’ll see from this collection how posing isn’t required because I know how to make photographs of your wedding that tells the story of your day with vibrant colours, artistic flair and meaningful moments.

Personal and small wedding…

Ana & Joe invited only their favourite and most closest family and friends and then held their reception in their back garden at home in Stoke on Trent. They hired a marquee and decorated it so beautifully and with their own personal touches, the wedding became their very own creation without the influence of the corporate wedding world.

They all had the best time, playing music (they’re a group of musicians), drank plenty and ate like Kings and Queens with their home made buffet.

Make an enquiry in to my availability for your wedding date…

We'd like to book you as our wedding photographer

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🎬 NEW VIDEO: Private Photography Workshops for Beginners and intermediate photographers (Now Booking Across the UK).

So, you’ve always fancied learning photography properly — but the idea of sitting in a stuffy classroom with twenty others makes you want to switch your camera off and go back to snapping sunsets on your phone.

Here’s your way out of that.

I’ve just launched a short film (scroll down to watch) that gives you a real taste of what it’s like to join one of my Private Photography Workshops. These are relaxed, fun, one-to-one (or two-to-one if you fancy bringing your best mate), and absolutely tailored to you — no jargon, no egos, no pressure.

Whether you’re retired, over 55, or simply want to finally get to grips with that camera you bought in lockdown, this is your chance to learn photography in a way that actually makes sense.

Why it works:

  • Personalised coaching – not a one-size-fits-all class

  • Go at your pace – no rush, no pressure, no silly questions

  • Bring a friend – learn together and make a proper day of it

  • Any location – I’m Midlands-based, but I’ll travel anywhere in the UK to teach you

From getting off auto mode to mastering your manual settings, these private sessions are a confidence boost in a camera bag. And yes, we’ll have a laugh while we do it — photography should be fun.

So, if you’ve been googling “photography courses for beginners in the Midlands” or “one-to-one photography tuition UK,” stop the scroll. You’ve found it.

📽️ Watch the film above, then get in touch to book your date.
Let’s turn that camera of yours into your new favourite creative outlet!

Academy of photography

Events, Awards, Presentations and Conference Photography

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📸 Why Your Corporate Event Deserves Better Photography (And a Bit of Banter)

Let’s be honest. Most corporate event photography is about as exciting as a lukewarm brew at a budget networking breakfast. You’ve seen the type — a sad plate of sandwiches, awkward smiles, and someone blinking at the exact wrong moment.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

MPAC Automation CEO Adam Holland, presenting a corporate day out at Silverstone Race Circuit

I’m Paul Hands — photographer & filmmaker — I specialise in photographing corporate events that actually look good. Whether it’s a slick product launch, a high-stakes conference, or the kind of Christmas party that HR pretends not to remember, I’ve got you covered with photography and video that tells the real story of your event — not just who wore a name badge.

🎥 Corporate Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

I shoot for businesses that want more than just “coverage.” You’ve put a lot into this event — the planning, the branding, the guest list — so let’s make sure it looks as epic as it felt. My work captures:

  • Real interactions (the good, the weird, and the did-that-just-happen?!)

  • On-brand moments that elevate your business image

  • Speakers mid-power pose (not mid-blink)

  • Details you worked hard on — from the lighting to the lanyards

Real smiles and laughter at an event social

Oh, and yes, I do video too. Whether you need a slick promo film, social media reels, or a cinematic highlight video that gets your boss teary-eyed (in a good way), I’ll deliver.

😂 I Make People Laugh — And That Makes Photos Better

You know how people freeze up the moment a camera appears? Not with me.

I’ve got a knack for putting people at ease — usually by saying something so unexpected they laugh before they realise they’re on camera. That means you get genuine smiles, natural expressions, and the kind of images that make your team look confident, approachable, and totally unforced.

I once had a CFO spit prosecco during a group shot. True story. (And yes, I caught it.)

Managing Director - Toyota Materials Handling

Toyota Materials Handling, Managing Director handing out awards at Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley island

🧭 Based in the Midlands. Available UK-Wide.

I’m centrally based in the Midlands, which means I can shoot events anywhere in the UK without needing to pack a passport and snacks for the M6. From London launches to Manchester meetups, I’ll be there — early, caffeinated, and ready to shoot.

Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley Island General Manager - Daniel Price entertaining guests at Famtastic Rocks

👔 Who I Work With

I shoot for:

  • Large businesses

  • Creative agencies

  • PR and comms teams

  • Event organisers

  • Anyone who wants their event to look 10x better in photos than it did on the spreadsheet

You bring the people. I’ll bring the lenses, lighting, and a few one-liners that’ll have your MD giggling like it’s Friday at 4pm.

Leonardo Hotels Sales Director - Tia Goadby entertaining guests at the pre-cocktail party for Famtastic Rocks 2024.

📩 Let’s Talk About Your Event

If you’re planning something big — or even just moderately medium — and want to make sure it looks as good as it felt, drop me a message.

Whether you need full event coverage, behind-the-scenes content, or a showreel to impress future clients, I’d love to help you make your next event unforgettable.

👉 Contact me here and let’s have a proper chat… paul@paulhands.co.uk

The Atrium, Leonardo Hotel, Hinckley Island - Featuring the team from Toyota Materials Handling

Make an enquiry about your event

Wedding Photographer Hinckley

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Instinctive, observational and completely unposed — rooted in street and reportage photography.

My Approach to Wedding Photography in Hinckley

With 14 years of professional experience, I've developed a way of working that feels completely natural on a wedding day — because it is. I'm a documentary wedding photographer and filmmaker, which means I work by watching, reading the room, and responding to what's genuinely happening around me. Nothing is staged. Nothing is forced.

If my photographs resonate with you, that's a good starting point. The couples who connect most with my work tend to value the quiet moments as much as the big ones — the look exchanged before the ceremony, the laughter that arrives without warning, the details that make the day theirs.

Take a look at the weddings page to explore coverage options, or head straight there to send an enquiry. I'll come back to you with availability and everything you need to make a decision with confidence.

Now you've seen some of my work, head over to the weddings page to explore coverage options in full — or scroll straight to the enquiry form and I'll come back to you with availability and everything you need to make a decision with confidence.

Weddings

Adobe Photography Plan

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I couldn’t do my job without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Over the past 12 years, I’d never have gotten to where I’m at without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop!

Both pieces of software are absolutely crucial to both my artwork and also the commercial work I create for branding photography for businesses and my wedding photography clients.

This software is so integral to my business that I am now partnering with Adobe to share their photography plans through my own affiliate links.

Here it is and if you’re thinking of joining me on one of my photography workshops or photography classes in Hinckley and Burbage, then you will be using the Adobe suite in my studio and I will most definitely recommend that you invest in this for yourself.

The best thing is the software is only £10 per month!

Here’s the link below…

The Brightest Wedding Party in Birmingham

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Adam and Simon’s UK wedding party at The Actress & Bishop in Birmingham.

For my last but one wedding of the year, this was for Adam Hussain and Simon Mulholland at the coolest bar in Birmingham, The Actress and Bishop (official). These pair have been together for donkey's years and finally tied the knot in San Francisco but didn't invite me to that bit, I was booked to do the photography at their UK celebration in Brum, which went down a storm!

I'm so glad they did because it was an amazing gig to get with the vibe from the people attending and the lighting in the bar was just too fantastic, see for yourself in the photographs.

They also hired the globe trotting celebrity DJ Andy Farley, who played an incredible 4 hour set of old skool house music, replicating the 90's gay scene. Honestly, the mixing was so good and choice of track was perfect.

So feast your eyes on these vibrant photographs with bright and happy colours, well suited for the celebration of their joining together officially, Adam and Simon.

Wedding photography information

Global Online Photography Community - Waiting List

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Free Global Photography Community online with in person benefits.

Since we’re mates already, I’m offering you the chance to join my brand new global photography community for free!

For the past ten years I’ve been running private 1:1, 1:2 and group photography courses, classes and workshops.

I am now building a global photography community where you can join for free, if you add your name to this waiting list.

The community will be interactive with competitions, prizes, courses, lectures, Q&A sessions, conversations with…, constructive critiques, special guests, in person events, exhibition visits, take part in exhibitions, videos, talks and will be an open forum for suggestions from the community on what you would like.

Adding yourself to the waiting list means you will be given the opportunity to join this global community once it is ready.

I expect it to take me about 6 months to build it around my other commitments.

While I’m building it, here’s the list, add yourself and be granted free membership.

Click here to add your name to the waiting list

Baby Dino Tree

Aurora Borealis Photographed in the Middle of the UK

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Wall Art made from the Northern Lights in Hinckley and Barwell, Leicestershire

Early in May 2024 I was surprised by a message telling me of the incredible activity from the Aurora Borealis, displaying itself in the skies above Leicestershire.

A crazy idea in itself because I thought I was going to have to pay thousands of pounds to travel to Norway or Iceland to see them in the future but as it happens, they came to see me!

The Baby Dino Tree

The Baby Dino Tree

Here’s the story of how I made it…

On the Friday night of 10th May, I was on a late night phone call with my girlfriend in Nottingham, when a friend messaged my Facebook page asking if I could see the Northern Lights. I immediately thought it was unusual and proceeded to walk outside in to my garden and looked up in the to the night sky.
I didn’t have to look hard, the Aurora Borealis was dancing with bright pink lights above my house and I couldn’t believe it.
I said ‘Wow!’ and my girlfriend asked what I was saying that for. I simply said you need to go outside and look above your house now. She did and said ‘I have to go and wake my kids up’ and hung up the phone. Then she sent me a text saying I would regret if I didn’t go out and do something’
So I grabbed my camera and began trying to make a photograph but without a tripod and full frame DSLR, it was impossible.

I then grabbed my car keys and headed straight for my studio, collected my camera and tripod and then went to my favourite tree in the whole world… The Baby Dino Tree.

The rest is history!

I've automatically fallen in love with this photograph and have had it professionally printed and is now displayed in a V-Groove Mount and available for the general public to buy.

Hollycroft Space

I also made a unique photograph in Hollycroft Park and have called this one Hollycroft Space, featuring the planetary sculpture that can be found by the club house in the park.

Here’s your chance to own one of these magical prints…

The Baby Dino Tree Wall Art The Baby Dino Tree Wall Art The Baby Dino Tree Wall Art
The Baby Dino Tree Wall Art
from £40.00

Experience the Magic of "The Baby Dino Tree"

Own the enchanting beauty of a rare moment with "The Baby Dino Tree," a stunning professional print by acclaimed photographic artist Paul Hands. This mesmerising image was taken in Barwell, Leicestershire, during an extraordinary appearance of the Northern Lights, an event that transformed the night sky into a breathtaking canvas of vivid colours.

The composition features a lone tree silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop of the aurora borealis, evoking the timeless allure of nature's wonders. The ethereal glow of the lights, combined with the serene countryside setting, creates a scene of tranquil beauty and awe-inspiring majesty.

Paul Hands' meticulous eye for detail and profound connection with his subjects bring this magical moment to life, offering you a chance to own a piece of this unique event. Each print is mounted with a V-Groove mount card, enhancing its elegance and making it a perfect centrepiece for any space.

Explore more of Paul's work and discover the stories behind his art at www.paulhands.co.uk.

Bring the wonder of the Northern Lights into your home with "Baby Dino Tree" and let this exquisite piece of art illuminate your surroundings with its captivating beauty.

Available in two sizes:

30x20” Print (35x25” when mounted) = £100

12x8” Print (16x12” when mounted) = £40

Collection from my studio in Burbage preferred.

Delivery available, please contact for a price; email: paul@paulhands.co.uk

To avoid bank charges, it would be great if you could pay via bank transfer, please make contact with me to do this directly.

Hollycroft Space Wall Art Hollycroft Space Wall Art Hollycroft Space Wall Art
Hollycroft Space Wall Art
from £40.00

Discover the Enchantment of "Hollycroft Space"

Immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of "Hollycroft Space," a captivating professional print by acclaimed photographic artist Paul Hands. This unique image was taken in Hollycroft Park, Hinckley, during the same magical night as "Baby Dino Tree," with the Northern Lights providing a stunning backdrop.

The composition features intriguing planetary sculptures silhouetted against the vibrant aurora borealis, blending human creativity with nature's splendour. The ethereal glow of the lights and the serene park setting create a scene that is both otherworldly and mesmerising.

Paul Hands' keen eye for detail and deep connection with his surroundings bring this extraordinary moment to life, offering you a chance to own a piece of this rare event. Each print is mounted with a V-Groove mount card, adding an element of sophistication and making it an ideal centrepiece for any space in your home, office or workplace.

Bring the wonder of the Northern Lights into your home with "Hollycroft Space" and let this exquisite piece of art illuminate your surroundings with its captivating beauty.

Available in two sizes:

30x20” Print (35x25” when mounted) = £100

12x8” Print (16x12” when mounted) = £40

Collection from my studio in Burbage preferred.

Delivery available, please contact for a price; email: paul@paulhands.co.uk

To avoid bank charges, it would be great if you could pay via bank transfer, please make contact with me to do this directly.

If you need to organise delivery of your print, please hit the contact button or email me: paul@paulhands.co.uk

Contact me

Funeral Photography and Video

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Documentary Storytelling Funeral Photography and Filmmaking.

This isn’t normal is it?
It’s not every day that someone dies within your close circles but when they do, you, your friends, families and communities come together to unite in grief and also celebrate the lives of those that have left this realm for the next.

On their final day with us, following the departure of their soul, some people find it in their hearts to want the day recording with photography and or video to tell their final story.
Sure it’s a sad affair with plenty of tears but also a time of love and togetherness.
One local lady commissioned me in 2022 to do some photography at the funeral of her son who committed suicide, which was devastating for her and his young family that he left behind.
Sadly her husband also passed away less than two years after her son and I was invited back to document his final day.
This time I took it a step further and created a highlights film.

Here it is, but please only watch it if you don’t mind welling up with tears and be strong….

Hybrid Funeral Photography and Video Film

If this is something that you might wish to consider for your loved ones or recommend me to someone else that might be interested, please point them towards this page on my website….

Funeral Photography and Filmmaking

Spring Ting - Roystonbury Music Festival, Hinckley, Leicestershire.

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The Spring Ting music festival at Roystonbury Photographs 2024.

I was invited by the creators of this amazing little music festival to create some photography of the bands and the festival goers and was given carte blanche on shooting my own creative style with my street photography flair.
So I did just that and had lots of fun….