Creative Documentary Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker in Leicestershire
Unfluffy, Unstuffy & Unposed Documentary Wedding Photography and Filmmaking
Ideal for the couple that doesn’t like being told what to do!
“It’s all about the story” “Very Creative” “A Unique Vision of the moments in between”
Covering Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, all of the Midlands and the entire UK.
Hinckley Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker
I’m Paul Hands, a documentary wedding photographer and filmmaker based in Hinckley, Leicestershire — though I happily travel anywhere your wedding takes me. For over 13 years I’ve captured the laughter, tears, and unscripted moments that make each celebration unique.
I keep things relaxed and unposed so you can enjoy your day without interruption, while I quietly document it all. If you’d like something extra, my partner Elena Pavlova, a Ukrainian portrait photographer, works alongside me to create stunning posed portraits that complement my natural storytelling style. Photography, film, portraits — your wedding story, fully covered.
I’m very proud of my portfolio, which has been crafted over such a long time, that I’ve just got too many good photographs to show on my website.
Below is a collection of my favourites since time began..
Real stories, beautifully told
Your wedding isn’t a photo‑shoot – it’s a celebration of your love. My style draws on street photography and filmmaking, meaning I blend in as a guest and use perfect timing and composition to record the laughter, tears and little glances you might otherwise miss. I cover Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, the wider Midlands and anywhere in the UK, and I tailor my service to each couple.
Your wedding is unique and deserves a storyteller who sees the magic in-between the big moments.
Paul Hands Weddings Film 2024
RELAXED
Everyone who works with me tells me how calm and relaxing I am to be around and how much they love my energy. I’ll work very hard on your wedding day but in a relaxed way and the proof will be in your wedding story.
FUN
I think I’m a bit of a comedian and love to seek that same level of humour in everyday situations. Your photographs will reflect the fun side to your wedding and you’ll see just how much everyone enjoyed your special day.
LOVE FUELLED
I’m also a romantic at heart and will look for ways to show your love visually and in gentle ways that are classy, sometimes cheesy and always fun, bringing a smile with happiness back to your memories each time you look at them.
Watch these two review films, they’re brilliant!
A video interview with a lovely couple of wedding clients, who had all good things to say about me.
Bespoke service buyers Ricki and Vicky Goddard give us their view on choosing me as their wedding photographer.
Client Testimonials:
Click on the images below to see the portfolios for each wedding.
“Paul was our wedding photographer and we couldn’t have been happier with his work. From the moment he arrived at our house to the end of the first dance, he couldn’t have been more professional. He was discreet, I barely noticed he was there most of the day, yet captured such intimate memories of our special day for us to cherish forever. The finished photographs are first class and there is absolutely nothing else that we would have wanted. He captured everything, our whole wedding day, as it happened, from start to finish. Including a few traditional posed family shots (to keep the relatives happy) and some beautiful artistic and abstract scenes. He captured the joy and laughter throughout the day, on the faces of the adults and children alike. These are photo’s we are going to be looking at and loving for a lifetime. Thank you Paul, you are a superstar!”
Julie and Lee Price
Jo and Lee’s Burrows Wedding Photographs
“It was important to us that our wedding photography captured us as people and our story. We didn’t want the cliche posed photos that we’ve seen (beautifully) replicated so many time before. We went to Paul as we’d seen his work and were confident in his talents. He just blended in on the day, capturing moments and working his magic. The finished product far surpassed our expectations. We couldn’t recommend him more. Thank you for capturing our story.”
Adam & Simon’s Birmingham Wedding Party
“Paul went above and beyond to photograph our wedding day! Myself and my partner didn’t want stilted poses but did want photographs that represent us as a couple and capture the fun, love and atmosphere of our big day and Paul absolutely delivered on all counts. Paul even returned after leaving for the day, as there was one last photo he couldn’t leave without taking! He’s an absolute pro! And a lovely man to boot! Highly recommended! ✨️”
Des and Naomi Cornwall
“Paul did my 50th 5 yrs ago and he was my first choice to do our wedding reception. Paul stealthily mingled and socialised with our guest and managed to shoot over 300 high quality photos of everyone having fun.
Each time I look at the photo’s I fall in love with your work even more. We couldn’t be happier.
I will recommend you to anyone and you will always be my first choice for the next event.
Thank you so much Paul. Keep up the good work
Much love”
Keep scrolling to reach the client form for you to tell me about your wedding day…
In this video I showcase the wedding album design that I usually create for my clients.
What it’s like to see your wedding album for the first time
Tailored packages & investment
Because your wedding is unique, we’ll start with a free consultation to discuss your plans, learn about your personalities and what matters most to you. My bespoke services range from short coverage (£500) to an all‑day VIP experience (up to £2,995). I’ll design something that fits your budget and captures your story perfectly.
Browse the services in my brochure or let’s put our heads together and create something unique.
Hybrid wedding films
In addition to photography, I offer documentary wedding films and hybrid photo–video coverage. These films combine still images and video clips to bring the sounds, movement and atmosphere of your day to life.
Some of my films are private, so please ask to see examples when we chat.
The Hybrid Wedding Film of Amy & Matt - May 2024
Hybrid Photography and Video Film
Wedding Highlights Film / Video
Wedding Film
Richard & Laura Jensch Wedding Photography Slideshow
Still Photography Slideshow
Emma & Andy Curtis Wedding Slideshow 2023
Nick and Elisa Wedding Slideshow 2023
Vicky & Sye’s Wedding Slideshow
Jo & Lee’s Wedding Slideshow 2024
What to expect from me…
From the beginning, I’ll give you clarity.
We’ll chat and work out what services you would like and fit a service within your budget that you’re happy with.
We’ll decide on the time you need my presence, which can range from 2-12 hours.
On your wedding day, I’ll arrive and begin working straight away, recording your story visually and creatively.
After your wedding day, I’ll begin the post production, which can take between 4-12 weeks, depending on how much work I’ve made for you. Then you’ll be notified of completion and we’ll arrange the delivery of your wedding photography and videos.
Ready to create your wedding story?
I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every couple gets my full attention.
Get in touch today to check my availability and tell me about your wedding plans.
I can’t wait to hear your story and help you relive it for years to come.
Follow my Facebook page.
I highly recommend the below wedding suppliers:
Badgers Mount Wedding Venue, Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire
Julie Sings Wedding Singer
Find me listed on the following websites:
<a href="https://www.ukbridaldirectory.co.uk/">UK Bridal Directory</a>
Our website is listed in photographerlistings.org - <a href="https://www.photographerlistings.org/England/Leicestershire/C1-26-1-0.htm">Leicestershire Photography Directory</a>