Simon John, Hampshire Photographer
Professional Photography
Thanks for popping by! For over 40 years I have been passionate about photography. My aim is to make people happy & document life’s special moments with honesty and artistry.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend my entire working life doing what I love. From a young age I was fascinated by the art of capturing special moments. My journey began with assisting at a local portrait studio in Portsmouth. Over the years I have gained the highest professional qualifications and many awards including being named UK Wedding Photographer of the Year three times.
I became a Fellow of the BIPP & MPA Sounds rather grand doesn’t it? I won the Millennium Portrait Photographer Of The Year along with ten Kodak Gold awards for excellence in portraiture. I owned busy studios in Portsmouth and Fareham for 25 years. I employed up to three photographers & studio staff; it was a fair sized business handling around 120 weddings & 200 portrait sessions a year.
We had our own dark rooms and framing in house. Nowadays it’s just me & my photography (just the way I like it) working out of a little gallery/ creative studio in my garden. I only accept 20 weddings maximum and a similar number of portrait sessions per year. I love what I do more than ever!
Read my great reviews!
As a Hampshire wedding photographer I’m passionate about creating an experience as special as your wedding day. Having fun during the wedding photography process is key, as it allows for genuine moments and emotions to be captured. I approach each wedding with fresh enthusiasm and tailor my style to suit you. Whether it’s a big celebration or an intimate gathering my aim is to create a beautiful visual story of your day.
Fine art: I have studied with some of the Worlds leading Masters in photographic art. I have taken elements from them all & developed my own style. This is based primarily in beauty, soulful & quirky and humorous moments.
Documentary Style: I capture candid moments and natural interactions, preserving the real emotions and details of your wedding day.
Personalised Service: I limit my bookings so you receive the highest level of care and attention.
Hampshire Based, Globally Inspired: I bring local expertise and world-class perspective to every wedding.
My portrait photography is about capturing your unique personality; a soulful moment that your nearest & dearest will see immediately. I will photograph you in a relaxed environment so that you will feel comfortable & at ease and I promise you an enjoyable fun experience!
Attention to Detail: From lighting to composition, story telling to location, from expression to post production; I craft each portrait with care & pride. My goal is create portraits that will warm your hearts & become treasured heirlooms.
Planning Session: I like to discuss before our portrait session, what is important to you? Locations that are special & if I can incorporate hobbies or interests? I can advise on clothing, framing, design and where to hang your finished wall art.
Family Photography
Family is at the heart of everything I do. In a blink of an eye our children have grown up & left home. Allow me the privilege to document this precious time you share together.
Bespoke Design: I treat all of my comissions as unique. A different approch because you are not the same as everyone else! I want to know & portray what it is that is special about your family. A special place, a hobby or simply the laughter & love you share?.
Why Choose Me ?
As a Hampshire professional photographer for over 40 years I have been taught by past Masters. The forgotten skill sets of lighting, composition, line, design & fine print finishing.
I am a qualified Master Photographer of the highest level our country can bestow. That said I am only as good as what I create for you!
As a business I have photographed and overseen somewhere in the region of 2000 weddings since 1985
I know some people feel conscious having their photograph taken. I will put you at ease leaving you (especially where weddings are concerned) one less this to worry about.
I am classically trained with a contemporary approach based in the arts.
I love what I do; it’s my art! I want my portrait & wedding photography to excite me as much as it will you!
I accept commissions in Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire; International shoots are welcome & I am prepared to travel to other parts of the UK. So whether you’re getting married in your home county or further afield, I’ve got you covered.