About William Harley – Documentary Film Wedding Photographer

You being you

(And also me being me)

Choosing the right creatives is about more than just the visuals.

I’m here for

The quote, "honesty + intention," written in black cursive text on a white background.
Matt Brears of William Harley standing on Margate seafront steps holding a handbag. Taken on Ilford hp5+ 35mm film
Matt Brears of William Harley holding a twin reflex vintage medium format film camera - a Mamiya C330. Taken on Portra 400 35mm film.

So how do I approach weddings? ↓

A bride and groom sitting inside a gondola with mountain scenery behind them, dressed in wedding attire. Taken on 35mm film in Morzine, France.

It’s your day from my perspective

What’s special about choosing someone to capture your wedding is that you’re choosing whose perspective you want to see your wedding from.

For me, honesty, realness, and moments that feel authentically you are most important, and that influences how my work feels. By being really intentional with how I work, I can put together a true reflection of your day caught on camera.

A woman hugging a smiling young girl who is holding a small dog, with other women in the background in a cozy indoor setting. Taken on 35mm film at Chapel House Estate, Kent.
Guests surrounding bridesmaids and taking photos of them on their phones as they crouch down holding their bouquets. Lac de Montriond in the background. Taken on Portra 400 35mm film.

Truly involved

From the start of your journey, I love to be part of your process when you need me. I’m here to soundboard any ideas or questions about all sorts of things for your day - after all, I’ve seen loads! Planning the creative aspect of your day in advance allows you to be really present when it comes around, while still making sure it’s going to feel how you want it to feel when you look back.

On the day, I love to be involved and get to know your friends and family so I blend in as a guest rather than ‘the person with cameras’. It allows me to get photos that feel like you were in it, because I was! It also means that I have a good time too!

A bride with long brown hair and a veil holding a colourful bouquet, standing on a balcony at Chapel House Estate, Kent, looking down at guests. Taken on Portra 400 35mm film.

That film feeling

When it comes to that timeless feel, nothing comes close to using film. It has this tangible quality that oozes romantic authenticity. I love shooting with it, and nearly all of my favourite work is on it.

35mm film is a fundamental part of all of my wedding packages, and features heavily throughout the day. The amount of film used varies, and we can chat about what you’re after when we catch up.

Grandad holding granddaughter while seated at Chapel House Estate. Groom and Grandma in foreground.
Groom helping bride tie up her silk laces after getting married at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Black and white.

Just being real, you know?

One thing I’ll never do is ask you to do cringey poses. Just no. The last thing you want is to look back at your wedding album and remember how awkward you felt when the photographer asked you to ‘put your foreheads together’. You want to be reminded of what you were talking about when you were laughing in that picture together.

I want your photos to feel like you, your guests, and your day. But that doesn’t mean there’ll be no input from me. I’ll be here to help you plan parts of your day from a creative perspective, and give direction that means that you get those photos you want without forcing it.

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