What Do You Photograph?

Weddings and Families

What is your photographic style?

My style of photography is what I’d call documentary storytelling. I'm all about capturing moments as they are – authentic, real, and focused on documenting the true honest moments of the day. Whether it's the big significant moments or the small and quiet quirks that make your day yours. I aim to give context to a story that's worth telling. I respect individuals, allowing them the freedom to be themselves. I’d like to think that my photographs are full of life. I'm drawn to the genuine and the sincere and attentive to the subtle details of connections and relationships.

Your photos feel different to me, why?

If you've been scrolling through countless websites and finding that all the photos seem to have the same look, aesthetic, or style, it's probably because the photographer is aiming for a certain controlled appearance, mainly to maintain a consistent portfolio. My approach is the opposite. My goal is to blend seamlessly into your wedding day, being as unobtrusive as possible. When you revisit your wedding photos years down the line, they should reflect you, your love, and the joy of those who celebrated with you, without my interference or how I feel your day should look.

From a technical point of view, my photos may look different to the norm because of how I capture them. The wedding industry and social media pushes the notion that beautiful photos need a sharply focused subject against a blurry background. But think about it—when you look around, is that how you see the world? Of course not. I want my images to be anchors for your memories, feeling as real as life itself. For that reason, I use a 28mm focal length for as much of the day as I can. A field of view that mimics the human eye, after all there is a reason why pretty much every smart phone on the market has. 28mm focal length, it helps to capture scenes as you would experience them. While there's a place for traditional 'pretty' photos, I believe a wedding day deserves a richer, more authentic visual story.

Do you take group shots?

I do. I strongly believe in capturing the historical significance of your family and friends on this special day, taking photographs that honour and acknowledge the people who have played significant roles in your life. I always try to make this process as smooth and painless as possible for everyone involved, so you can quickly return to celebrating your special day.

how long have you been photographing weddings?

I've been photographing weddings for 15 years and have photographed hundreds of weddings in Ireland and abroad. This experience means two key things: firstly, I have honestly seen it all, I don’t get flustered and I like to think of myself a pretty calming presence on a wedding day; and second, I still absolutely love what I do. Wedding photography isn't just a job for me; it's a full-time, lifelong career that I approach with the utmost dedication and care. Actually three things, it also makes me feel old.

Tell me more about your family shoots.

My approach to family photography mirrors the candid, unposed, and documentary style that characterises my wedding work. It's about capturing the essence of your family in the most authentic and unscripted moments, celebrating the beauty found in the everyday.

A family shoot with me feels like capturing life as it unfolds. It's not about staging moments or forcing smiles. It’s about documenting your family’s genuine interactions and the spontaneous joy of your everyday life. Imagine capturing the burst of laughter during a garden game, the gentle quiet of reading together, the shared glances, smiles and laughter over a family meal, or the adventurous spirit of a family hike. These are the moments that paint a true picture of your family, rich with love, laughter, and genuine connections.

During the shoot, I aim to blend into the background, aiming to capture those fleeting expressions of emotion and the natural bonds that shine through when you’re simply being yourselves. The goal is to create a collection of images that bring you back to the feeling of those moments, filled with the heartfelt emotions and the unscripted magic that make up the fabric of your family life.

So, when we talk about a "family shoot," think of it not as a traditional photo session, but as a day in the life of your family, seen through a lens that seeks to immortalize the laughter, the bonds, and the love that you share. It’s an invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty of your family's journey, ensuring that when you look back, you'll not only see how you looked but remember how you felt, how you connected, and how incredibly beautiful your shared moments truly were.

How can I see more of your Family Work?

I have a portfolio here with hundreds of examples from past family shoots.
https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com/portfolio/project-two-families

how do we RECEIVE our images?

I provide a unique, private online system where all your wedding images will be elegantly displayed in an easy-to-navigate gallery. This platform allows not only you but also your invited friends and family to view and download images for sharing. They can also purchase prints and other products from my collection. As my client, you'll have exclusive access to download the entire collection of high-resolution images, ensuring you have these precious memories for personal use and safekeeping.

how many images will we receive?

Every wedding is unique, and with that, my coverage varies to suit each special day. On average, I typically capture 500-600 images on the shorter day shoots and 800-1000 on the full shoot days.

how long before we receive our gallery?

My standard delivery time for wedding photos is between 6 to 8 weeks but it may take a little longer coming into or after the Christmas period. I personally edit each image in-house, ensuring that every single one meets the highest quality standards. This meticulous process is something I take great care in, and it's a process that can't be rushed if I'm to deliver the best possible results.

do we get the rights to the photos?

Yes, you do get the rights to the pictures. Although I maintain the copyright as the creator of the images, the high-resolution image files you receive come with a rights release. This allows you to use them as you wish for personal purposes, whether it's for prints, sharing online, or any other personal use.

do you offer wedding albums?

I sure do! I'm a firm believer in the value of tangible prints and the legacy that an album represents. In an age where most images are confined to phones and digital spaces, wedding photographs deserve to be cherished in a more physical form, beyond the cloud or a screen. I provide archival, handmade albums, all of which are available for viewing and ordering through the online proofing gallery you'll receive. If you're interested in seeing a sample album, just let me know, and I'd be delighted to share one with you.

Do you travel?

Yes, I certainly do! My work has taken me all over Ireland and to various exciting destinations beyond, including New York, New Orleans, England, Portugal, and Venice. There's nothing that sparks my creativity more than shooting in a new location for the first time. Take me with you!

What do you shoot on? do you bring backup equipment?

My primary camera is a Nikon Zf with a 28mm lens, but yes, I carry a backup camera with additional lenses.

are you insured?

Absolutely. If you or your venue need it, I can provide a Certificate of Insurance upon request.

How do we book you?

Head over to my contact page and get in touch! I’ll send across my packages and prices and if we're on the same page budget-wise, let’s have a call or meet up in person to dive into your wedding day plans.

I don’t see you post to instagram REGULARLY, why?

Like all of us, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Instagram. We're all aware that it's not the best place to spend too much time. The wedding photography scene on Instagram feels oversaturated to me. I prefer not to contribute to the noise by posting wedding photos daily. So, what do I use Instagram for? It's a window into my life – not just as a wedding photographer but also as a father and husband. You'll see some of my wedding work on there but you'll also get glimpses of my personal and family life. I believe sharing these moments helps you know me better and what I’m about than plenty of past weddings, which I’d much prefer to show here on my blog.