London Wedding photographer
piccolino weddings
MY UNPOSED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Hi! I am Francesca, an award-winning London wedding photographer specialised in documentary photography. My aim and passion are to tell the story of your wedding day authentically, capturing every moment as the day unfolds. From happy tears, excitement, laughs, nervous anticipation, the wildness on the dance floor and the in-between moments that often get unnoticed, I’ll document your wedding exactly as it happens. In years to come, when you look at your photographs, you’ll be transported back to those moments simply because they are real!
Authentic moments never go out of style, and that’s what documentary photography is all about
My style is ideal for couples who:
Feel awkward being posed
Want to enjoy their wedding
Care more about moments than perfection
Love candid, emotional images
Prefer storytelling over staged portraits
During the course, I learned the technical foundations of photography and how to use my camera confidently in Manual Mode. I learned the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed and aperture), composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, and how to photograph both portraits and landscapes. I also discovered the differences between prime lenses (fixed focal lengths) with wider apertures and zoom lenses, which offer multiple focal lengths in a single lens.
At first, having a zoom lens seemed like the perfect solution, but over time I realised that too many choices slowed down my decision-making. Today, I work almost exclusively with prime lenses. I’ve become accustomed to seeing the world through a specific focal length – I love the 28 mm!. It allows me to react instinctively and make creative decisions more quickly. Using prime lenses also encourages me to move my feet and physically engage with the scene.
Over the years, I’ve continued to develop my skills by attending numerous courses and workshops, giving me the confidence to work in a wide variety of situations and lighting conditions. I’ve studied portrait photography, studio lighting, posing, and both on-camera and off-camera flash.
However, the genre that has shaped me the most is street photography. It has profoundly influenced the way I photograph weddings. I particularly love the humour of Martin Parr, Alex Webb, Henry Cartier Bresson, André Kertész or more contemporary ones like Matt Stuart or Pau Buscato’.
Rather than directing moments, I look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds, beautiful light and meaningful compositions, then patiently wait for the right moment.
To me, photography is about far more than simply pressing the shutter. It’s about recognising light, understanding how to work with it, creating strong compositions and anticipating moments that may — or may not — happen. It’s that combination of observation, patience and instinct that continues to inspire me every time I pick up my camera.
Your wedding experience with me
Mostly, I want you to have fun and enjoy your wedding with your family and friends. I will capture it all. You’ll also have a beautiful natural portrait without having to pose.
How will we work together?
From our initial chat, I will ask you many questions about your wedding day. For example, the number of wedding guests you are expecting, how many bridesmaids or flower girls will walk down the aisle before you, whether you are doing a traditional entrance, where the groom sees you in your beautiful wedding dress walking down towards him, or you bride and groom decide to walk into the ceremony together. We’ll also talk about your wedding schedule, the confetti, the speeches (I love when the father of the bride starts the speeches!), the wedding cake and when you’ll cut it, the first dance, the music and also your wedding decorations. I’ll ask you about the bride and the groom’s family, your best friends (who’s going to be the best man and the maid of honour… basically everything! This is to familiarise myself with your wedding day so that I can anticipate moments and be where I need to be at the right time. It’s also to connect with your day emotionally, so that I can experience it with you through the lens
photographing in London
I love London, and I love photographing around the city in a completely unstaged way— it’s an approach that feels completely natural to both my personality and the way I see the world. I’m drawn to real moments, simple moments of life, and the small interactions that often pass unnoticed.
I am passionate about street photography, which influences and inspires me when I photograph weddings.
When I have time, I go around London and try to capture moments from the life of ordinary Londoners. I love photographing events of national interest in the capital. As the seat of government, the home of the Royal Family, and the financial engine of the country, London is the news.
I love photographing commuters streaming across London Bridge, traffic at Elephant and Castle, people relaxing in London parks, and workmen cleaning the Big Ben.
London is full of history; the Romans built the first London Bridge, a later one was pulled down by a Norwegian King and the last one was bought by an American and now stands in the Arizona Desert. The original Elephant and Castle Tavern was used by archers from Newington Butts long before the traffic arrived. Most of London’s royal parkland was taken from the church by Henry VIII for use as hunting grounds, and the Workmen are clearing not just a clock but a symbol of British Democracy whose chime is broadcast around the world.
Weddings in London have a fascinating touch having the background of famous London Landmarks: Trafalgar Square (once considered the heart of the British Empire, the Chimneys of Battersea Power Station (now turned into a shopping centre with restaurants and fashion shops), and Piccadilly Circus. not to mention the House of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, Wembley Stadium, the National Gallery and the British Museum.
London is a city that has inspired art: poets, painters, film makers, writers and, of course, photographers.
Documentary Photography
Wedding Photography Awards
can proudly say that I have won several wedding photography awards in very prestigious contexts like This is Reportage, Fearless, Wedding Photojournalist Association and Photographers Keeping it Real. I’ve also won an award at the Street Photography Award, The Edge
In contexts like this, every few months, wedding photographers from all over the world submit their images even to reach 10,00. These are judged, and only about 60 get selected for individual or story awards.
When you win an award, it feels really special, as your work is globally recognised and builds a strong reputation in the world of wedding photography.
Awards are also a tool to keep on working and improve, trying different things or experimenting with different angles or compositions.
Finally, in 2024, one of my photos was selected for a Women Street Photographers Exhibition in New York.
I want to hear from you!
I hope my website has made you know me better! If you love London and the unique atmosphere and energy of a London wedding captured in beautiful photography, I’d love to hear from you!
As your wedding photographer, I want to go beyond just taking pictures—I want to capture your day in the context of your life and your relationship with your family and friends. To do that, I’d love to know you: your story, your family, and your legacy. What brings you joy? What are the special traditions or moments you cherish? Who are the people who hold a special place in your heart?
By understanding what you like or dislike, who and what is important to you, I can prepare and create photos that truly reflect your spirit. I want the images to be taylor made for you.
Let’s chat about what makes your love story unique. We can meet online, in person with some coffee or some wine, whatever feels relaxing and friendly.
KIND WORDS
She is the most talented storyteller, every single picture she gave us was full of emotion, connection or a detail that I never want to forget.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, our day might be over but we only need to look at our album to feel we are reliving every part of it.
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Get in touch
Ensuring couples are comfortable and that they are placing their trust in me is very important. I usually like to meet my couples in person if possible (if you live in South London) or via zoom if we live too far. This is a very informal chat to understand who we are and most importantly if I’m the right fit for you
KIND WORDS
We used Francesca for our wedding in May this year. What a wonderful experience from start to finish. She was so friendly and genuine, and she asked us what we wanted.
The photos of the day were wonderful. She captured the essence of the event so well. The photos were so natural, not staged as you can often get.
I could not recommend her enough.
