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 go 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
My wedding photography journey
My love for photography started in 2006 when a friend asked me to join her in a photography course in Shoreditch in London. I actually joined for fun, not knowing what to expect, and I probably wouldn’t be a photographer if I didn’t follow that path.
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.
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! And I love working close to my subject. Very close! It allows me to react instinctively and make creative decisions more quickly. Using prime lenses also encourages me to move my feet, frame the scene quickly and play with composition.
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 still have mentors who help me refine my style, and the journey keeps going towards perfection. In particular, I would like to mention the special Susana Barbera, Patrick, and Hollie Mateers, the masters of documentary wedding photography. I’ve studied and practised portrait photography, studio lighting, posing, on-camera and off-camera flash, and architectural and object photography. 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, the layering of Alex Webb, and the class of Henry Cartier Bresson considered the master of candid photography. Also André Kertész and his clean composition, or more contemporary ones like Matt Stuart or Pau Buscato.
I don’t like directing moments and making the perfect frame. For me, photography is a representation of reality. Therefore, instead of staging a scene, I compose my frame looking for clean backgrounds, beautiful light and then I patiently wait for the right moment. This requires quick decision-making and high technical skills that I have gained during years of self-study with the help of mentors.
I also learned how to work in all lighting conditions, which is a big advantage in a wedding environment where everything happens very quickly and moments are uncountable. I consider wedding photography the most difficult one within the industry: it includes detailed photography, portraiture, street photography, flash photography, landscape photography, and quick changes in situations where lighting conditions can change very quickly. As my current mentors, Hollie and Patrick Mateer, say: “Wedding photography is art”
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.
Over the year I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings in some of London’ most inspiring locations at places like The Rosendale and the Lordship Pub, surrounded by the charm of South London. I love the atmosphere of venues like this because they feel warm, personal or full of life. I also photographed celebrations at Chelsea Town Hall followed by the Ivy in Chelsea. Elegant and stylish or places like the Trafalgar Tavern, a historic riverside venue situated on the banks of the Thames.
London Town Halls are particularly special for wedding photography because they bring together architecture, history and emotion. I love photographing ceremonies at Islington Town Hall, with its beautiful interiors and elegance or Wandsworth Town Hall, another icon London Landmark known for its impressive architecture.
Brixton town Hall or Hackney Town Hall are other wonderful examples of London’s diversity and character. Brixton has a unique energy and offers a completely different atmosphere compared to other parts of the city, and Hackney Town Hall reflects the creative and vibrant spirit of East London
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.
Whether it is a historic town hall, a riverside venue, a relaxed South London pub or an elegant celebration in Chelsea, I approach every wedding in the same way: with curiosity, patience, creativity and a passion for storytelling
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.
