Skip to main content
Weddings

About

Hi there! I'm Chris; a professional photographer in Kent living in the village of Chartham, just outside Canterbury with my wife, two boys. I am also very proud to say I have been awarded Kent Wedding Photographer of the Year 2022/23 at the Kent Wedding Awards.

I photograph weddings all over Kent and cover about 40 weddings per year and I have been a Kent Wedding Awards finalist in 2019, 2020, 2021/22 and I finally won in 2022/23. If you’re looking for wedding photography in Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Medway, Thanet, Folkestone or in any corner of Kent, then get in touch to see if I am available for your big day.

As well as being a wedding photographer, I also run my own school photography business, Kent School Photography. This keeps me very busy during the peak school photo times and if you have kids, there's a chance I've taken a photo of them - always odd when kids recognise me at weddings though!

My approach to weddings is relaxed and unobtrusive yet I am always mindful as to why you’re sharing your day with me. I try to catch those moments you miss and ones you don’t ever want to forget, plus a few that your tipsy ushers might want to forget. I like to interact with guests as if I were one of them and as a result, capture moments that you keep for life.

Maybe somewhat oddly being in this job, I hate having my photo taken so I completely understand what you’re thinking when I am taking aim at you. It’s a bit like hearing your voice recorded, it's horrid so you can assured that I would never put in a situation that I wouldn't be comfortable with. Having said all that, nearly everyone says that after a while, you'll forget that I am there snapping away whilst you both laugh, cry, drink (maybe too much for some!) and celebrate your wedding with your family and friends.

So if you’re after a wedding photographer in Kent with a relaxed and natural wedding photography style by someone who won’t hold your guests to ransom for the perfect shot, then get in touch with me straightaway.

How I work

I am one of the most easy-going and friendly photographers out there (not my words just so you know) and not the type that will get you posing with one foot on a rock looking into the distance whilst asking you to contemplate life. That’s just not real life or my style. When I take you away for a few photos of you both, it’s very informal – more like a walk and a breather. It’s normally the first time you’ll spend together alone (ish) in what up to that point has been a fairly manic day. I understand that and will capture those natural moments between you both as a newly married couple.

I am honest, open and straightforward in how I work. My prices page on my website actually has prices on there without emailing for a quote and you can personalise your coverage and get an instant price by using my instant quote builder. I am 100% not fussy and won’t tell your DJ what lighting to have or ask your venue to hurry the food so I can get you back outside for more photos. I am flexible and relaxed so that whatever happens I will go with the flow and capture it. I’ve heard stories from other suppliers that will shock you but I am there to capture your day how it is, not how I think it should be.

Free Wedding Photo Trial

I’ve always wondered why it’s not a common thing to have a wedding photo trial before you book a photographer? Most brides will have hair and make-up trials and it's very common to have food tasting, so why not have a wedding photo trial?

If you are in any way worried about having your photo taken or think having your photo taken “is not for me”, then this is perfect. This 100% free wedding photo trial is a no obligation meeting designed so that you can ask me all the questions you have plus, you get to see how you look in my photographs. The best part is that I will send them to you before you book so that you are completely happy you are choosing the right person for your big day. It’s free engagement photos but without committing yourself to a photographer first so that you can make the right choice.

The first steps to book me for your big day

So to start with, contact me to see if I am available for your wedding. Couples usually book me around 18-24 months in advance but if your wedding is sooner I may still be available.

Once your date is available, 99% of people decide to go on the Free Wedding Photo Trial so that they can see how they look in my photos. It’s a great way to meet, see how I work, ask any questions you may have plus you get to keep the photos we take. It’s all completely free, without any commitment, as it happens all before you actually book me. I always keep your date aside once we book a meet up so that your wedding date doesn't get booked by another couple.

After you have seen the photos, I ask for a 20% deposit and to complete a booking form. This secures your booking and the next time you hear from me is a few weeks before your wedding to sort out the final details. And that's it, simple.

If you've read this far, well done, but you probably have also read a fair few others too. So how am I diiferent? With me, you're not just booking an award winning professional photographer, but also an extra friend to add to your day. I have helped bride's with thier dresses, veils and shoes; managed to get those button holes on the guys in the right place; I've even driven a whole bridal party to thier wedding when the car didn't show up (yes, seriously). But I have done all this whilst still capturing your day as you remember it, not how someone else thinks it should look.

Often I get asked why I do wedding photography and every time I say the same thing. It's fun! Who doesn't like a good wedding?! I am also hugely aware that I am capturing one of the most special moments of peoples' lives and it's honestly an honour and privilege to do so.

illustration popular

Suppliers you may like

Check out other suppliers that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Photography
Digital album
High resolution photos

What does the wedding package include?

My All Day coverage starts from 8.5 hrs and includes 500 images, all in colour and B&W delivered via Dropbox and/or USB and costs £1200 for a 2023 wedding date

How far in advance should I contact you?

Get in contact as soon as you have booked your venue as I get booked up on average 18 months in advance

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

No

Can you travel?

Yes, kent and it's boarders

What is the charge for travelling?

None

What style of photos do you take?

Traditional
Artistic
Photo journalism

What kind of technology do you use?

Digital

Do you use a specific technique or innovative approach?

I will just get stuck in with your day by joining in with your guests. After a while, everyone gets comfortable with me and the natural photos just start to flow

What kind of equipment do you use?

My 2 main cameras are the Nikon D850 and D780 combined with super fast focusing zoom lenses plus 3 fixed focal length lenses for to get that creamy background blur everyone loves,

Do you offer any tool to display the photos online?

Yes, dropbox for your full private gallery plus a selection of each wedding on my website

What's the delivery time for a photographic report?

1 month

Do you send all the photos taken?

No

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

In case of unforeseen circumstances, do you have a replacement photographer?

Yes

Do you have the rights to publish the wedding photos?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

Depending on what is required so get in touch. My 3 main packages on my website cover 99% of all the weddings I do

What are the forms of payment?

Online transfer

How do you work?

I never get people into awkward poses, I would just start to cringe! I'll get a very good idea how you are with photos within a few seconds so you take the lead and I'll get you as you

Served in

Essex and Kent

illustration notebook

Do you have any questions?

Reviews for Christopher Bell Photography

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
10 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Rhian
Rhian B. Sent on 22/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible!!

Chris was our wedding photographer yesterday and he was incredible. He is so warm and friendly and make us feel so comfortable throughout the day and the months leading up to it. Before we booked him he offered us a test shoot to check we liked his style which was basically a free engagement shoot and his photos are so gorgeous we just had to have him. I cannot wait to get our pictures back and reminisce on our wonderful day. We would 100000% recommend Chris to anyone looking for any event to be photographed
Heather
Heather J. Sent on 08/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely incredible photographer

We had Chris photograph our wedding and we honestly couldn’t be any happier. Right from meeting Chris at the photo trial we instantly knew that he was the photographer for us. He made us feel at ease and comfortable and the end result was incredible. We booked Chris 3 years before our wedding and the communication right to the very day was impeccable. Chris is very professional and the most friendliest photographer we have ever met. He couldn’t have done enough for us on the day and made everything run so smoothly. He honestly made our day so much more special and fun! We feel like we have made a friend. We can’t thank him enough and we highly highly recommend having Chris at your wedding.
HappyBlueDiamonds8898
Rose H. Sent on 30/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning Photography

Chris was absolutely wonderful both on our wedding day and in the lead up to it.
Unfortunately, due to COVID we had to postpone out wedding day twice. Chris was accomodating a flexible with the date changes.
He had a calm attitude and put everyone at ease, allowing him to capture stunning candid photos.
He included specific requests of photos we wanted to capture, but more importantly had great ideas for creative shots.
The photos he provided are absolutely stunning and truly capture the special moments of the day.
Rebecca
Rebecca N. Sent on 10/05/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely amazing photographer

Chris is an amazing photographer, who listened to what we wanted and the results completely blew us away. We are absolutely delighted with our wedding photos and everyone has commented on how amazing they are. Chris blended into the background, was unobtrusive but did what was needed to get the job done. Chris went above and beyond on our wedding day and it was an absolute pleasure to have him as our photographer.
M
Molly C. Sent on 17/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing!!!

We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer for our day. From start to finish Chris was so professional whilst also making us feel at ease and comfortable. So many of our guests commented on how incredible he was!
C
Calvin H. Sent on 15/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic Photographer

We had Chris photograph our special day at the Secret Garden. He was fantastic and so professional. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a wedding photographer. From the first time meeting for the photo trail to the big day Chris was amazing and so friendly.
C
Charlotte B. Sent on 07/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

What an amazing guy!

Chris was fantastic! The most genuine and down to earth guy. Also a great sense of humour! Chris was fab with our photography at our wedding and our photos are absolutely stunning, couldn’t have asked for anything more! Highly recommend!! Especially if you want natural and photos that tell the day from morning until night! Thanks so much Chris!! X
Jess
Jess M. Sent on 28/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Chris is amazing!!!

We used Chris for our wedding on 24th June at The Old Kent Barn. He was brilliant from start to finish, we first met and booked Chris in early 2018 and we are so glad we did. We had to postpone twice and Chris was so accommodating with changing our dates.
He was amazing on the day, everyone commented on how friendly and professional he was. Chris really puts you at ease and is so friendly.
We received our photos last week and they are absolutely beautiful, we couldn’t have asked for better. Chris captured our day beautifully and we now have the most amazing photos to look back on forever. Thank you so much Chris for just being amazing.
J
Jon H. Sent on 21/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Holland’s Mackenzie Wedding 2022

Chris is an amazing photographer and such a genuinely nice, funny and professional person. He was one of the first photographers we came across and saw he offered a meet and greet shoot which was an amazing opportunity to meet him and see his work.

We knew he would be the person to photograph our wedding. We had to delay 3 times due to COVID and he was so supportive and when it came to our special day he made it so enjoyable and stress free and managed so many amazing photos with barely knowing he was there.

We can’t thank him enough for his contribution to our day and his outstanding service. I would 100% recommend him to anyone who wants amazing photos with humour and professionalism.

Thanks again Chris.
B
Bev J. Sent on 20/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Chris is amazing! Highly recommended.

I found Chris on a Google search and contacted him. From the start he was friendly, responsive and when we met him he completely understood what we wanted from our wedding photos. He made helpful suggestions and we were both confident that we had made the right choice. On the day he did exactly as we had requested and he is such a lovely guy. The photos themselves are beautiful and we are so pleased with them. I can’t recommend him highly enough. You won’t be disappointed.
illustration stars

Did the reviews win you over?

Badges

Hitched Wedding Awards 2023 Winner

Map

The Downs, Chartham CT4 7PS Kemsley (Kent)

Other suppliers in Kent for your wedding

Wedding Suppliers