That’s us.. so it is
IRELAND / UK / EUROPE / USA / NEW ZEALAND
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
COPYRIGHT © 2023 CHRIS COPELAND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Hello there!
I'M CHRIS
I’m an Alternative, Luxury Wedding Photographer based in Belfast but shooting internationally.
I live just outside of Belfast with my best friend and better half, Colleen. We are the proud parents of two tiny humans and our crazy golden retriever. Stevie-Rose rocked our world, joining our family 2020 along with our original baby-girl, Molly, our senior and totally blind, golden retriever (RIP Mollz) We welcomed little Sunny into the world in 2023 and she has lived up to her name, a little ray of sunshine! Alfie, half retriever, half rough collie (100% floof!) completes our gang. We are both massive animal lovers, are most happy when out amongst nature and a quick flick through our instagram can attest to what massive foodies we are.
We've been fortunate enough to have seen a lot of this beautiful world in our time together and I consider myself extremely lucky as I love what I do and it's brought me to some beautiful places far and wide.
My M.O? I want to capture all the important things about your wedding. The connections, little glances, those big hugs and crazy shapes being pulled. The real stuff.
I capture love in all its forms and have shot all over this beautiful, crazy world from New Zealand to Las Vegas and lots of places in between.
If you think we're a match and want to know more, get in touch to check my availability.
NOW BOOKING 2024/25
WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS
THINGS I LOVE
- Our wee family
- Photography
- Travelling
- Driving down Big Sur
- Crisps
- Hunter S. Thompson
- Tattoos
- Kubrick / Tarantino films
- Good coffee and even better food!
- Time in the mountains/in the sea
5 THINGS ABOUT ME
- I am a hugger
- I can hold my breath for 3 minutes in cold water.
- I wear my heart on my sleeve
- I cry at *that* opening scene of "Up". Every. Single. Time. Damn you Pixar.
- I can definitely down a pint of Guinness faster than you!
About – Alternative & Authentic Wedding Photographer, Northern Ireland 2023
My best friend and better half. Colleen has been a constant in my life for nearly 17 years (the poor critter!) While she doesn't play a part in image making, she's the studio manager, an all round creative who excels at anything she tries her hand at, and is the author of her very own vegan cookbook! She's an amazing Mum, a constant support and most importantly, fuels my endless appetite with delicious plant based food!
The glue that holds it all together
COLLEEN
Our world. For a couple who had always been dog people and balked at the thought of creating a mini us, we are totally and utterly besotted by this little human. She's without doubt the best thing that has ever happened to us, loves to dance, lots of snacks (like her Da) and we cannot wait to show her more of this beautiful world we inhabit.
THE MONKEY!
STEVIE-ROSE
Our little surprise package joined us earth-side in mid February 2023. She's managed to make our hearts swell even more than we ever thought possible. Mummy is thankful she's a great feeder and Daddy is thankful she's a great sleeper (for the most part!)
The last piece of the puzzle!
SUNNY
Our first baby. RIP
Our extremely cute and hyperactive 11 year old little lady. She may now be totally blind, but this doesn't slow her down in her golden years. For anyone that's had the pleasure of meeting her, you know she's a gentle, unique and special soul. She's our original OG, and forever will be our first baby.
Chief mascot
MOLLY (2009-2021)
Alfie defies description. Molly is definitely weird, and before this wee handsome devil entered our lives, we thought she was as weird as it got. Alfie is next level. We worked with a UK based charity to rescue him from what was a pretty lousy life on the streets of Turkey. He now calls Ireland home and can be found lying flat out on his back or happily chewing to bits whatever socks or footwear have been left unguarded.
Chief troublemaker
ALFIE
Much more comfortable behind the camera, than in front of it. I'm the lucky sod that records the moments you'll forget. Backstage access to witness & click some of the most intimate moments of your lives. If you see weddings as a perfect, fairytale day, I'm not the man for you. If you see them as a celebration, a weird and beautiful dance, where the floor is jammed packed with emotions you didn't know you had, then I'm your guy.
Photographer
CHRIS
The reason why it all works. I work with amazing humans and bear witness to the most intimate moments of your life. The reason why you find yourself scrolling through my ramblings now, is because all of my couples, past and present have "let me in" to capture that love and those moments.
The magic sauce
YOU GUYS!
FAQ's
01.
Where are you based?
We’re based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Technically, just outside of Belfast but I've travelled all over Ireland, Europe and internationally shooting weddings.
02.
Oh, so you travel for weddings?
Absolutely! We love to travel and are always on the road (pre 2020)
Travel within a 100 mile radius of Belfast is included and outside of this there is a minimum mileage rate and any accommodation/flights if required. We always do our best to keep these costs to a minimum.
03.
How long do you stay at our wedding?
Depending on which level of coverage you’ve chosen, I’m with you all day from the morning prep through to the evening speeches and dance floor mayhem. I couldn’t miss your favourite in-law pulling some serious shapes!
04.
Have you shot at our venue before?
There’s nothing more that I love to do than explore new places and that goes for venues too. Shooting internationally, I’m always coming across exciting new locations and with that comes a chance to create something different. I find that it helps kick my creativity into overdrive. Rather than relying on the same spots or locations of a venue I’m looking at everything, the light, the location, the surroundings with a fresh pair of eyes and I’ve found this to be invaluable when it comes to capturing the intricacies of your day.
05.
Are you insured?
Yes, I have both Public Liability & Public Indemnity Insurance and all my equipment is insured.
06.
Do you shoot same sex couples?
Did my time machine work? Of course I do, it’s 2022. Love is love people <3
07.
Do you need a shot list?
Hell no! (Joking / not joking) They simply are not necessary if you trust me. As important as family formals are to a lot of our couples we’ve found that if they are kept to a minimum on the day this allows me more time to spend looking for those unscripted moments. The thing about a shot list is, in the end they actually can prevent me from capturing the natural flow and authentic emotions of the day. It also means more time spent with your guests!
08.
How and when will we receive our photos?
Typically 6-8 weeks after your wedding. When wedding season is in full swing this may be a little longer. But I’ll always give you a rough idea when we’re hugging it out at the end of the night! You’ll receive an online slideshow a few weeks after the wedding to whet you appetite and then your full gallery (500+ images) via a private password protected online gallery. Don’t worry, there’s no naff watermarks!
09.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I'm been a full-time wedding photographer since 2015. I've always been interested in the power of imagery and film. I spent long childhood afternoons pouring over my grandparents photo albums in wonder of the people looking back at me.
10.
We're all in, how do we book you?
To check my availability, head over to the contact page and fill out the very quick inquiry form - alternatively email photocmcopeland@gmail.com
I only take on a limited number of weddings each year to devote the time to you both and ensuring your story, and this weird journey we're all on, is told as it ought to be. With care and intent.
I can book up 12-18 months in advance but drop me a line to chat dates and plans for world domination.
What inspires me?
Colleen + Stevie
Documenting real moments
Cinematography
Street photography
Creative lighting
Coffee & anything with apple + cinnamon combo
Classic movies / film noir
The second cup of coffee
Travelling to new places
Taking time to slow down and witness this weird journey we’re all on
MY PHILOSOPHY
As an emotional, story-driven photographer, I am constantly pursuing authentic, timeless, organic & natural imagery. Having an emotional connection to your story inspires and drives my creativity. I use my eyes as much as my other spidey senses. Listening with my head and my heart.
It's not a fairytale, it's a ritual/party/dance floor extravaganza where you invite all your favourite people to come along, celebrate and get merry. Do it exactly how you want, whatever that looks like.
With that in mind – I encourage all clients, families, and lovers to let go, trust and enjoy the journey <3
