Are you selling cake?

This one was asked by domain support at GoDaddy. But no, sadly I’m not. I’m a terrible baker. But I’m pretty good at film photography.

What’s Fruitcakes, and what’s the name all about?

Soft-centred and a little nutty, with an old soul, that’s me, and that’s exactly how I (my name is Jade btw) photograph. It’s how I see the world and the way I shoot. Finding beauty in all places, including the imperfect, the ugly, the strange, and the moments that go tits-up. Film felt like the only way to tell that story properly. Every frame is intentional, and somehow bottles atmosphere and emotion in a way digital never can. And vintage albums too, because these keepsakes should be something you can hold (and sniff), pass around, and treasure, not just Instagram posts.

Why Does Fruitcakes use analogue 35mm film photography?

With a limited number of shots and no preview, film photography requires intense observation. As an always-on perfectionist (a Virgo, if you’re into horoscopes), these skills come naturally to me and enable others to benefit from my neurosis. Think disciplined rebel (Aries moon if you’re really into horoscopes). Analogue film is also far better at capturing subtle details and colour contrasts, which enables my fussy little peculiar vision to be translated more accurately. And everything is just all the more special, isn’t it? “I can feel the day”, exclaimed one of my bride’s nan’s (who couldn’t make the wedding) as she flicked through the Fruitcake album, soddening the delightfully musky pages with her happy tears. The energy truly is palpable and captures the essence of the day in a way that digital cameras simply cannot.

Is film photography better than digital photography?

I think there is a place for both, certainly at a wedding, which is why I offer my service as an add-on. Digital photography is great for your full wedding coverage, thus used more than film because it offers greater convenience, affordability, and flexibility, including the ability to preview images instantly, easily edit them post-capture, and shoot a large number of photos without worrying about film costs, making it a more practical choice for most photographers. But in my opinion, you cannot beat the special result film photography gives (and the process makes it magical too), so why choose one when you can have both?

Do I actually need you if I already have a digital photographer?

This is entirely up to you, as it really is a personal preference. Your main coverage photographer, who will probably be shooting digitally, will be busy getting the main wedding ‘coverage’. Fruitcake Keepsakes has a less-is-more approach. Think fewer clicks and more intense observation, resulting in fewer images telling multi-layered stories. The close-up details. The juxtaposition. The ironic elements. The misbehaving guests. Packed into one shot. All of which are spotted and quickly snapped to create a photo that packs a punch. Whether it’s side moments or big moments from a different angle, Fcakes captures moments and details that might otherwise be overlooked with careful composition to give you nostalgia, art and humour, preserving the ambience intimately and authentically, especially since it’s shot in film. This also means no sifting through tens of almost-same shots, no decision fatigue for you or Fruitcakes!

Do you ever shoot as main photographer?

Due to increasing requests (love you, guys), Fruitcakes does now shoot as the main photographer for smaller, more intimate events and civil ceremonies. Please get in touch to see if Fruitcakes could be the right fit for you!

How many weddings do you shoot per year?

Fruitcakes takes a less is more approach in everything. From the number of weddings I shoot (never more than three per month), to the way I frame a photograph. Creativity can’t run on empty. It needs time and energy. By keeping weddings to a minimum, I can give more to each couple — more focus, more care, and more getting to know what each couple desires, even if they don’t truly know themselves. Your story is told with the attention it deserves.

Do you only photograph events?

My background is fashion editorial, which lends well to creating those picture-perfect shots. But it left me a little soulless. Yes, it was perfect, but it wasn’t real. Event photography enables me to combine editorial style with documentary realness for beautiful photos with genuine emotion, and it shows. My passion is events and weddings in particular, because nowhere else do human quirks surface faster than the polite half-jog to the canapé tray. The best man grinding through a ChatGPT speech; the guests burst out laughing and, for a glorious second, he assumes it’s his punchline, when they’ve clocked the flower girl behind him stuffing profiteroles in her gob. Weddings bring the kind of blink-and-you-miss-it comedy that keeps my shutter finger twitching. Those split-second collisions of beauty, chaos, and sheer hilarity are what my detail-obsessed eye lives for and likes to slam into one impactful shot, and why events will always be my favourite playground.

What’s your shooting style?

It’s rather silly, really. I like to form connections with the seemingly unconnected for a photo with humour and emotion. Think, a budget Wes Anderson. Manicured big toe looking extra cute in your open-toe Manolos? I got it! Your gran and grandad having a smoochy slow dance in the background? Got that! … And in the same shot! (But the toe takes the spotlight, of course). Your aunt’s Chantilly lace sleeve dipping in her minestrone soup? I’ll get that too, but perhaps it doesn’t make the Keepsakes photo album. I love people. And I love their quirks. And I think it shows in my photography, which I pour my entire soul into.

Is the vintage album included in the cost?

Yes! Everything is included in the Fruitcake Keepsakes package. Photographing your event, sharing the photos digitally once processed and printing and preserving them in a vintage photo album for you and future generations to treasure forever - A (Fruitcake) Keepsake, if you will.

Do you send the images in digital format, too?

Absolutely yes! It would be a crying shame not to plaster these all over your social media.

Are photos too low quality for sharing on social media?

No, they’re better! This is a common misconception with film photography because of the grainy texture (that actually many now choose to add artificially to their digital photos). Basically, digital camera sensors are made up of millions of tiny squares that give us an image. Analogue film isn't split up in such a linear way, and because of that, it naturally blends light and colours better. And if you prefer less grain, this can be achieved with a different type of film. There’s bloody good reason film photography has made a comeback!

Will there be fewer photos than my digital photographer takes?

Yes and no. You’ll have fewer photos in total. But you’ll probably end up with a similar number of ‘goodies’, put it that way. Due to the limited number of images on a roll, us film photographers have to be more fussy about our shots, which actually makes us far more present and in the moment. Each shot is meaningful. And actually, a lot of couples say they love the fact that they weren’t overwhelmed with tons of almost-same shots and having to decide which to cull and which to keep.

Do you know any wedding photographers for my main photos?

Absolutely, some of the best! And I have worked with them too! I’ll happily introduce you.

Do you shoot other events?

I shoot all types of events! Wherever there are people, I’ll shoot. But weddings are my flour, eggs and butter.

Are photos staged?

Never! They are completely natural. This requires being quick off the gas, especially in film photography, where more thought and precision are required to get THE SHOT. But fear not; this is my speciality.

What if it goes tits-up?

This is a common and very fair worry in the film photography world as to many, you’re venturing into the unknown. But worry not! Film is my best mate. Despite analogue often being more reliable than digital cameras, I shoot on two film cameras AND digitally for backup for ultimate reassurance - PHEW!

Can I choose my photo album?

Yes, of course you can. I search the Kingdom for the best vintage photo albums to showcase the detail-oriented images I capture, ensuring they’re preserved for future generations to cherish forever.