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 Fruitcake Keepsakes, 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, people and things. The imperfect, the conventionally ugly, the strange, and the moments that go tits-up. Film felt like the only way to tell these stories properly. Fruitcakes gives you feelings, not just photos. It’s why Fruitcakes is 100% 35mm film. Due to this, there is a greater focus on making sure every frame is intentional. No clicking for the sake of clicking. And no hundreds of near-duplicates to sieve through. How overwhelming. The keepsakes part is mainly a nod to the vintage albums included as part of wedding packages. These keepsakes should be something you can hold (and sniff), pass around, and treasure, not just share on Instagram. Still share them on Instagram, though ;)

Why Does Fruitcakes shoot analogue 35mm film photography?

With a limited number of shots and no preview, film photography in general requires intense observation. And Fruitcakes takes this even further. A Magpie for details (a Virgo, if you’re into horoscopes), with a childlike view of the world. 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 vividly. 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 photo 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.

Do you shoot as an add-on or lead photographer?

For smaller, more intimate weddings, I typically shoot as the lead photographer. One pair of eyes, fully immersed, noticing the funny, quiet, chaotic and special bits that Fruitcakes’ is known for.

For larger weddings, I bring a second shooter with me, or come in as an add-on if you already have your lead shooter. That way, the day is fully covered without having to sprint between groups/rooms and miss the good stuff, like someone slipping over in a mini toad-in-the-hole.

Same observational approach. Just scaled properly, so nothing worth capturing gets missed.

For medium-sized weddings or don’t-know-what-size weddings if you’re in the earlier stages, get in touch, and we can work it out together <3

Do I need you if I already have a lead digital photographer and/or a second shooter?

This is entirely up to you, as it really is personal preference. I’m not there to replicate what your digital team is doing or to tick off coverage. So I consider Fruitcakes more of an add-on than a second shooter.

While your lead and second focus on full coverage and key moments, I stay observational, catching the quieter, funnier, artier, generally more intimate moments that often slip past in the chaos of weddings (larger ones especially). The result is a parallel story of the day: less about completeness, more about feeling.

Do you limit the number of weddings you shoot per year?

Yes! Fruitcakes takes a less-is-more approach in everything. From the way I take a photograph to the number of weddings I shoot, and also who I work with, to make sure we are the right fit for one another. Creativity and connection can’t run on empty. It needs time, energy, and genuine interest. By keeping weddings selective and to a minimum, I can dedicate more time to each couple in a way I know will make their day special. And not just your photos, but your entire interaction and experience. More focus, more care, and more getting to know you on a deeper level. Building a genuine relationship. Your story is always told with the attention and care it deserves. As well as everything in between.

Do you photograph other events besides weddings?

Yes! I photograph all events. It enables me to combine documentary, street and editorial for real, beautiful photos with genuine emotion, and I think it shows. 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 bursting out laughing, and for a glorious second, him assuming it’s his punchline, when they’ve actually clocked the flower girl behind him stuffing profiteroles in her gob. You get the picture. 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 ideally likes to slam into one impactful shot. It’s why events will always be my favourite playground.

What’s your shooting style?

It’s rather silly, really. Heart and humour. Observational rather than directed. Very detail-oriented. Everyone’s the main character. I naturally form connections with the seemingly unconnected for photos that are ironic and thought-provoking, so this has probably become a Fruitcakes staple that makes my photography a little different. A big focus on storytelling and cohesivity that sets your day apart from anyone else's, with a look and feel that’s entirely unique. And I do love a straight horizon. 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 wedding album included in the cost?

The vintage album is included in the Top-Tier Fruitcake Keepsakes wedding package. The cherry on the cake - A (Fruitcake) Keepsake, if you will. Please get in contact for more details on Fruitcakes’ packages.

Do you send the images in digital format, too?

Absolutely yes! In high resolution, of course. It would be a crying shame not to plaster these all over your social media.

Will there be fewer photos that I’d get from a digital photographer?

Yes. 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, we film photographers have to be more fussy with our shots, which makes us far more present and in the moment. But it’s not just that, Fruitcakes in particular operates from a highly intentional place. Each shot has layers of meaning and is worth framing and putting on your wall (like, actually). One bride, one photo in their gallery, exclaimed, “Omg I’d be happy if this was the only shot!”, and that’s the whole point. Achieving this means more looking and less clicking. A lot of couples also 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 digital wedding photographers if I want both?

Absolutely! I work with some of the best digital photographers and I’ll happily introduce you.

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 actually often being more reliable than digital cameras, I shoot with several film cameras and use only the best labs for ultimate reassurance. I also hand-deliver all the film! Never popped in the post - PHEW!

How do I get in touch with you?

If there’s anything I haven’t covered or you’d like to learn more about my packages, prices or booking me, please head to the Contact page and get in touch. I love a good chat xxx