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 use 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. 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 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.

Is film photography better than digital photography?

I believe there is a place for both, certainly at a larger wedding, which is why I also offer my service as an add-on. Digital photography is great because it offers greater convenience and affordability, including the ability to edit more easily post-capture. It allows for shooting a larger number of photos without film costs, making it a more practical choice, especially if you want lots of photos. But in my biased opinion, you cannot beat the special process and result film photography gives. So why choose one when you can have both?

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

BOTH :) Fruitcakes typically shoots as the lead photographer for small to medium-sized weddings and civil ceremonies (typically under 100 people). This is due to the nature of my shooting style, which prioritises capturing intimate moments, which is more difficult at larger venues with more people. So for larger weddings, I tend to work alongside a digital photographer. It would be a crying shame to miss someone slipping over on a mini toad in the hole while trying to be everywhere at once.

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

This is entirely up to you, as it really is personal preference. Fruitcake Keepsakes and film in general delivers a wholly different result. I consider Fruitcakes an add-on in these scenarios, rather than a second shooter. It gives you the best of both worlds and a totally different take on your day. It’s highly suited to larger weddings where there is a lot to capture and a lot going on. Moments that might have otherwise been overlooked in the chaos are captured with greater intimacy.

How many weddings do you shoot per year?

Fruitcakes takes a less-is-more approach in everything. From the way I take a photograph to the number of weddings I shoot. Creativity and connection can’t run on empty. It needs time, energy, and genuine interest. By keeping weddings to a minimum, I can dedicate more time to each couple. And not just your photos, but your entire interaction and experience. More focus, more care, and more getting to know what each couple desires, even if they don’t truly know themselves. Building a genuine relationship. Your story is always told with the attention it deserves. As well as everything in between.

Do you only photograph events?

Yes! Event photography 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 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. The only thing I take seriously is getting great photos. 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 wedding album included in the cost?

Yes! Everything is included in the Fruitcake Keepsakes wedding package. Photographing your event, developing, scanning and editing the photos, then sharing the images digitally once processed, as well as printing and preserving your favourites 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?

Absolutely not. They are all shared in high resolution! :)

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, us 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 meaning and is worth framing on your wall (like, actually). To achieve this, you have to look more and click less. 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, 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.

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.