In this episode I sit down with Jade Greenbrooke, a Kent-based editorial and documentary wedding photographer who has been shooting weddings since the age of 16. Jade is fully self-employed, shoots around 50 weddings a year, and has generated over 430 enquiries since January alone, almost entirely through TikTok and Instagram.

We cover a huge amount of ground in this conversation. Jade opens up about her rocky start in the industry, including hiding in a cupboard crying at her very first wedding at 16 and why her photography degree left her with little more than a dislike of film photography. She shares how a snowy January wedding at 18 reignited her passion and set her on the path to where she is today.

One of the things I find most compelling about Jade's approach is her philosophy that couples want to look their best, not just be photographed as they are. She explains why the anti-posing narrative has done couples a disservice, how she navigates portrait sessions so couples never feel overloaded with pictures, and why building genuine rapport before you even pick the camera up is one of the most important skills you can develop.

We also dig into how she structures her wedding days to get the best from portrait sessions, why she times everything around golden hour and the first dance, and the practical techniques she uses to put couples at ease including knowing their best angles and hyping them up in the moment.

On the business side, the numbers Jade shares are extraordinary. Over a thousand enquiries last year, a starting price of £3,500, and a diary that fills itself without paid advertising, a PR strategy, or SEO investment. It all comes down to posting work she is genuinely proud of and letting that speak for itself. She also shares her thoughts on managing social media without letting it consume your creative vision, including why she follows fewer than 100 people on Instagram.

We wrap up talking about gear, shooting on aperture priority, the Canon kit she has used from her first 1100D through to the R5 Mark II, and why a simple approach to flash can often serve couples better than technically complex lighting setups.

This is a brilliant episode for anyone questioning whether the pure documentary approach is always right for their couples, or wondering whether organic social media can still build a genuinely thriving business. Jade is proof that it can.

Key Topics Covered

Shooting her first wedding at 16 and the anxiety that came with it
Why her photography degree nearly put her off photography for good
The editorial versus documentary debate and why couples often want more than pure candids
Portrait session structure and keeping couples energised throughout the day
How she uses TikTok and Instagram to generate enquiries without paid ads
Why following fewer accounts can protect your creative vision
Camera settings, gear choices, and her thoughts on flash
Advice for photographers starting out at less-than-glamorous venues

Find JadeWebsite: jadegreenbookephotography.co.ukInstagram: @jadegreenbrookeTikTok: @jadegreenbrooke

How to cull faster - With Martin Cheung