Learning to Fly Award – Irish Documentary Wedding Photographer of the Year

Winning an award is always an honour, but the Learning to Fly Awards felt particularly meaningful. Not only was I recognised for my documentary wedding photography, but I was also invited to speak on stage about why I believe real, unscripted moments matter most.

What the Learning to Fly Award Recognises:

The Learning to Fly Awards celebrate photographers who are pushing boundaries with fresh, creative storytelling. Unlike technical competitions that focus on staged perfection, these awards highlight vision, authenticity, and emotional impact. For me, that’s exactly what documentary wedding photography is all about — real moments, captured honestly.

Speaking on Stage: Sharing My Approach

Standing in front of an audience of peers, I spoke about my philosophy: weddings aren’t photo shoots, they’re living, breathing stories. My goal isn’t to interrupt or orchestrate — it’s to document. From kids tearing around the dance floor to quiet moments between parents, these are the memories couples cherish years later.

Why Awards Matter in Wedding Photography

Awards don’t define a photographer — but they show consistency, artistry, and peer recognition. Couples choosing an award-winning photographer can feel confident they’re hiring someone whose work is respected not just by clients, but also by industry leaders.

If you’re planning your wedding in Dublin, Wicklow, or Meath and want photography that captures your story naturally, the way it really happened, I’d love to hear from you. Have a look at my recent weddings or enquire about your date today.

I know a lot of photographers don’t like to enter awards or competitions but I find that they help keep me sharp. Myself and Annie both regularly enter them and we sit down every two weeks and look through our images to see how they measure up to our wedding photography goals.