How and why I became a photographer

About Jerry Fenner

I grew up in Kent with a love of the outdoors and a curiosity for the natural world. That passion led me to study ecology at university, deepening my understanding of how everything is connected. Today, I feel lucky to call the New Forest home, where I share life with the woman I know is my soulmate. Surrounded by ancient trees, wildlife, and the ever-changing seasons, I find daily inspiration for my photography and my life.

My Photography Journey

My journey with a camera began with nature and wildlife, drawn to the wildness and fragility of life. Over time, that same curiosity and care extended to people — to the way love, family, and connection reveal themselves in quiet moments and genuine glances. Photography for me isn’t just about images; it’s about holding onto what matters most.

That journey developed in the 1990s when Chris Packham’s “Wildshots” on Channel 4 made me pick up my camera with greater intention. And as a result of that, when I spotted an advertisement in the local paper about a course at Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education, offering the opportunity to learn black and white developing and printing, I leapt at the opportunity.

Under the guidance of a brilliant tutor, Denis Roberts, I spent some very happy Saturday mornings in the college darkroom discovering the joys of black and white printing, the old way, and when the term came to an end, I promptly signed up for the following term’s course. After three and a half years, I’d exhausted what the college had to offer, and my photography had moved in some fantastic new directions. There’s a story here somewhere too – as an amateur, I really tried to avoid photographing people; now they are everywhere in my work, especially in my projects, in my art works. Who can fathom that story for me?

Inspired by Nature and Connection

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me walking the woods, listening to birdsong, or watching the light shift across the landscape. Those simple, quiet moments remind me why I do what I do — and why I want to capture stories for others that feel true, heartfelt, and timeless.

And I guess that’s why I love photographing weddings that are simple, unpretentious, and full of heart — the kind that haven’t cost a fortune but are rich in love, laughter, and connection. For me, it’s not about flashy displays or extravagant details; it’s about the genuine moments between people, the quiet glances, the bursts of laughter, and the friendships that shine through. These are the weddings that feel alive, that tell a real story, and that leave both you and me with images that capture the true spirit of the day.

The goes same for creating portraits that feel natural, relaxed, and full of life. They don’t need elaborate settings or expensive props — what matters most is capturing genuine connection, personality, and the small, meaningful moments that make each person unique. Whether it’s a single person, a couple, or a family, my aim is to create images that feel honest, heartfelt, and timeless, celebrating who you truly are.

Music, Life, and Creativity

If I’m not in the studio, or at a wedding, I might be at a gig or a festival – music is a big part of my life, especially live music. World and roots are my favourite kinds of music, and I include our fabulous English traditional in that too – if you’ve never listened to some of the young contemporary English folkies, you’re missing some rare treats! Check out Martha Tilston or Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker.

Philosophy and Values

I believe in quality — in thoughtful craft, in creating work that has soul — but quality doesn’t have to mean expense. What matters more is honesty and heart. Simplicity guides me, as does a mantra I try to live by: “No one wins unless we all win.” And I often return to the words of Lao Tzu: “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” These values shape not just how I photograph, but how I connect with the world. It can be a hard road to follow; my internal tendency is to complicate things!

Capturing Your Story with Photography

My aim is simple: to tell your story — the real, imperfect beautiful story — in images that feel alive, connected, and true. If you’re drawn to photography that honours nature, love, and gentle truth, I’d be honoured to work together.