Picture Perfect
Sarah Varley speaks to Phillipa Chad about her wedding photography and her new studio at Stydd Gardens, Ribchester
Phillipa Chad combines experience and artistic flair to produce beautiful and natural reportage style wedding photography and portraiture.
Originally from Penwortham, Phillipa has had studios at Cedar Farm Gallery, Mawdesley and Powderham Castle, Exeter and is delighted with her new base at Stydd Gardens in Ribchester.
“Capturing those perfect moments is second nature to me,“ says Phillipa, who has been covering high-end weddings for over 20 years, including many recommendations from the National Trust. “I have been able to take fantastic photographs over the years of weddings in the most stunning locations. I think the National Trust recommend me because they know I will capture all the best moments against the backdrop of these beautiful buildings while giving them the respect they deserve. When Lord and Lady Newton’s daughter was getting married at their ancestral home of Lyme Park near Stockport, the National Trust rang me straight away, which was an honour and a truly fabulous day,” recalls Phillipa.
Phillipa has also received acclaim for her art photography. Her work has been shortlisted for the Royal Academy of Art Summer Exhibition and chosen for the Lancashire Open Exhibition at The Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk. She has also produced exhibitions for the Mounted Section of Lancashire Constabulary and West Lancashire Council.
“I like every photograph to be as natural as possible,” Phillipa explains. “People often mistake my photographs for paintings because of the colours, texture and composition. It’s not editing, it is capturing that perfect shot. One of the photos I took at an elephant park in Bali featuring fish and overhanging leaves looks really abstract, but that’s just the beautiful moment I managed to capture. I remember my short-listed photograph ‘A Glimpse of Anglesey’ took quite a few attempts as my Jack Russell kept jumping in front of the camera!” Phillipa has six dogs so she is well versed in capturing pets in weddings and engagement portraits too.
Phillipa knows the importance of getting to know exactly what couples want from their wedding photography beforehand so that everything runs smoothly on the day, and her modern and bright new studio at Stydd Gardens is the perfect space to discuss everything over a coffee.
“One of my strengths is fading into the background, invisibly capturing those magical moments without interrupting them,” Phillipa explains. “I also memorise all the names of the wedding party and put everyone at ease to get those perfect must-have group photos, gently guiding the groups based on our consultation without being bossy – this is your perfect day and my job is to quietly capture it in beautiful photographs you will love.”
Telephone consultations are available if preferred
Phillipa Chad
Stydd Gardens, Stoneygate Lane
Ribchester PR3 3YN
07793 932373
phillipachad.com
