About Me
Birches & Pine's story
Like some of the best things in life, becoming a wedding photographer was not the original plan, but it happened after studying photography and returning from travelling abroad.
After university, I had already assisted a friend shooting a wedding, and once people know you are the one who takes photos, it does not take long before someone asks you to photograph theirs. A few weddings in, I realised I really loved it. So I quit the day job, packed a bag, and headed travelling, starting in India, my mum’s homeland. 🌏
I landed straight into the colour and chaos of Holi, then travelled around India (with many chapatis consumed along the way) before heading to Nepal. What was meant to be a short trip turned into something much longer thanks to an earthquake… long story!
Growing up in a multicultural family, moving into Asian and fusion weddings just made sense. The pace, colour, traditions, and big family energy felt familiar, and I was able to bring that experience into my work. When I got back home, I carried on photographing weddings, one leading to another, and before long Birches & Pine was born.
Head here if you would like to get to know me more about my natural approach to wedding photography. Below is to get to know more about me 😊.
"Hi, I'm James; I love travel, cake and meeting new people!"
I am using Duolingo to learn French. It took me three weeks to realise that “Duo” was a character in the app and not a French word I was supposed to be learning 😂 My French partner, and the mother of our son Luca, finds it impressive that it only took me six years to get started
I can play a lot of instruments (badly), but I can confidently knock out some Guns N’ Roses on a ukulele.
I have travelled to six continents. Antarctica looks far too cold, so I am happy to give that one a miss.
I got back into mountain biking years ago and immediately broke my collarbone just before wedding season. A strong reminder to know my limits.
I lived in Kenya for a year and once took a photo that ended up on a billboard.
My favourite ongoing photography project is documenting life with my son Luca and watching him grow up through pictures.
I have been vegetarian my whole life and firmly believe custard deserves its own food group.
I built my own pizza oven in the garden. It was too small… so I am clearly going to have to build another one.
"Hi, I'm James; I love travel, cake and meeting new people!"
I am using Duolingo to learn French. It took me three weeks to realise that “Duo” was a character in the app and not a French word I was supposed to be learning 😂 My French partner, and the mother of our son Luca, finds it impressive that it only took me six years to get started
I can play a lot of instruments (badly), but I can confidently knock out some Guns N’ Roses on a ukulele.
I have travelled to six continents. Antarctica looks far too cold, so I am happy to give that one a miss.
I got back into mountain biking years ago and immediately broke my collarbone just before wedding season. A strong reminder to know my limits.
I lived in Kenya for a year and once took a photo that ended up on a billboard.
My favourite ongoing photography project is documenting life with my son Luca and watching him grow up through pictures.
I have been vegetarian my whole life and firmly believe custard deserves its own food group.
I built my own pizza oven in the garden. It was too small… so I am clearly going to have to build another one.
Rave Reviews...
“His pictures are amazing! As someone who doesn’t like being in front of the camera, he made sure we were comfortable and talked us through poses. He caught all the best parts of the day so beautifully and we are so glad we chose James to capture them! He managed to capture the charm of our colourful wedding ♥️
If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I highly recommend Birches and Pine. You won’t regret it!”
Nafisa & Tony
Rave Reviews...
“His pictures are amazing! As someone who doesn’t like being in front of the camera, he made sure we were comfortable and talked us through poses. He caught all the best parts of the day so beautifully and we are so glad we chose James to capture them! He managed to capture the charm of our colourful wedding ♥️
If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I highly recommend Birches and Pine. You won’t regret it!”
Nafisa & Tony
