Hello.
Photographs are amazing.....
They can hold the history of your family or memories of special days, whether it's your wedding celebration or a perfect day on the beach. After people and pets, they are often someone's most treasured possessions.
My name is Karen Parker and I have been a qualified, professional photographer for many years.
My Mum said that I was born with a camera in my hand but my real passion for photography began when my parents gave me their old Kodak camera, I think I was about 6 at the time. I still have it on my desk. I later studied fine art, photography, film and video production and graduated with an HND and British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) Professional Qualifying Exam (PQE). My career has included working in commercial studios in London and the Media department at a University.
PARKWIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Parkwin Photography was born in 2008 following a short break being a full time Mum (although I never put my camera away!)
Every couple is unique and from the first consultation to the editing of your images or creation of albums I offer a personal touch. I listen to all your weddings plans, how you want the day to flow and what you want from your photography. I photograph weddings throughout the South East of England and beyond and other family celebrations in South Hertfordshire and North London. I live in a lovely buzzing little place called Bushey near Watford with my husband and very large dog! I have two grown up children who make me proud every day.
WHY PARKWIN?
Well, it's a mix of my married and maiden name. When I set up on my own, there was already a photographer with my name and so I decided on Parkwin. I later found out that when my daughter was very little she and a friend had an imaginary pal called Parkwin. Spooky!
WHAT DO I LOVE?
My family is the most important thing to me but I also love... photography of course, (have my camera with me all the time, drives my family mad), weddings, love the fun, romance and all the gorgeous details, parties, chocolate....., films (bit of a Rom Com obsessive!), little fishing harbours and small seaside villages, walks in the country, narrowboats (lived on one for three years), cupcakes, books, dogs and cats, a day out in London, 1970s music, chocolate.... being as eco friendly as possible, browsing through charity shops and bric a brac stalls, all things vintage, art nouveau, art deco, street food, history, listening to my daughter and son sing, VW camper vans, vintage cars, old family photographs, live music- acoustic, rock and recently discovered my guilty pleasure for modern country, art, watching musical theatre, my son's jokes, steam punk design, Christmas, Halloween and..... chocolate.
Wedding Photography and other family celebrations.
I am passionate about photography and work hard to preserve the moments, atmosphere and emotion of your special occasion. From a small gathering celebrating a birthday, anniversary or Christening to the grandest wedding I am constantly looking and listening for that perfect moment. As a documentary/reportage photographer I specialize in taking photos for people who are camera shy. I preserve your unique story in a natural, unposed, unobtrusive way. I like you to feel at ease with me around, just like one of your guests.
DO I ENJOY WHAT I DO?
I am often asked if I enjoy my job. Well yeah! Who wouldn't. I spend time with lovely people at wonderful venues on an extremely happy day. I have to concentrate all day, constantly looking and listening for the next laugh, cry, loving glance and all mega moments. The time and energy that it takes to photograph a 12 hour wedding (or two days of celebrations) with artistry and feeling, capturing all the emotions, would be impossible if I didn't love it. Then there are all the days of editing, meetings, admin, travelling and more. It is my full time job, although photography has always been my passion.
For full details of how I work please have a look at My Style & Approach to weddings. or Party Celebrations.
Not sure what style of photography to choose or what questions to ask? Some ideas can be found in Choosing your Photographer.
