Dorset Wedding Photographer

THE BEST PLACE TO BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU

Creative, unscripted wedding photography

Documenting the best parties across Dorset, Hampshire, and Beyond.

Bride and Groom on dance floor at St Giles House

Dorset wedding photographer

THE BEST PLACE TO BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU

Creative, unscripted wedding photography

Documenting the best parties across Dorset, Hampshire, and Beyond.

You didn’t plan a production-line wedding, so don’t settle for standard wedding photos. I’m here for the couples who care more about the experience than the shot list.
I’m Nathan, a creative wedding photographer based in Dorset. My approach is straightforward: I document the reality. The chaos, the calm, and the energy of the day as it actually happens.
Whether you are planning a local celebration in Sandbanks, a barn wedding in the New Forest, or traveling down to the Jurassic Coast for the big day, my job is to capture the action without the awkward posing.
Bold. Honest. Unposed. This is photography for people who want to enjoy their own party.

Space hoppers at Owlpen Manor weddding

Nathan has a certain skill for engaging crowds and making sure everyone feels at ease – especially with those who normally feel camera shy and uncomfortable when having their photo taken. 

Alice Greedus

Welcome to Libra Photographic

You didn’t plan a production-line wedding, so don’t settle for standard wedding photos. I’m here for the couples who care more about the experience than the shot list.
I’m Nathan, a creative wedding photographer based in Poole. My approach is straightforward: I document the reality. The chaos, the calm, and the energy of the day as it actually happens.
Whether you are planning a local celebration in Sandbanks, a barn wedding in the New Forest, or traveling down to the Jurassic Coast for the big day, my job is to capture the action without the awkward posing.
Bold. Honest. Unposed. This is photography for people who want to enjoy their own party.

Space hoppers at Owlpen Manor weddding

MORE PARTY LESS POSING

Documentary Wedding Photography for the Non-Traditional

Forget the stiff smiles and the production line of group shots. Your wedding is a major life event, not a photoshoot. I work in a documentary style, blending into the crowd to capture the moments you might have missed. Now this does not mean zero portrait or groups, these are managed by careful pre-planning between us so the fun doesn’t stop.
From the nervous anticipation in the morning to the absolute carnage on the dancefloor, I record the day exactly as it went down. No scripts, no “say cheese,” just the good stuff.

Nathan’s eye for detail, his use of light, and the way he tells a story through images are second to none. We’ve looked through our gallery countless times already and still find new moments to smile (and tear up) over.

Holly Howlett

Where I Work

While I call Poole home, my cameras travel everywhere. I mainly shoot weddings throughout Dorset, Hampshire, and the South West (I know this area inside out), but I’m always ready to pack a bag for a destination wedding or a UK elopement.

Regular venues & locations:

  • Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Castle, Smedmore House, Pennsylvania Castle.
  • Coastal: Sandbanks, Studland Bay, Highcliffe Castle, Bournemouth & Christchurch
  • Country: The New Forest, Sopley Mill, Larmer Tree Gardens, Hale Park.
  • City & Travel: London, Somerset & Destination Weddings.

Things you probably want to know

Yes, but we keep it painless. I recommend keeping the formal list to 8–10 groups max. We’ll smash through them in 15 minutes immediately after the ceremony so your guests can get back to the bar (and I can get back to documenting the candid stuff).

Absolutely. While I’m based in Poole, I regularly shoot weddings across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and London. I love a road trip, so if you’re planning something in the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, just ask.

That is literally my ideal client. 95% of the couples on my website told me they hated having their photo taken. My documentary style means you don’t have to “perform.” You just hang out, drink champagne, and ignore me. That’s when the best photos happen. Any Portraits we take are done in short bursts to give you break from the masses and we hang out and go for a walk easy.

I don’t cap the number of images. For a full-day wedding, you typically receive 500+ edited high-resolution images. Every photo is edited in my signature style—bold, colourful, and gritty.

I’ve shot at hundreds of venues across the South West, from Lulworth Castle and Smedmore House to rustic barns in the New Forest. If I haven’t shot at your specific venue, I’ll scout it beforehand to find the best light and angles.

One of the biggest draws to Dorset is the variety of landscapes it offers. Whether it’s the rugged coastline, quaint villages, or sprawling countryside, each location has its charm.
Close to my home is the Jurassic Coast, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and prehistoric fossils found by the now infamous Mary Anning. Iconic landmarks such as Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door, a favourite with photographers trying to ‘thread the needle’ at sunrise where the sun is perfectly aligned with the stone arch.
Golden Beaches: Some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, including Chesil Beach, Studland Bay, and Lyme Regis Cobb are an attraction for Dorset. The soft light of sunrise and sunset makes these provide stunning scenery for landscape and portrait photography.

A little Dorset background

Beyond the coastline, Dorset features miles of unspoiled countryside, from the Purbeck Hills to Blackmore Vale. Wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, and vast heathlands create a variety of breathtaking backdrops.
Dorset’s market towns and villages offer a glimpse into the past, with their cobblestone streets, thatched cottages, and historic landmarks. Towns like Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Corfe Castle give a sense of romance.

Charming Village Scenes

The golden glow of Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill or the quaint cottages of Abbotsbury and Milton Abbas provide timeless images of English rural life.

Dorset’s rich literary connections make it even more special. The county has inspired Thomas Hardy, one of England’s greatest writers, who based many of his novels on real-life Dorset locations. Max Gate, Hardy’s former home, and the landscapes of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ and ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ imagine having the same inspiration for your wedding. Historic buildings such as Lulworth Castle, Athelhampton House, and Highcliffe Castle add grandeur and elegance to Dorset’s landscape. Many of these sites have witnessed centuries of history, making them fascinating places to explore and photograph. Many weddings become part of that history as they are now phenomenal wedding venues.

Wildlife and Nature

Home to diverse wildlife, from the deer of Arne Nature Reserve, where I’ve seen a white hart! to the seabirds along the Chalk Cliffs. I love to get out my telephoto lens and try to spot Puffins near Old Harry’s Cliff.

Dorset’s Coastal & Countryside Charm

The diversity of Dorset’s landscapes allows for a variety of photographic styles. The county’s mix of coast, countryside, and historic architecture means every location offers something different.

Dramatic Seascapes

Watching the waves crashing against the cliffs at Portland Bill or the surf at Kimmeridge Bay provides a stunning contrast and texture.

Sunset Views

Dorset’s west-facing beaches, such as Lyme Regis and West Bay, offer some of the best sunset photography spots in the UK, even filmmakers agree. The series Broadchurch was filmed here. 

Food, Traditions & Local Charm

Dorset isn’t just about scenery—it’s also known for its local traditions and food. Famous for unique delicacies such as Dorset Knobs (a hard biscuit) and Blue Vinny Cheese. Regional markets in towns like Bridport and Dorchester bring a lively atmosphere and showcase the best of the county’s produce.

Stories of smugglers and hidden coastal caves add an air of mystery, with places like Moonfleet Bay and the Isle of Portland having fascinating stories tied to Dorset’s past. Spotlighting these elements with photography helps to tell the deeper story of the county beyond its landscapes.