About Gemma Cullen, Liverpool Wedding Photographer
Getting to know your wedding photographer is super important! It helps create a relaxed vibe for your big day, which is exactly what you want. When you and your photographer click, it makes the whole experience of taking photos so much more more enjoyable. My couples often want to have fun and share some laughs while capturing those special moments, and building that rapport can really make a difference.
My Story...
Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology, particularly computers, but my dad had a passion for photography that really shaped my childhood. I would often find myself sitting in his dark room where he was developing photos he'd taken. I was captivated by the magic of photo development, especially for those who remember the days of film.
After earning my degree in computing science at Staffordshire University, I kicked off my career as a web designer. Eventually, I felt the urge to pass on my tech knowledge, which led me to become a secondary school teacher—let's just say I got pretty good at managing big groups of people! While teaching full-time, I took my camera on adventures, snapping photos of landscapes, nature, and even some intriguing derelict buildings. However, I had never really ventured into portrait photography until one day in Liverpool, where I decided to try my hand at street photography. Capturing those fleeting expressions on people's faces was exhilarating and ultimately guided me toward wedding photography.
Now, years later, I find myself documenting your wedding day and weaving your unique story through my lens. I take immense pride in doing what I love and running a business that I built from the ground up. It truly doesn’t feel like work, and I couldn’t be happier!
I’m Gemma, a Liverpool-based wedding photographer for couples who want natural, relaxed photos without being told to pose, perform, or pretend to be someone they’re not.
If the idea of having your photo taken makes you feel a bit awkward, self-conscious, or mildly horrified, you’re very much my kind of people.
I don’t believe great wedding photography comes from forced smiles or constant direction. It comes from letting you enjoy your day, while I quietly capture the moments that actually matter.
A photographer who doesn’t love being photographed either
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Here’s the honest bit. I don’t love having my own photo taken - never have. But over the years, I’ve had to get more comfortable in front of the camera, whether for photos of myself or filming behind-the-scenes for Instagram. It’s not my favourite thing, but it’s taught me exactly what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens.
That’s why I’m calm, patient, and unobtrusive on a wedding day. I know what it feels like to be aware of a camera, and I work in a way that helps you forget it’s there.
Most of my couples tell me they felt relaxed, comfortable, and able to be themselves. That matters far more to me than perfectly posed shots.
Here’s what one of my brides had to say:
"We couldn’t be happier with our photos taken by Gemma on our wedding day. It was such a pleasure to have her and she was very accommodating to the fussy groom who isn’t keen on having his photograph taken. I would 100% recommend her for wedding photography" - Rachel, married at the Liver Building, Liverpool
How I ended up photographing weddings
I grew up around photography thanks to my dad, spending time in his darkroom watching images appear on film. Later, I studied computing science at university and worked as a web designer before becoming a secondary school teacher.
Teaching gave me skills I use at every wedding. Staying calm under pressure, managing groups of people, reading the room, and adapting quickly when plans change. Weddings are basically controlled chaos with better outfits.
Alongside teaching, I always had a camera with me. Landscapes, street photography, quiet moments. Over time, that naturally led me to weddings, where real emotion and fleeting moments are everywhere if you’re paying attention.
"From our first meeting to the wedding day itself, Gemma was a true professional. Her ability to capture the emotions and details of our special day was exceptional. She made us feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, which allowed for natural and candid moments. Our family and friends also remarked on how friendly and approachable she was throughout the day." - Melissa, married at Rowton Hall, Chester
What matters to me on a wedding day
What matters most to me is that you’re able to enjoy your wedding day without feeling managed, rushed, or constantly aware of a camera.
I work in a calm, unobtrusive way, focusing on real moments as they naturally unfold rather than staging or interrupting them. I won’t pull you away from your guests unnecessarily, and I won’t ask you to repeat moments that have already happened. My aim is for you to look back at your photos and recognise yourselves, not a version of you that was directed into place.
I pay close attention to the quieter moments as well as the obvious ones. Small interactions, expressions, and reactions that you might not even notice at the time often become the photographs couples value the most later on.
I’m also very aware that wedding days don’t always run exactly to plan. Timings shift, nerves kick in, the weather does its own thing. Staying calm, flexible, and adaptable is something I bring to every wedding, allowing things to flow without adding extra pressure.
Visually, my style is natural and timeless, with gentle, warm tones and minimal heavy editing. I focus on honest colour, flattering light, and a consistent look that will still feel right years from now.
Above all, I want you to feel comfortable, supported, and free to be present with the people you care about, while I quietly document the story of your day as it happens.
"On the day I felt like I never really saw Gemma once the wedding started, but once I saw our pictures it was apparent she was everywhere and picked up everything that happened; from my first look with my dad, to my mums tears to seeing my husband for the first time, everything was captured so beautifully." - Michelle, married at the Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool
Get to know me...
Favourite Animal
Cats every time. I have ragdolls called Daisy and Charlie (Although they only answer to Chaz and Daze!)
TV show
Love a good box set! Schitts Creek, Friends, 3rd Rock From the Sun, or TWD and Last of Us. Two totally different ends of the spectrum!
Music
I'm an indie girl at heart. Love a good gig! Love bands like the Black Keys, the Kills, White Stripes to name a few.
Food
Can't beat tapas in Liverpool at Lunya, or Salthouse Bacaro - delicious! Maray is amazing too!
Drink
There is only one answer here...prosecco!
Holiday
I absolutely love Barcelona. Perfect mix of city and beach. Amazing food, drink and architecture.
Hobbies
I do weightlifting to keep fit (although not to the extremes), love cooking and of course getting out with my camera. Oh and escape rooms - obsessed with them!!!
e: gemmacullenphotography@gmail.com
Wedding Photographer capturing candid and natural moments across Liverpool, Cheshire, North Wales and the rest of the Northwest UK