August 2025 Newsletter

Recent works

A serious note to start on & secrets I don’t normally share

I want to start this month’s newsletter on a more personal note, because it’s something that truly shapes the way I see my work as a photographer. In 2021, I lost my dad after his battle with cancer, & covid. More recently, my friends & family have been grieving the loss of Dad's best friend - someone I’ve known my whole life & who meant a great deal to my dad & indeed all of us. Moments like these are a stark reminder of why I do what I do: preserving memories.

Over the past 20 years I’ve photographed countless weddings, family sessions, & portraits. Something I don’t often talk about is how often I’m contacted by past clients after a loved one has passed away. In those moments, the photographs we created together become priceless. While many photographers only keep images for a year or two, I’ve always made it a point to preserve as many as I can, because I know first-hand how much they can mean. My commitment to preserving these memories often continues long after clients have received their photographs. While it does come at my own cost in time & resources, it’s something I believe in deeply - and continuing to receive bookings is what makes it possible for me to keep doing this for people.

One thing I’ve learned is that while people may sometimes hesitate about the cost of professional photography, when life takes unexpected turns, those costs quickly fade into insignificance compared to the value of having tangible memories to hold onto. The messages of gratitude I receive from families who are able to look back at photographs they thought were lost mean more to me than I can ever say.

These days, most people rely on social media to store their memories – but it’s important to remember how fragile that really is. If your photos only live on Meta or similar platforms, I’d strongly encourage you to download your data (there are easy guides online) so you have your own copy. Relying on distant corporations to safeguard precious moments is risky. Platforms change, companies fold, politics shift – and your memories aren’t their priority. As the saying goes, if the service is free, you’re the product.

That’s why I take backups seriously. Every client gallery is securely stored in multiple locations worldwide and also physically backed up in my own systems – fully encrypted and protected – giving peace of mind that your images are safe no matter what happens.

Beyond digital, I’m also a firm believer in real prints. There’s nothing quite like holding a tangible photograph in your hands. Prints aren’t just safer than relying on cloud storage – they can be treasured, shared, and passed down for generations, independent of technology or shifting markets.

I’ll share below a short story about my own experience with a recent print made by a good friend of mine.

Finally, photography, for me, has always been about more than just pictures. It’s about connection, love, family, & the stories we want to remember. I see my role as a professional photographer as essential to preserving those memories, and consistent bookings are what allow me to keep doing this important work. If you’ve been thinking about booking a wedding, portrait, or family session, or even just photos of you & your friends on adventures, I’d be honoured to help you create & safeguard your memories . When the time comes to look back on life’s most important moments, the dedication, care & quality of professionally captured images will matter far more than the short-term savings of asking a hobbyist or cutting corners - please do reach out today.

A Beautiful Proposal at Penmon Point

I recently had the joy of photographing Thomas and Molly at Penmon Point, where Thomas asked Molly the most important question of all. Proposal shoots are some of my absolute favourites - there’s nothing quite like capturing the candid, genuine emotions of someone who has no idea what’s about to unfold. It feels such a privilege to be trusted to witness and preserve a once-in-a-lifetime moment like this.

What made this even more special was Thomas’s thoughtfulness in choosing Penmon. They are holidaying here together, and he wanted the proposal to happen on the rocky beach where they can search for sea glass together. Even more beautifully, he plans to set a piece of that sea glass into Molly’s ring, so they’ll always carry a part of the place where their new chapter began. It doesn’t get more romantic than that 🥹

For me, part of the fun is the build-up - waiting quietly on the beach, camera in hand, blending in as a wildlife photographer until their arrival. It’s something I’ve done many times before, & experience helps me remain unnoticed so the moment stays completely natural & authentic.

A huge thank you to Thomas and Molly for inviting me to be part of such a meaningful day. I couldn’t be happier for them both, and I wish them all the love and happiness in their life together.

Upcoming Wedding Fayres

A kind gesture by a good friend

As I mentioned earlier, I was recently given a truly thoughtful gift – a print of my late dad, created by my friend Glyn Davies, a fine art landscape photographer who's gallery is based in Caernarfon. This gesture perfectly illustrates why high-quality, professionally printed photographs hold so much meaning.

Glyn’s main work is fine art landscape imagery, and the quality of his printing is second to none. He’s not a general printing service by any means, but as a photographer with over four decades of experience, he deeply understands the value of preserving memories. Very occasionally, he’ll print something personal for friends, and I’m so grateful he did in this case. The print means the world to me, to my mum, and to our family as a whole.

It’s a little ironic trying to share this in a digital newsletter, because no screen can really do the print justice. The image almost feels like a painting, yet it’s unmistakably a photograph, with a depth and presence that makes it come alive. The archival papers and inks used mean it will last far beyond my own lifetime, ensuring the memory is preserved for generations to come.

A huge thank you to Glyn for this gift. If you’d like to see more of his incredible fine art landscapes, I’d highly recommend visiting his gallery to witness these prints yourself, or for those further afield, exploring his work online.

The digital image of the print is below.

September in the Pipeline

This month is shaping up to be a wonderfully busy one, with weddings and wedding fayres already booked in! Once the main work is wrapped up, I’m also hoping to take an adventurous trip away. It feels like the right time for a change of scenery after a busy and, at times, challenging period outside of photography.

The trip will be a chance not only to recharge, but also to enjoy a different side of photography for fun - capturing landscapes, nature and exploring a little more of the world along the way.

Why Supporting Small Photography Businesses Matters

Big names get boosted by algorithms, which is why supporting small, independent businesses matters so much - especially those doing it full-time like myself.

For photographers like me, it’s both passion and livelihood. Every booking or referral helps us invest in our craft and offer a truly personal experience.

Behind the photos comes editing, client meetings, scouting, marketing - the full running of a business. When you book us, you’re choosing years of experience, someone who can adapt to pressure, light, weather, and people, while genuinely caring about creating something meaningful.

Thank you for following my work and supporting this journey - it means more than you know.

If you are a previous customer of mine & have yet to leave a review, it would mean the world if you could - its free & helps me so much & helps me reach new clients, feel free to write once & copy & paste to the other locations:

https://www.facebook.com/BenWalkerPhotos/reviews

North Wales Google: https://g.page/r/CfaKOM9e2W5PEAE/review

National Google: https://g.page/r/CZAxv_uGPbu2EAE/review

I have 2 google business pages due to my North Wales locality but also working nationally, I’d hugely appreciate it if you could write your review to both - thank you.

What's this buying me a coffee about? 

I’ve recently set up a Buy Me a Coffee page as a simple way for those who enjoy my work to show support - similar to tipping your barista or waiter. For small creators, even small contributions make a real difference - they help cover the time & tools that go into things like putting together newsletters, sharing content, and posting tips on socials & websites for other creatives. It’s never expected, but it’s hugely appreciated & helps keep these projects sustainable.

Concluding thoughts

Thanks for reading! If you’ve got photography work you’d like covered, I’d love to hear from you - I’m always up for chatting ideas and helping tell your story through honest, beautiful images.

If you’re looking to book wedding photography, get in touch soon - I’ve sadly had to turn people down recently, so it pays to arrange early. You can reply to this email or use the link below.

And if there’s anything you’d like to see more of - recent work, behind-the-scenes, or the historical places I’ve explored - let me know. Always happy to hear your thoughts!

Thank you again,

Warmest wishes,

Ben

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