Nice to meet you!

ABOUT US

CANDID & NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES

Hi there, my name is Peter Hawke, but you can call me Pete.

I am a creative who practices candid & natural wedding photography. I’m located in Beacon Hill on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Although I’m a wedding photographer based in Sydney, I do photograph weddings throughout NSW; such as the Hunter Valley and Central Coast, as well as Canberra and the Southern Highlands. I also like to shoot the odd wedding interstate and internationally when the opportunity arises.

Pete in a nutshell: I grew up in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and in summer you can usually catch me in the water at Dee Why or Freshwater Beach. I’m tall / a coffee lover / a gin drinker / an Australian outback explorer / an ex-geologist and map-maker / and I like to travel.

My life with a camera started when I was 18 years old. You see, before I started my journey into wedding photography, I was a nightclub photographer. Yep; I was that guy with a camera, getting free entry into bars, nightclubs and music festivals; taking happy snaps with a camera in one hand and a beer in the other (it was a hard life, I know!). Photography in nightclubs was a steep learning curve. Imagine taking photos with very little ambient light in the room, and strobe lights flashing every few seconds. The experience taught me how to balance flash with dim colourful lighting situations. I got to see some of the most amazing live acts up-close, such as The Presets, Prodigy, and my all-time favourite; Daft Punk!

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CANDID, RELAXED, UNPOSED & NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

PETE, THE NORTHERN BEACHES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am an independent wedding photographer on Sydney's Northern Beaches. I am all about capturing your wedding day with relaxed and genuine imagery that reflects who you are as a couple. I like to think that my photographs are fun and fresh. I am organic in my approach. I know that most people are uncomfortable in front of the camera, so don’t worry - we’ll go for a walk, talk about stuff, tell some silly jokes, and have some fun along the way.

In addition to wedding photography, I offer my clients affordable wedding films. When you book wedding photographs and video, we are a nimble team that focuses on capturing natural wedding photos and films for you to treasure. To see some sample wedding films, have a look at this page.

Because I am independent creative, I am able to put way more time into my client's wedding planning that other studios. I am the type of wedding photographer that emails clients with thoughts and ideas in the lead up to their wedding day or portrait session that helps to make their day unique and special. Have a look at some Google reviews that my lovely clients have left me, here. I always go the extra mile for my clients!

MY APPROACH TO NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

I'd regard myself as an environmental portraitist. I am not a fan of working in a studio. My background as a geologist lends to living a life in the outback - out under the sun and in natural landscapes. Further, I think that most people are also more comfortable outdoors - be it in a favourite park, at the beach or in your own garden. So why not photograph you enjoying what you like to do and where you are most comfortable? I much prefer to join you out-and-about somewhere under the afternoon sun.

These life experiences and environmental processes influence the way approach natural wedding photography. I would much rather have you enjoy yourself on your wedding day, taking the time to have some fun with your new life partner in your element, and forget all about me. The less your wedding is about capturing photos, the better your wedding photography will be!

I encourage moments and spontaneity rather than static images. I promote individualism and uniqueness. I choose interaction and connection over technicalities, any day of the week.

I'm a bit of a "run-and-gun" shooter. I use multiple cameras, and I always have a camera at the ready to capture the unexpected - your partner helping you climb a fence, make your way up a steep hill, or helping you with your wedding gown. These moments sometimes make the best memories - the ones that represent how you both interact with one another. I tend to get the shots I need by observing and documenting what I see. That smirk, laugh or tear... Just be yourself and have fun – remember that I am here to make you look great!

Nick looking a little anxious - Neutral Bay, 2016

I HOPE THAT EVERYONE ENJOYS THESE MEMORIES, AS MUCH AS I DID RECORDING THEM...