And just like that.. another year is about to bite the proverbial dust!! It feels like it was only a few weeks ago when I posted my 2015 review, but in that blur of time, I’ve seen another 42 couples share the most incredible day with their friends and family. And it doesn’t matter how many more weddings I’ve shot since last year, that combination of excitement and nerves when I get out the car in the morning shows no sign of letting up!! Not really knowing what the day has in store, but knowing that great things are about to happen is something pretty darn special. It’s going to sound like an enormous cliché, but it genuinely has been a brilliant year.
I often get asked at weddings “what’s the best wedding you’ve been to?”, and it’s an impossible question to answer, even if you asked me to pick a favourite from this year, I wouldn’t be able to pick one, but there have been some special standout memories in 2016; going to France to document my good friends Hannah and Toby getting married was a weekend that delivered on every level, and one that will live long in the memory. My first wedding in the Tuscan sunshine for Daniela and Carlo, a family holiday there is absolutely now on the cards!! Getting to shoot at an awesome new venue directly opposite my office; the West Mill, with snow and sunshine!! This year has also been the first where I’ve been to weddings where previous brides and grooms have made little people!!! And as with every year on this journey of weddings, I’m still unable to master the art of not crying during emotional father of the bride speeches, I think I’m just going to have to accept that this won’t ever change! I’ve laughed in equal measure though, and danced a little, too!!! I’ve also clocked up my fair share of motorway mileage, visiting Cornwall, Devon, London, Herefordshire, Bath, Suffolk and the Cotswolds to name just a few locations. I still can’t quite believe that taking a few pictures of my dog and car 5 years ago would have ever led me to getting to travel all over like this! Next year I’ve made the decision to limit my weddings to 30 in order to restore a little of the almost impossible work/life balance, but I’ll be raring to go come April, with trips to Corsica, Sicily, France and Ireland all in the calendar. I’ll also be announcing my first solo workshop in January, so follow me on Facebook if you want to be the first to hear about that.
Finally, a round up of the year wouldn’t be right without thanking all of the couples who decided to bring me along on their journey this year, I never underestimate that decision and the trust you guys have put in me, and I can’t thank you enough. So here it is, a selection of 160 of my favourites from 2016!
2017, I’m coming for you….. after a few weeks off, obvs!!!!
That’s it folks, I’m off to down a bottle of Bollinger!!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. xxx
24 Comments
Excellent set Sam. Have a wonderful Christmas guys!
absolutely amazing set buddy, well done!
Epic editorial portraiture and super emotional moments with a healthy sprinkling of Docker wit. Your work is just so fricking cool man! Really really enjoyed that. My two favourites have to be Hannah’s dance floor cramp, and the dad with his head against the door. So good.
Wow wow and a splash of more WOW! Incredible work Sam – looks like you’ve had an awesome 2016 wedding season!
Fantastic set Sam!!! ??
These are beautiful
Amazing photos, loved looking through this entire post
Cracking set of images!
Absolute genius from start to finish Sam! World class right there dude, massive hi5
Oh man oh man ooh man oh man oh man!!!! What a collection!!!! this is a slow scroller set if ever I’ve seen one! You’ve definitely got that ‘make dad emotional’ button locked in on camera, right next to the ‘make everything awesome and sparkly’ button I think!!! Absolutely sensational buddy!!
Yo SD…….this collection oozes style my friend. BUT as well as that it proper delivers the fun, tenderness and emotion (Dad seeing daughter hits me RIGHT in the chest area 😉 )
You the man!
crap I give up! These are nuts. I want to be Samuel Docker when i grow up!
You are one of my favourite photographers mate. Honestly, just amazing photos from an incredible year. Moment after moment after moment. All the best for 2017 – hope to catch up with you soon!
Really nice!!! Like ‘REALLY’ nice…!
I always look forward to your roundups and this definitely didn’t disappoint 🙂
You have such a distinctive style, Sam. Every frame is fabulous.
Absolutely first class. So much talent mate, that was just gorgeous.
Awesome Work Sam, just superb.. that is all!
Mate you are so flippin talented, that one of the Dad gripping the door is so special. Keep being awesome dude!
Finally got to check this. Love all the little details and moments you capture amigo.
All the best for 2017
Sach
Bravo! You got crazy skill. Really fantastic post Sam.
Dude, a brilliant set! Amazing moments and stunning portraits. Really enjoyed looking through these, and the end frame is perfect to finish on!
These are brilliant! So much energy and fun, so vibrant and emotional. I love them! Your use of light is amazing too. And that photo of the older couple, him kissing her on the cheek…. just wonderful.
Really great set mate, full of life, full of joy, so many moments. Dad in the doorway is a world class frame.
Superb work Sam!