About me
Photography is my passion. I was in my early teens when my Dad gave me my first 35mm film camera and I would run around the family allotment searching high and low for things to photograph! From an even younger age I had always spent my spare time outside in the fresh air exploring and my new camera gave me the ability to capture my own world in photographs: I was hooked…
Fast forward a few years and I still enjoy the country ways of life and photographing scenes outside, using the natural light and environment to compliment my subjects. I photographed horses for eleven years and have been documenting weddings for fifteen years now and enjoy nothing more than producing honest photos that tell stories and capture emotions, so the moments can be relived in the years to come.
As a child I was quite introverted, and still am to a degree! I would happily avoid the camera if there was a “say Cheese” photo, so when people say to me “I really don’t like having my photo taken!” I completely get where they are coming from.
In March 2016 I was delighted to have a panel of my wedding photographs awarded the Licentiate Aaward with the Society of Wedding Photographers. This is still something I am extremely proud of and I am constantly looking to improve my work, by embracing new techniques and exploring new creative ideas that I think will produce stunning photos for my couples.
During the Covid Lockdowns I found myself with an empty diary so was able to fullfil a dream of documenting the changing seasons on Ashdown Forest. This has resulted in a soon to be produced photographic book, a greater appreciation of the countryside and an even clearer vision of how to be a better photographer and person.
My Interests, Pursuits and Accolades
Sussex
Sussex is in my blood. From the people, to the variety of landscapes and the seasonal activities, this county offers so much. In my late teens I would hop onto scooter and take the coastal road down to Eastbourne or head up onto the Ashdown Forest. Now I jump into my car and add to these routes with adventures to Rye, Alfriston (pictured) and the South Downs Way. Find out more here
Horses
Fun fact, I can not ride! I have been on board a few horses but much prefer seeing others enjoy these amazing animals. I photographed horses for eleven years and loved getting to know their individual characters, especially the foals! For many years I was the Official Event Photographer for the Southdown Hunt East Club, I was the Official Press Photographer at Hickstead and still photograph the National Equine Forum in London every March.
Country Life
Every season is special. The rural ways of life are deeply influences by the changing seasons and I enjoy getting outside all year around. From shooting and hunting in the Winter, to point to point racing in the spring, polo and show jumping in the Summer and village pubs and country walks all year around, there is a community and way of life to be enjoyed and documented with my camera. If the weather is good and I have some free time, you will normally outside exploring! Find out more here
Music
Music is always playing in my office. I have a huge record collection of LP’s and 45’s which are constantly going onto my turntable while I edit photographs. This passion for a really wide and varied selection of tracks comes from growing up to all sorts of music being played in the family home. I have written my own ‘Tracks of My Years’ which you can read here.
Weddings
The first wedding I photographed was my Aunty’s! I was 17 years old and was absolutely terrified, but I got the bug for weddings on that day. Being able to provide a couple with photos that allow them to relive the best day of their life is such a privilege. People often ask how I deal with the stress… well, when I have such fun and produce unique pictures that are going to be treasure, I really don’t feel it! Find out more here.
Charity Work
Giving back is everything. I am privileged to be my own boss and to meet so many amazing people through my work. As such I hear inspirational stories regularly and I want to help where I can. With my contacts, I have held four charity barn dances raising over £3500 and held ‘Bingo & Bubbly’ which raised over £3000.
Hickstead
In 2016 and 2017 I was honoured to be the Official Press Photographer at Hickstead Horse Shows. This entailed documenting some of the best international show jumping in the country, the incredible Showing, the atmosphere and the grandeur that is Hickstead. This venture began back when I was 19 and you can read the story here, and can see my 2016 work here.
How Do We Find Out More?
If you would like to get in touch with me please do fill out this Contact Form, give me a call on 07858 962889 or email me directly at craigtpayne@googlemail.com
10/10 Scored for both ‘Ability to Understand and fit into our wedding’ and ‘Value for Money’ by all couples that voted for Craig in the ‘Photographer of the Year’ Award 2016