Are you selling cake?

This one was asked by domain support at GoDaddy. But no, sadly I’m not. I’m a terrible baker. But I’m pretty good at film photography.

What’s Fruitcakes on Film, and what’s the name all about?

Sweet, nostalgic and a little nutty. It’s how I see the world and the way I shoot. Finding beauty in all places, people and things. The imperfect, the conventionally ugly, the strange, and the moments that go tits-up, captured with grace and a genuine interest.

Why Does Fruitcakes shoot analogue 35mm film photography?

To be honest, film looks better. And it feels better.

With a limited number of shots and no preview, film photography in general requires intense observation. And Fruitcakes takes this even further. A Magpie for details (a Virgo, if you’re into horoscopes), with a childlike view of the world (Aries moon if you’re really into horoscopes). Fruitcakes harnesses the nostalgic magic of film and adds a modern twist. Viewing each moment through a contemporary lens while preserving the timeless character that makes film feel so enduring.

And everything is just all the more special, isn’t it? “I can feel the day”, exclaimed one of my bride’s nan’s (who couldn’t make the wedding) as she flicked through the Fruitcake Keepsakes photo album, soddening the delightfully musky pages with her happy tears.

The energy truly is palpable and captures the essence of the day in a way that digital cameras simply cannot.

Do you photograph alone or with other photographers?

For larger weddings, I often work with additional photographers or alongside an existing team, so the intimate moments Fruitcakes is all about don’t get lost in amongst it all.

Same observational approach, just expanded so nothing worth capturing is missed. Like your aunt tripping over a mini toad in the hole.

For medium-sized weddings or don’t-know-what-size weddings, get in touch, and we can work it out together <3

Do you limit the number of weddings you shoot per year?

Yes! Fruitcakes takes a less-is-more approach in everything. Creativity and connection can’t run on empty. It needs time, energy, and genuine interest and connection. By keeping weddings selective and to a minimum, I can dedicate more time to each couple in a way that makes your day special. And not just your photos, but your entire interaction and experience. More focus, more care, and more getting to know you on a deeper level. Building a genuine relationship. Your story is always told with the attention and care it deserves. As well as everything in between.

Do you photograph events other than weddings?

Yes! I photograph all events. Event photography enables me to combine documentary, street and editorial for real, beautiful photos with genuine emotion. And weddings in particular, because nowhere else do human quirks surface faster than the polite half-jog to the canapé tray.

Weddings bring the kind of blink-and-you-miss-it comedy and heartfelt interactions that keep my shutter finger twitching. Those split-second collisions of beauty, chaos, and sheer hilarity are what my detail-obsessed eye lives for and ideally likes to slam into one impactful shot. It’s why events will always be my favourite playground.

What’s your shooting style?

It’s rather silly, really. Heart and humour. Observational rather than directed. Very detail-oriented. But also very heartfelt and romantic. Everyone’s the main character. I form connections with the seemingly unconnected for photos that are arty-farty, ironic, and playful, so this has probably become a Fruitcakes staple that makes my photography a little different.

Fcakes focuses on storytelling and cohesion that set your day apart from anyone else's, with a look and feel that’s entirely yours. Manicured big toe looking extra cute in your open-toe Manolos? I got it! Your gran and grandad having a smoochy slow dance in the background? Got that! … And in the same shot! (But the toe takes the spotlight, of course). Your aunt’s Chantilly lace sleeve dipping in her minestrone soup? I’ll get that too, but perhaps it doesn’t make the Keepsakes photo album.

I love people. And I love their quirks. And I think it shows in my photography, which I pour my entire soul into.

Is the vintage wedding album included in the cost?

The vintage album is included in the Fruitcake Keepsakes wedding package. The cherry on top - A (Fruitcake) Keepsake, if you will. Please get in contact for more details on Fruitcakes’ packages.

Do you send the images in digital format, too?

Absolutely yes! In high resolution, of course. It would be a crying shame not to plaster these all over your social media.

Will there be fewer photos that I’d get from a digital photographer?

Yes. You’ll have fewer photos in total. But you’ll probably end up with a similar number of ‘goodies’, put it that way. Due to the limited number of images on a roll, we film photographers have to be more fussy with our shots, which makes us far more present and in the moment.

But it’s not just that, Fruitcakes in particular operates from a highly intentional place. Each shot has layers of meaning and is worth framing and putting on your wall (like, actually). One bride, one photo in their gallery, exclaimed, “Omg I’d be happy if this was the only shot!”, and that’s the whole point. Achieving this means more looking and less clicking.

A lot of couples also say they love the fact that they weren’t overwhelmed with tons of almost-same shots and having to decide which to cull and which to keep.

Do you know any digital wedding photographers if I want both?

Absolutely! I work with some of the best digital photographers and I’ll happily introduce you.

What if it goes tits-up?

This is a common and very fair worry in the film photography world, as to many, you’re venturing into the unknown. But worry not! Film is my best mate. Despite analogue actually often being more reliable than digital cameras, I shoot with several film cameras and use only the best labs for ultimate reassurance.

I also hand-deliver all the film! Never popped in the post - PHEW!

How do I get in touch with you?

If there’s anything I haven’t covered or you’d like to learn more about my packages, prices or booking me, please head to the Contact page and get in touch. I love a good chat.

Lots of love, Jade aka MISS FRUITCAKE
xxx <3