Introducing the Wedissimo Wedding Photography Awards 2025, Judged by Millie Pilkington
I’m thrilled to announce my collaboration with Wedissimo, a cutting-edge platform that celebrates excellence in wedding photography, as the judge for the Wedissimo Wedding Photography Awards. This competition is set to become a significant event in the wedding industry, highlighting photographers who have a special talent for capturing authentic, emotional moments.
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Bowker and David Clark, founders of Wedissimo, during a lively chat in Bishop’s Park, Fulham. I could immediately sense their shared passion for wedding photography and their dedication to supporting photographers in honing their craft. We spoke about the upcoming competition, and I was eager to learn more about their vision for this exciting new initiative.
Throughout our conversation, Andrew and David explained how Wedissimo seeks to not only showcase stunning photography but to provide a platform for photographers to grow and learn. I was struck by their commitment to helping emerging talent find their voice within the industry. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it became clear that this competition would be a game-changer for both budding and experienced photographers alike.
As a wedding photographer who’s had the privilege of photographing key moments for some high profile weddings, I know firsthand how vital it is to capture not just beauty but emotion. This is why, as the judge for the Wedissimo Wedding Photography Competition, I’ll be searching for images that evoke a visceral response.
I often refer to the concepts of punctum and studium, as described by Roland Barthes. Studium refers to the general, surface-level interest in a photograph, the composition, the narrative, whilst punctum is the unexpected detail that stirs something within the viewer, that creates a deep emotional impact. In this competition, I’ll be looking for punctum—the ability to convey the essence of a moment, the raw and unfiltered emotion that transforms an image from a picture into an unforgettable experience.
During our meeting, we also spoke about the physical demands of wedding photography, a topic I hold dear. Photographing weddings requires more than just creativity—it demands stamina, agility, and the ability to think on your feet. I’m still recovering from a broken wrist from a recent wedding, a reminder that wedding photography is as much a physical feat as it is an artistic one!
Despite all the pressures, whether it’s photographing a high-profile wedding or a lively toddler, I’ve learned that preparation and connection are key. For me, photography is about feeling rather than simply looking, as the great Don McCullin said: “If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” This philosophy guides every image I take, and I hope it will inspire the photographers who enter this competition to push beyond the ordinary.
Wedissimo’s competition offers an incredible opportunity for photographers to share their vision, with a focus on emotional storytelling. I’m honoured to support their mission and to help discover new talent who can master the art of conveying not just the beauty of weddings but the deep human connections at their core.
I look forward to seeing the entries and can’t wait to celebrate the power of wedding photography with the talented photographers out there.
