Capturing Chester's Beauty: A Photographer's Guide to This Historic City

Hey There! I'm the Guy Behind the Camera

So, here's my story - I've been capturing life through my lens for 14 incredible years now, based in beautiful Chester but shooting all over the UK. Along the way, I picked up a qualification from the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) that's been invaluable for growing my business.

Honestly, I'm just a guy who absolutely loves what I do! My camera has taken me places I never imagined - from directing corporate videos to working alongside some amazing talents like Shia LaBeouf (yes, that was pretty surreal!), Maimuna Enya Memon, and Nina Wadia. One of my career highlights? Definitely shooting with football legend Rio Ferdinand at the legendary Old Trafford stadium - talk about a dream gig for a photography-loving football fan!

When I'm not shooting, you'll most likely find me being dragged around Chester by my energetic golden retriever puppy, Jess (she's the real boss around here!). Over the years, I've had the joy of shooting everything from mouth-watering food and drink content for local restaurants, to directing music videos that still give me goosebumps, and even creating Christmas ads that made it to Sky TV slots!

My trusty Canon C300 Mark III and C70 have become like extensions of myself at this point - we've been through a lot together! And while I'm proud of the 52 five-star Google reviews from happy clients, what really makes my day is delivering something that makes people say "wow" when they see the final result.

Chester: A Photographer's Paradise

Chester is an amazing city with stunning architecture and vibrant culture perfect for photography. If you're looking for a spot to take shots or planning an event, Chester has some stunning locations and venues.

Below I will go over services in photography to look for and what opportunities can help create memories that are professional and meet your demands.

Find Your Perfect Photo Partner

So you need someone to take some killer shots? Here's the deal - don't just pick the first photographer whose website you stumble across. Have a proper nose through their portfolio first. What made you stop scrolling? What made you think "damn, that's good"?

Every photographer has their thing. Mine's capturing authentic moments with a bit of creative flair. Others might be all about moody portraits or minimalist product shots. Find someone whose style makes you feel something.

And trust me on this - technical skill matters, but vibing with your photographer matters more. I've seen technically perfect photos with zero soul, and slightly imperfect shots that'll make you cry (the good kind of crying). Choose someone you'd happily grab a coffee with. The best shots happen when you're comfortable enough to be yourself.

Whether you need LinkedIn headshots that'll get you noticed, engagement photos that tell your love story, or event coverage that captures the energy of the day - there's someone perfect for you out there. Just remember, good photographers book up fast, especially for summer weddings. Don't leave it till the last minute!

The Chester Photography Scene: Way More Than Just Pretty Pictures

Let's look at the services photographers offer in Chester and the specialized skills and technical abilities they provide. Below are local services and businesses in Chester.

Local Football: Capturing the Beautiful Game

Football is the biggest sport in the UK with a huge sporting culture and spirit for fellowship. Photographers who've worked for local football teams transfer these skills into sports photography. Their skills for capturing high-impact action help transfer passion and zeal that tells the story of the game.

Having worked at Old Trafford and with football legend Rio Ferdinand, I understand the unique demands of sports photography, capturing both the intense action on the pitch and the emotional reactions of players and fans alike.

Chester Racecourse Photographer

Chester Racecourse is arguably the world's oldest course which hasn't been modified much since 1539. Chester racecourse photographers are highly skilled and capture horses at high speed with beauty and grace.

Racecourse photographers also understand capturing the crowds and ambience of the day. That's why they're always good to hire.

Videography And Photography Chester - Jonny Noakes

I offer comprehensive videography and photography services throughout Chester and the surrounding areas. My approach combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver stunning visual content for any occasion. Learn more on my services page.

Headshot Photographer Chester

Headshot photography is essential when offering a professional look, especially in the corporate world. A headshot photographer in Chester can make an impressionable impression on first meetings for companies wanting to network.

Photographers who specialize in headshots know about angles and personalities to get the most out of shots.

Baby Photographer Chester

Watching your kids grow up is simply priceless, and a photographer can create memorable pictures. A baby photographer in Chester understands children and can create images that will stand the test of time.

The trick is to create an enjoyable experience with comfort between the parents and children that makes images stand out.

Chester's Hidden Gems: Where to Point Your Camera

Chester has options to capture stunning shots to add to your portfolio. The city has stunning backdrops with green areas like Lache, Blacon, Boughton, Curzon Park, Great Boughton, Handbridge, Huntington, Hoole, Kingsway, Lache, Moston, Newton, Newtown, Queens Park, Upton, Vicars Cross, and Westminster Park.

These areas have amazing parks with green spaces to practice your skills.

Wild Times at the Zoo

Chester Zoo is absolutely brilliant for photography! Last time I went, I nearly filled my memory card in the first hour. Those elephants are such characters - totally showing off for the cameras.

I've spent countless hours finding the perfect spots to shoot from. The Monsoon Forest area has this gorgeous dappled light that filters through the leaves - perfect for atmospheric shots. And don't get me started on the Latin American section - those colorful birds against the lush greenery? Chef's kiss.

Funny thing is, I'm not the only one obsessed with this place. Scientists have actually studied how weather affects visitor numbers here. Makes sense when you think about it - nobody wants soggy camera equipment in a downpour! If you're planning a photo trip, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons for the best light and fewest crowds. The animals are more active then too.

Want the inside scoop on getting amazing wildlife shots even when the subjects won't sit still? I've written up all my hard-earned tips on my blog. Trust me, it took years of blurry zebra photos to figure some of this stuff out!

Turning "I Do" Into "Wow!

I'm not exaggerating when I say this city was made for wedding photos. Those ancient cobbled streets? The stunning old buildings? Those peaceful green spaces that look magical in any season? It's all wedding photo gold.

Here's what I tell all my couples: whether you're planning something small and intimate or going all-out Princess-for-a-day, your venue choice makes a huge difference to your photos. I've shot at pretty much every venue around here, from fancy hotels to rustic barns to riverside spots with views that'll make your heart skip.

My wedding approach is pretty simple: I'll be invisible when you need me to capture those genuine moments (the way he looks at you during vows, your nan tearing up, that epic dance floor moment), and I'll step in to gently guide when needed for those must-have family shots. But I promise - no awkward poses that make you feel like mannequins!

The real magic? When we catch those little in-between moments that really tell your story. The nervous hand squeeze before walking down the aisle. The private giggle you share during speeches. Those are the shots you'll treasure most, trust me.

Tips for Hiring a Local Photographer from Chester

Local Expertise: Knowledge of Iconic Locations

Unique Areas: A local Chester photographer will already have local knowledge of the best and lesser-known spots in Chester. The Gothic Chester Cathedral, historic rows, and lush Grosvenor Park are areas where local photographers will know the best spots for pictures.

Day Timings: A local photographer will understand when to shoot at various locations during the day to avoid crowds and ensure their natural lighting is perfect for amazing pictures.

Understanding Local Culture

Local Knowledge: Local photographers know the city mapped and culturally. This knowledge provides personal touches and elements of charm in their work, with wedding photos resonating with the local area.

Connections In The Area: Local photographers have connections in the local area with access to local venues and trusted freelancers which makes for smoother projects.

Convenience and Availability - Building Relationships Locally

Face-to-Face Consultations: A face-to-face consultation with your photographer builds a better understanding of the project and a better rapport which ensures better communication. You can contact me here.

Pre-Wedding Shoots: Local photographers can set up pre-wedding shoots to get you comfortable in front of the camera to ensure you're comfortable on your big day.

Flexibility and Responsiveness: If you need any quick changes to your wedding, then a local photographer can adapt quickly to any potential issues.

Post-Wedding Services: It's easier to catch up with your local photographer post-wedding to review the wedding photos and to make sure everything is correct.

Photography Landmarks In Chester

Just like Chester Zoo, Chester has a load of photography locations that are worth looking at. The stunning architecture, stunning greenery, and the beautiful River Dee present loads of great spots for photographers.

The Rows – The rows are charming and beautiful to walk on with amazing backdrops and cobbled streets.

Grosvenor Park – This Victorian park is stunning with old historical elements and amazing backdrops, flower beds, and lakes.

Chester Cathedral – The beautiful Gothic design and Cheshire sandstone make this a great place for photography and worship.

River Dee – The riverfront is a natural wonder in an urban landscape with a beautiful feel during sunset.

Why Choose a Photographer in Chester?

If you're looking for a photographer in Chester, you will have many options to choose from. The city is buzzing with culture and stunning architecture, making it perfect for all kinds of photography.

Chester photographers are skilled and passionate, and they understand the local area and culture. Choosing a local photographer will bring the knowledge and ability to make the most of your photography session in your local area.

Conclusion

Chester has a massive amount of quality photographers and professional services. From sporting or event photographers, Chester has it all. Plus, it's a great place to practice photography with beautiful areas to hone your skills.

Be sure to check out my blog here for tips and tricks on videography and photography. If you'd like to learn about Event, Cinematic, Property, Travel, Corporate & Music photography, these articles provide in-depth analysis of these topics.

If you're looking for any photography services, please click here! You can also check my location service pages here.

Want to Learn More? Check These Out!

I've geeked out on photography research over the years. If you're curious like me, these are some fascinating reads:

Chalfen, R. M. (1979). Photography's Role in Tourism: Some Unexplored Relationships. Annals of Tourism Research, VI(4), 435-447. Link

1. Balomenou, N., & Garrod, B. (2019). Photographs in tourism research: Prejudice, power, performance and participant-generated images. Tourism Management, 70, 201-217. Link

2. Kaewnopparat, J. (2017). The Impact of Photography on Tourism: Photography Construction Perspective. PhD dissertation, University of Tennessee. Link

3. Höckert, E., Lüthje, M., Ilola, H., & Stewart, E. (2018). Gazes and faces in tourist photography. Annals of Tourism Research, 73, 103-115. Link

4. University of Chester (2024). BA (Hons) Photography. Link

About the Author

This guide was written by me, Jonny Noakes, a photographer with 14 years of experience who has been capturing Chester's moments since 2010. My work with Chester BID, local businesses, and countless families has made me a trusted name in the community. When not behind the camera, I'm walking my golden retriever, Jess. Get in touch for a chat about your photography needs.