Professional wedding, engagement, family, child and pet photographer in Lincolnshire and UK

Find out a little more about me and what I do. I have the pleasure of working from my base in Louth, across Lincolnshire and across the UK.

Who am I?

I am Darren Hobson and I'm a professional creative photographer.

As a people person, I'm able to relate to others, listen to what they would like and create images that they have in mind.

With experience in education and an ability to communicate with a wide range of people; photographing couples, individuals and families of all ages is second nature to me. 

What do I do?

As a photographer, my task is simple: use my creative skills to capture beautiful images for the people I work with.

I use a discreet manner when photographing special occasions so that I am able to shoot genuine, natural images.  I pride myself on my ability to pick 'the moment' and putting together a selection of finished images that my couples and families will treasure.  I'm always happy to discuss their requirements so that they end up with the images that they want.

Where do I work?

I'm based in the beautiful Georgian market town of Louth in Lincolnshire, known as 'the capital of the Wolds'.

Living here my whole life gives me the distinct advantage of knowing locations that just work as a setting, especially for my Outdoor Studio photoshoots.  It's great to get out and about and being based here, there is plenty on offer.

I am happy to travel beyond my local area and I love shooting at new locations.

When did I start?

Since I first picked up a camera at a very young age, I have been hooked.  I've always loved the buzz of trying to get a shot and developing my skill (and patience!) to make sure it's just right.

I have been photographing for many years and have a wealth of experience of capturing many different situations through the lens.

Over the years, I've worked my way up from basic cameras to the professional, high quality equipment I use now.

Why do I do it?

Simply put: I love what I do!  It's always a privilege to be asked to be a part of a special time in someone's life; whether it be an engagement and wedding, the arrival of a newborn or a celebration of a family milestone.

I love getting to places I've never been before and meeting people I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to meet.  Along the way, I always keep in mind my professional approach and ensure I'm capturing memories to last a lifetime.

Commercial photography in Louth and Lincolnshire

In addition to having the privilege of working with so many wonderful couples and their families, I also undertake some commercial work. In the past I have worked closely with a number of businesses to create bespoke publicity and promotional images for business launches, social media campaigns and website redesigns. These have ranged from Louth Mansion House restaurant, MBA Flooring domestic and commercial flooring, DM Thompson Landscapers landscape design and John Taylors Estate Agents.

To enquire about how I may be able to help your business, click here.


Frequently Asked Questions ...

+ Your Big Day | How do I book?

After your initial enquiry to check availability, we will arranage to meet informally so that I can discuss what you are looking for in your photography and so that I can show you further examples of my work and discuss ideas.

If you would like to proceed and book me as your wedding photographer, I will be able to give you details about paying your deposit to secure your date.

There is no charge for a consultation and I will continue to consult with you during the planning process; including at least one further face-to-face meeting closer to your wedding day to confirm all of the details. Should you wish to see me more often, that won't be a problem.

+ Your Big Day | What packages do you offer?

I firmly believe that no two couples or weddings are the same and, therefore, no 'package A' or 'package B' is going to suit everyone. For that reason, I tailor my coverage of your wedding to suit what you want. That means that I am able to concentrate my efforts to capture the aspects of your special day that are the most important to you and focus less on the things you might be less bothered about (though I'll always ensure I capture them to some extent!)

Typically I offer either half or full day coverage which I am happy to adapt, shorten or extend to make sure that I am able to concentrate my time on getting what you want.

Of course, if you would like something much simpler; such as for a selebration with just close family and friends, I will gladly discuss the options for shortened coverage with you.

No matter whether you want every moment and detail of your day photographed or just the essentials, I would love working with you to create bespoke photographic coverage of your most special of days.

+ Your Big Day | Will we get all of the pictures you take?

As much as it would be wonderful to give you every image from your day, it would not be possible. Depending on the length and complexity of coverage that you require, you will receive a varying number of finished images. I will always offer you as many images as I possibly can - after all, they're your photographs of your wedding!

You will receive individually edited high-resolution images presented in a digital format. You're free to get these printed as you wish or I can help you out with that by making use of the several fabulous suppliers that I work with. If you are interested in beautiful bespoke wedding albums and a design service, high-quality canvases and wall art or printed copies of images, I will happily discuss those options with you during our consultations.

For your peace of mind, the finished selection of edited images are always archived should you need to come back to me in the future.

+ Your Big Day | Do we need to meet?

I always like to meet my potential couples before the day. This is so important, as it gives me the opportunity to understand what you like (and what you don't) as well as giving you the chance to get to know me and how I work.

In my experience, having the chance to meet in person means that we can discuss ideas, concerns and logistics for the day and I can help you with aspects of your day that you may not have considered.

+ Your Big Day | How long will you stay?

In short: as long as required. This will be established as part of our initial consultation meeting and will help us decide whether you would like half or full day coverage.

Whichever you require, my experience is that I inevitably end up being around past the latest point at which we agree you would like photographed! It's always so tempting to keep shooting things that I spot during the day and some of these images may well be the ones that you say, 'I didn't know you had taken that!' to.

+ Your Big Day | Are there any extra costs?

Generally not, however if your special day is being held in a location that requires me travelling a significant distance there may be a small extra charge to cover these additional expenses.

Wherever possible, I try to absorb any costs I incur into my pricing.

+ Your Big Day | How long before we see the photographs?

I usually aim for your finished images to be edited and ready for you to view around six weeks after your wedding.

I will post a small selection of sneak previews on social media the day after, with your permission.

+ Your Big Day | Can our families get copies?

Absolutely. Please do share your images with them. They can contact me directly or you can collect and manage everyone's requests.

I always keep the finished selection in case you or they come back to me in the future.

+ Outdoor Studio | Where can our session take place?

Your session can take place in almost any outdoor setting. It can be a public space, your garden - or even someone else's!

Depending on who is involved in your photoshoot, different environments may be more suitable than others. For families with little ones, a wide open location to give them space to play and run around is perfect but we can also use the setting's natural features and incorporate them into your images too. For a couple, maybe consider an urban setting that offers a variety of options to vary the feel of your photographs.

I can give you ideas if you're unsure but love to hear your suggestions too!

+ Outdoor Studio | What should we wear?

This one is so important! Don't underestimate the need to carefully consider what to wear for your session - depending what you are wearing can make an otherwise good photograph brilliant.

DO coordinate your outfits so that you're all wearing similar colours. DON'T all wear exactly the same - the same colour pallete for everyone will do.

DO wear plain colours and discreet patterns. DON'T wear anything with writing, pictures or bold patterns that will distract.

DO consider wearing something comfortable and practical for the environment. DON'T wear something that means you can't sit, lay or position yourself easily.

DO be prepared to need to wash your outfits after your photoshoot. DON'T wear something that marks easily or that you wouldn't want to sit or lay down in.

If you're still not sure, please do ask - years of experience has shown me what works and what doesn't and I'll be pleased to advise where necessary.

+ Outdoor Studio | I've seen an idea for a photo - can we try it?

Of course. In these days of social media, spotting others' photos and wondering whether an idea might work as part of your photo session is inevitable. I love to try new ideas and am always happy to give them a try.

If there is something that you would especially like to give a go, let me know before your session wherever possible. That way I can plan ahead in case it requires me to bring along an extra piece of gear or, at least, some consideration about how to achieve the desired result.

You can always send me images that you have seen and I can let you know how they might be created.

+ Outdoor Studio | How long does a session last?

You should allow a couple of hours for your Outdoor Studio experience. Your session will probably take between one ad one-and-a-half hours but if it takes a little longer - no problem!

This timescale is usually plenty for little ones and we should be able to put together plenty of images for you to choose from in that time.

+ Outdoor Studio | How many people can be involved?

Generally, up to six people is a good number. This way no one is left standing around for very long waiting to get involved.

If you would like certain pairs or groupings concentrated on, please let me know beforehand. I always aim to create compositions that include all of the possible permutations in a group during the course of the photoshoot.

If you have young children or ones with short attention spans, having someone else around that can provide a source of entertainment whilst others are having their photos taken can be extremely useful.

+ Outdoor Studio | Should I bring anything in particular?

Apart from a sense of humour and a willingness to have fun, you shouldn't need anything else much.

If youngsters are involved in the photoshoot, it's a good idea to bring along a few favourite toys. These will keep them amused and provide something else to photograph them being occupied with. Something like a ball to kick around is perfect.

I suggest that you bring along something to listen to music on plus earphones and an umbrella too. You might also find a change of shoes useful!

+ Outdoor Studio | What if the weather's not great?

Sometimes, no matter how much planning we do, the weather has other ideas. If the weather isn't looking like it's going to be on our side for your photoshoot, then don't worry; we can rearrange your session for another date at no extra cost. After all: no one wants pictures of themselves looking miserable and soggy!

+ Life Moments | Do you photograph engagements?

I absolutely love being asked to mark a couples' engagement! This special time in your life offers so many opportunities to create beautiful, fun and romantic images for you to treasure.

An engagement session is best photographed in an outdoor location. It can be somewhere that holds a special place in the hearts of the couple or can take place in an entirely different environment.

Sessions are relaxed and lighthearted. I work together with you both to create images that suit the two of you and show your personalities. I really like to hear your suggestions for images and welcome any ideas you may have seen.

Couples often view their engagement photoshoot as a taster of what to expect on their upcoming wedding day.

+ Life Moments | We are having a Christening - can you photograph it?

Having this important milestone in a child's life photographed is becoming more and more popular. I prepare for capturing the special moments of the ceremony in much the same way as a wedding, looking to shoot the details that can be forgotten about after the event and working in a discreet and unobtrusive manner to document the day.

As always, if there is something in particular that forms part of your celebration that you particularly want to be photographed, do let me know so that I can plan ahead.

+ Life Moments | Can you photograph a non-traditional naming ceremony?

The fabulous thing about a baby naming ceremony is that it is exactly that: a ceremony. As well as giving you the flexibility to hold the event wherever and whenever you please, you're also free to have it photographed in the way that you want.

I treat these less formal occasions no different to any other special days and concentrate on documenting the ceremony as well as extra touches that you may decide to incorporate in to your event. I will work inconspicuously but can also put together relaxed groupings with those taking part in the ceremony.

+ Life Moments | Where can our newborn be photographed?

The best solution is at home! That way, if you need something it's on hand and you don't need to bring all the things necessary when you venture out with a baby elsewhere. My experience has shown that this approach is no only comfortable for baby and parents but also makes for a much more relaxed session all round.

I will bring with me a variety of portable backdrops and fabrics required in order to create simple and natural images of your little one. If you have a particular item such a blanket or soft toy that you would like incorporating into some of the images, that's no problem at all.

+ Life Moments | Do you pose babies?

I firmly believe that completely natural images of babies are the best: simple, natural and beautiful. For that reason, the only posing I do is working with you to position your baby to lay in a certain way. This means that baby doesn't become distressed and you're able to easily provide reassurance and comfort as required.

We may utilise some props to vary the images throughout the session such as hats or toys and your assistance may be required in order to achieve certain images.

+ Life Moments | How long does the session last?

In short: as long as it takes! We're all fully aware that sometimes newborns' schedules don't match ours. That isn't a problem. If we need to keep stopping for comfort breaks or a change of outfit, so be it. Generally, it's easy to tell when babies have had enough and bring the session to a natural conclusion.

+ PawTraits | Where can our session take place?

I would suggest either at home, either indoors or in the garden, or a familiar location. That way your pet will feel comfortable and relaxed and you also have access to things that you might need such as treats or toys.

+ PawTraits | My animal isn't the best behaved - will that be a problem?

No problem at all! It's understandable that pets might become excitable when they sense something a little bit different going on. Usually they calm down after the initial reaction.

By interacting with your animal or giving it instructions, we will work together to create images in short bursts between his or her natural play or behaviour, although often the images of these moments are some of the real gems of a session which show your pets true character.

+ PawTraits | Will I need anything in particular?

Apart from a few special treats and any toys or other items which may help hold your pet's attention, you shouldn't need anything different to what you usually give them at home or whilst out on a walk.

Have any other questions?  I am only too pleased to discuss any queries you have either before you make your booking or at the point we confirm dates and times.