Martin Dabek
a bit about me
Hi, I’m Martin! 👋 A Bristol-based wedding photographer, travel lover and mountain-walking enthusiast. When I’m not photographing weddings, I’m probably off exploring somewhere new, hiking up a mountain or camping somewhere with a good view. I love a bit of adventure, which is probably why I enjoy discovering new wedding venues and travelling for destination weddings.
Funny enough, it was my love of street and travel photography that got me into weddings. And here I am, 16 years and 450+ wedding cakes later, still loving every minute of it! 😉
What I love most about my job is being part of one of the happiest days in people’s lives. I’m there to capture the real stuff – the laughs, happy tears, crazy dance moves, embarrassing speeches and those little moments you might not even notice on the day. The best photos happen when people forget the camera is there and just enjoy themselves. No awkward posing or turning your wedding into a photoshoot!
Over the years, I’ve photographed weddings from all sorts of cultures, faiths and traditions, and fusion weddings have a special place in my heart. I love the mix of cultures, the energy, the colours, the traditions and, of course, the parties!
I also speak English, Polish and Spanish, plus what I like to call Portuñol – a slightly dodgy but surprisingly effective mix of Portuguese and Spanish! 😂 It definitely comes in handy at international weddings, helping me chat with couples, families and guests without anyone feeling like a stranger.
Ultimately, I want you to have an amazing wedding day, spend time with your favourite people and enjoy every minute. I’ll take care of capturing it all, so you can relive it for years to come. ❤️
I’m glad to say that my work was published in some of the top UK wedding magazines and blogs: English Wedding Blog, Boho Weddings, Whimsical Wonderland, & Festival Brides. With over 150 five-star Google reviews, I’m a ThreeBestRated photographer in Bristol. You can check the reviews here. Over the years, I have been recommended by many fantastic wedding venues: Brympton House, Priston Mill, Coombe Lodge, Rockbeare Manor, Thornbury Castle, Roman Baths, Crowcombe Court & Sandy Cove, just to name a few.
Over many years in the wedding industry, I have gained a reputation for great customer service. My couples especially appreciate my way of making them relaxed and non-intrusive on the day. Quite a large proportion of my weddings come from recommendations either from couples themselves or other wedding suppliers.
It is always great to see “my wedding couples” at different weddings, which is a great validation of what I do. I do receive between 100 and 150 enquiries per year, so if you are interested in working with me, please fill out the contact form.
First of all, I capture the day in a relaxed and natural style that produces beautiful, informal and emotional images. For me, although mainly for you, you must spend your wedding day primarily with your guests, and not with me! I would be there to capture all the important moments – without you even noticing me. Imagine a shadow ninja with a camera! ;)
Next, I try to take couples away for a few short 10-15-minute relaxed sessions during the day. Once at the end of the drink reception when your guests are sitting down, then again after speeches or just before the sunset – when the light is soft and romantic. I might also grab you for some creative twilight shots when the sky looks dramatic. Your call!
It is short and sweet yet provides you with a wide variety of portrait pictures with different backgrounds and lighting. Lastly, it is important to me that I get that balance right between capturing amazing images of you without taking too long. For you, it would be a perfect time to have a breather from your guests, slow down, and connect. Also, it would be the only time when you are going to be alone to catch up on your wedding day!
To sum up, I’m not that “cruel” photographer who would “hijack” you for a never-ending portrait session during the drinks reception.
