5
Best Star Wars Film
55
Hours Being Tattooed
0430
Time the cats wake me up
6
Best Star Trek Film
6954
Times the Husband's Died on Xbox
Hello, I’m Paul!
Birmingham’s Geekiest Photographer
I'm a gay wedding photographer based in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
I’m one of the geekiest, bubbliest, friendliest photographers you’ll meet - seriously, who else has a giant tattoo of Billie Piper from Doctor Who?
I cry at weddings!
I absolutely love being part of wedding days. There’s nothing quite like the moment when two people stand in front of their chosen family and declare their future together. It’s powerful, joyful, and totally unforgettable. And, for my queer couples, I know from experience what this means. Be who you're meant to be.
I love my camera-shy superstars
If you hate having your photo taken, you’re in the right place. My job is to help you feel relaxed, happy, and truly seen. All I ask is that I get to geek out with your mates during the day.
Your Day, Your Way
I’m here to tell your story in a fun, laid-back, and authentic way. Your wedding should reflect you—not what tradition says it should be. So forget the rules. Don't worry about being cool. Celebrate what matters to you. Bring your passions, your quirks, and your people.
A package for Every Kind of Awesome
From a small civil ceremony to a full blown epic, let's design something special. And treat your wedding like you'd treat your Buffy Box Set! What do I mean? Keep scrolling...
EVENTS AND PORTRAITS MAKE ME SMILE
Yes, weddings are great (there's often cake), but PEOPLE are the reason I'm a photographer. So you don't need to swap vows to book me (it's a bit drastic). If you've got an event coming up, need a family portrait a headshot, or are specifically after a gay photographer in the Birmingham area, then give me a call.
THE TEAM
The people behind Paul Phipps-Williams Photography. Quite literally in many cases.
Photographer
Paul
Bounces up and down a lot - Likes cakes - Big fan of Bonnie Langford
Editing Assistant
Bruce
Most likely reason your gallery is delayed
Diary Assistant
alfie
Keeps asking me to take him with me on Coffee Consultations
Confidant
Gareth
Quite frankly the reason I'm here. Tells me to rest sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions*
*Not actually asked that frequently
1. WHY? JUST WHY?
I was a civil servant for 24 years. I've worked for Cabinet ministers, represented the UK abroad, changed the law, planned the Olympics, and been at the forefront of countless emergencies. But there's something about spending your time surrounded by people having the happiest day of their life. There's nothing like it and I absolutely love the joy that comes with this job. And, as a gay wedding photographer, watching queer couples across Birmingham and the rest of the UK express themselves and declare their love in the way they want to - this fundamentally makes me happy.
2. Favourite Doctor WHo
Sylvester McCoy. Stop it...
He caught me just as I started senior school and it unlocked my imagination as the programme began to pick up. When the show got cancelled, the darker, more adult books were everything a teenage boy wanted from his sci-fi. I've had the pleasure of taking Sylv's portraits several times and he is the warmest, funniest most welcoming person. They say never meet your heroes, but in this case it's justified.
3. Favourite Pizza
An unholy marriage of BBQ sauce and hot and spicy madness.
4. Let's talk tattoos
Three, so far, and about 55 hours in the chair. First up is a three-day Clone Scout Trooper. You can see this being done over at YouTube.
I also have Old Luke Skywalker (two days) and Bad Wolf from Doctor Who. So, yeah, a giant tattoo of Billie Piper...
5. Cats
Two, named off of Batman. See above.
6. I only want a small wedding
Brilliant. Let's chat. I can do you a Chosen Families package for a couple of hours in the week, most weeks. And depending on the time of year I might have the odd Saturday free as well! Get in touch, and we'll see if I'm available!
7. Free Coffee Consultation? I want a beer!
OK then! First round's on me. I'll take you to every pub in the Jewellery Quarter if you like!
8. How long do i need?
It's completely up to you. Think of your photos as the ‘story of your wedding’. Do you want to tell your story from the moment you walk down the aisle, or when you begin to get ready? Do you want to end your story at your first dance - and leave the evening dancing to the imagination! Let’s have a chat about what your story looks like, and go from there! Whether it’s two hours or twelve, your story is yours.
9. Are you willing to travel?
I love travelling. It's the only time I get to sing Bastille's back catalogue at the top of my voice. All travel is inclusive if you book a Full or Complete Story, and an hour's included in the Classic. Singing is not compulsory.
10. why should I treat my wedding like i treat my Buffy Box Set?
Because physical media's cool! Digital media is fine, but you try popping your CD-ROM into your MacBook, or plugging your USB stick into your iPad. If you're the type of person who buys your 4k Blu-Rays, even though its on Netflix, then you're the type of person who'd appreciate a PPW Luxury Album. I'll show you a sample. It's amazing and will last for generations.
