At Northern Sky, I capture weddings, events, and portraits with a professional yet relaxed approach. Backed by great reviews, I focus on delivering high-quality images that feel natural and authentic. My goal is to create photos you’ll love while making the experience enjoyable.
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46 customer reviews
Catherine Berrington Cullen
General Photography
If you require a friendly, capable and efficient photographer , then look no further.
Steve's pictures are excellent quality and really capture that special moment.
Give him a call, you won't be disappointed.
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Annemarie Barnes
Wedding Photography
Thank you for an amazing day, I have to say every one of my family members had nothing but positive words to say about have professional you was and how much pride you had with your work, from driving down to the venue checking out spots to take the photos, the photos I've seen so far are amazing.
The only thing I would have changed on my wedding day would have been to have you at the reception you captured so many photos that told a story . I would highly recommend to any one
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Carol O’Connor
Wedding Photography
Steve was very friendly and interacted with all our guests and got some amazing photos. I am very happy, I even liked some of the photos of me which is very rare.
The photo album is fabulous. I got a few large copies of the photos and the quality is still great
Thanks Steve
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Paul Barlow
Wedding Photography
Very quick referral and response from selected photographer and all sorted quickly and professionally at the right price
Liam Davenport
General Photography
Working with Steve was an incredible experience. He took the time to meticulously set up the shoot and made me feel completely at ease. His eye for detail is outstanding, and his talent for capturing raw, genuine moments and turning them into lasting memories is truly remarkable. If you want to preserve your special days in a way that keeps them alive long after, Steve is the one to trust! More...
Aston
Steve was nothing short of fantastic!
I arranged a couple's shoot for our anniversary. He made us both feel incredibly comfortable during the session, and he offered some great creative suggestions for locations.
We are very happy with the edited photos, and cannot recommend him highly enough.
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Hollie Bello
General Photography
Working with Steve was great he captured the special moments of our wedding day. Worked with us from initial request, managed to capture the whole wedding from start to finish produced high quality photos, highly recommended for any special event.
Hattie
Event & Party Photography
Steve photographed my 21st birthday party and captured all the best moments from beginning to end! His attention to detail and experience, ensured that the photos were great, capturing all parts making sure that these memories last forever.
Max Bailey
Engagement Photography
A fantastic, bespoke and friendly service provided by Steve who went above and beyond to provide me and my fiancé with some absolutely stunning engagement photos, couldn't recommend enough. Extremely reasonable prices and shows genuine interest and investment in the end product and the customer experience. Thank you for a magnificent service! More...
Isha
Event & Party Photography
Steve photographed mine and partners Indian ceremony and he was fantastic. Steve is very experienced with what he does and made sure I was happy with the images. I am so happy with the outcome and it shows how talented he is at his job. I would highly recommend him to anyone. More...
Sonia
We would absolutely recommend Northern Sky! My partner and I eloped and we booked Northern Sky to come and take some pictures for us. The photos were beautiful and Steve really takes the time to make sure they are perfect. He even managed to make a grey and dreary Stockport look stunning and atmospheric. Thanks so much for capturing our special day 😊 More...
Mark
Wedding Photography
Steve was a fantastic wedding photographer. We had a tiny wedding and wanted to have photos that captured our story in a relaxed way.
Steve was organised and knew what was important to us.
He gave direction to get the best from the photos, went with the flow for opportunistic pictures, whilst also getting the pics that were important- and we really had a laugh doing it. It was a great experience on the day and it’s been fab reliving the day with the photos he has captured- they are beautiful.
We would highly recommend. Thank you so much Steve
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suruchi
Steve demonstrates a knack for well-thought-out and balanced compositions, effectively capturing subjects in an engaging manner.
He considers exploring various angles and perspectives to infuse shots with added variety and intrigue. His editing style consistently enhances the overall aesthetic of his images, maintaining a natural and authentic look without overly heavy-handed techniques that could detract from the subject. Steve exhibits professionalism in his client interactions, consistently delivering on promises and meeting deadlines.
In summary, Steve's portfolio demonstrates considerable potential, and with ongoing dedication and honing of his craft, we wholeheartedly recommend him as a proficient photographer for all your photography needs. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage his services again for future events.
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Shaivya
General Photography
Northern Sky Maternity Shoot
I want to say thank you for the amazing pregnancy photos you have taken for us. They are so beautiful and exactly what I was hoping for .
I wanted to get clicked under cherry blossoms and Steve made sure to select the perfect location for us.
We are pleased that I got to find Steve . Thank you again for capturing our special moments . We are really pleased with the outcome
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Mercedez Aamir
Sports Photography
Steve shot a sports photoshoot for us for football and we were beyond impressed with the shots. He has great professionalism and creativity, and we were thrilled with the images. We highly recommend for capturing sports photography! More...
Nina Middleton
General Photography
Steve rang me to chat about the type of photographs I would like. he was a good listener and took note of the small detail. Looking forward with confidence that this photographer will capture my special day. More...
Louise Pickering
Event & Party Photography
Steve. Lovely Steve. When searching for a photographer for a wedding, I’d have to say this stage was the most daunting of them all.
Who could we find who would be reasonable? Who would be able to give us the photos that we wanted? Who would make us feel relaxed and be able to capture our personalities our special day?
Steve did from northern sky.
His kind nature. His willingness to listen to our ideas and also capture our personalities without having to ‘pose’, is what made working with him perfect for us.
All our guests complimented on how lovely he was and they’re really enjoying his snaps of us.
And the weather helped too!!
We are so grateful we found Steve for our special day, and we hope to use him again maybe for another special event we may have in the future.
If you want someone who is attentive, listens and absolutely performs, then Steve is your guy.
From Mr & Mrs Pickering and Benjamin
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Maria
Wedding Photography
Really pleased with the photos, good communication leading up to our wedding and made everyone feel relaxed having their photo taken on the day.
AJF Engineering Consultants
Steve provided us with a superb mix of staff headshots and team photos for our recent website upgrade. We visited some great locations around Liverpool to get a variety of backdrops. It was a fun afternoon and the final photos look great. Thanks Steve! More...
Michael Stokes
General Photography
I'm thrilled to share my experience with Steve, our engagement photographer! His work was exceptional, capturing our special moments beautifully. Not only the incredible talent Steve showcases, but his efficiency in delivering the photos was impressive. All of this, and at an affordable rate too. I couldn't be happier with the results and the overall experience. Highly recommend! More...
Jordan & John
General Photography
My partner and I eloped and wanted a quiet affair. We were even on the fence about having a photographer and we are so so glad we found Steve. He was absolutely perfect. He was present, catching moments but not overbearing. He got some wonderful images and we are so so happy. Couldn't recommend him enough! More...
Jestina Scott-walden
General Photography
I have never met another person like Steve. He's not just professional but is also a great encourager.
He did my photo shoot for Natural Hype Food and boy he did an exceptional job in capturing my food design so well.
Great person to work with, very patient and put a lot of passion into what he does. I definitely be using him for the shoot for my juices.
Jestina Scott-walden
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Daisy Little
Wedding Photography
Stephen was absolutely amazing! Couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. We had a small family wedding on the 8th July, he was great with our kids, and all the others :) the photos are absolutely beautiful and I can’t thank Stephen enough, 100% recommend Northern Sky!
Lois
Steve was absolutely brilliant - he made us both (and our families) feel really comfortable in front of the camera even though this isn't something that comes naturally to any of us. He also had prior knowledge of/had scouted the locations and had lovely ideas for placements and backdrops which creates a lot of variety in the final album. We definitely appreciated that he had a plan and were more than happy to go with his suggestions! We had a very chill low-key ceremony and Steve did a beautiful job of capturing the essence of the occasion - both the formalities at the civic hall and the more relaxed atmosphere of the venue afterwards really come through in the photos and give a perfect representation of the day. Thank you Steve! More...
Sam
General Photography
Steve was great. We met before the wedding to look at the venue and talk about the pictures we wanted.
He kept in regular contact on the run up to our wedding.
And most importantly the pictures turned out great 😊
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Phoebe Smith
Headshot Photographers
I had such a good experience working with Northern sky. Stephen captured great headshots and was very friendly and dedicated to capturing exactly what I needed. I would highly recommend.
Georgina Bourdon
General Photography
Ste was brilliant from start to finish. He responded to my initial enquiry within 15mins when I was let down at the last minute for an event, with just 4 days to go. Ste was reassuring and professional. Thank you for the fabulous pictures that couldn't have captured the day any better. Would highly recommend and wouldn't hesitate to use again for future events. More...
Patricia McLaughlin
Wedding Photography
We were married on 22nd July 2022 and would like to thank photographer Stephen Swain so much for making our wedding day so incredible! We can't imagine how much work went into everything he did, but we know it turned out absolutely perfect with fantastic photographs! For that we will forever be grateful! More...
Garlin
General Photography
Brilliant experience, found an amazing place to take the photos and we really had fun with it. He got the idea I was looking for and exceeded it. So happy with how the photos turned out and the commitment to water shots we did. Thank you! More...
Emily O'Brien
Headshot Photographers
Steve worked with me recently on delivering a selection of headshots for my new business. I'm really anxious about being in front of the camera, but Steve helped me feel at ease and he created a suite of photographs that I am really happy with.
T Hall
Event & Party Photography
Steve was excellent to work with and I would certainly hire him again. We hired Steve to photograph our sports club's annual end of season dinner.
He took a large number of excellent pictures, all with a very warm and professional feel. They are exactly what we were after and will make excellent marketing material for the club and for use my members individually.
Steve was very easy to contact prior to the event and on the night itself he was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Most importantly for me, I felt assured I could leave him to his own devices, trusting him to capture the moments we wanted whilst I cracked on with organisation.
After the event it was incredibly easy for me to download images and share them with members, with Steve always on hand to answer my queries and even search for particular images I requested.
I would most definitely recommend Steve to anyone looking for a skilled and professional photographer.
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Gbenga Owoso
Steve did our engagement photos. I can't fault him for his committment and experience. It clearly shows. He goes over and beyond to ensure the best possible shots are captured.
Truly takes pride in his work and has given us a real good first photography experience.
You do not need to worry about anything. Just let Steve do his work and you'll be amazed
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Gem
General Photography
Steve Swain from Northern sky was the photographer for my son's baptism.He was quite professional, friendly and affordable. I was pleased with his work and the quality of the pictures was excellent.I would highly recommend Steve to anyone who wants their memorable day to be captured through the lens! More...
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
What lovely Christening Gem,
Sharon
Steve was very professional took lots of pics which are all brilliant . The pics were very natural and he was great with all the guest and especially with my Dad who's 90th birthday it was.
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thank Sharron, it was great meeting your huge extended family, your Dad's is amazing!
missy
Headshot Photographers
even from the quote, northern sky rang me up very excited to tell me about what they offered and at a very good price. i asked for headshots as i am an actor and he was straight on the case. the location i got the photos taken at was amazing, very out of the ordinary so i loved the vibe. not only that but we then travelled through the town and found different locations to take some photos. the photos came out AMAZING! northern sky did not disappoint me in the slightest, he went above and beyond and i am happy with the final product! highly recommend More...
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thank you so much , Missy
Duncan McHale
Wedding Photography
Very easy to deal with, had an instant response from the photographers, and job fulfilled
Paul
Headshot Photographers
Having never experienced a personal photo shoot, Steve put me at ease from the moment we met.
His expertise, experience, inspiration and direction made my own experience of the time we had together very enjoyable.
With that, I would very much consider having another shoot with Steve.
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Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
It takes two to tango, Paul, thank you for your review
Gen
General Photography
Can not recommend Steve highly enough. Plans everything beforehand to make sure that what we wanted was possible. Amazing on the day puts you at ease and it was an absolute pleasure even though we hate having our photos taken haha.
Will be in touch for the wedding!
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thank you girls, together we captured some great shots
Tommy Pigg
Event & Party Photography
I booked Northern Sky Steve from start to finish has been outstanding. Firstly his pictures are incredible, a very competent photographer who understands exactly what his client is looking for and captures formal and informal/casual shots to an exceptional standard.
I was kept in constant communication over the phone snd by email at every stage. I highly recommend Steve at Northern Sky and would 100% consider using services again in the future.
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Tommy Pigg
Event & Party Photography
I booked Northern Sky through Bark for a Christmas corporate event. Steve from start to finish has been outstanding. Firstly his pictures are incredible, a very competent photographer who understands exactly what his client is looking for and captures formal and informal/casual shots to an exceptional standard.
I was kept in constant communication over the phone and via email at every stage. I highly recommend Steve at Northern Sky and would 100% consider using services again in the future.
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Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
It was a privilege to be chosen for your event Tommy, thank you for review
Tom
Headshot Photographers
Working with Northern Sky was brilliant. Steve was incredibly friendly and made the whole experience very easy. I have not had professional photos done before and he went out of his way to discuss with me before hand what the process would look like.
As I was nervous, when taking the photos Steve made me feel very comfortable by explaining why certain lighting was right for a photo and where I should be positioned and such, and we also had a good laugh too, which aided to some nice smiling shots.
Overall I would say it was an excellent experience working with Northern Sky and would recommend them highly to any who want well edited, beautifully lit professional photos taken by a friendly person!
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Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Cheers, Tom, wishing good luck in your career
Patricia McLaughlin
Wedding Photography
I spoke with Steven Swain who was very professional and easy to talk things through with and made me feel confident to use this company for my special day.
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thanks Patricia.
Alex Mcgrath
Steve was communicative and professional in every aspect for my 50th birthday party. We wanted memories, and natural shots of our family and friends having fun. Steve produced some beautiful images while somehow ghosting around without being intrusive. This made for some excellent candid shots which we are absolutely delighted with. Steve did absolutely everything we briefed him to do and was efficiency itself. I would certainly recommend him for your event. More...
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thank's Alex, great party, great guests, great music. Very happy you like your pictures
John F Evans
Working with Steve at Northern Sky could not be better nothing was to much trouble he made everything easy for our Wedding Day and came up with lots of innovative ideas on what sort of shot would compliment the gallery
Everyone Donna and I have spoke to has said how good our photographer was
We would not hesitate to recommend Steve at Northern Sky he is with out doubt very professional and all at a competitive price
So with that Thankyou Steve and all the very best for the future
John FRED Evans and Donna Evans
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Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
The whole day was a pleasure, thanks Fred,
Margaret Bullock
As a wedding venue our best photos have come from Northern Sky because of the sensitive and artistic capturing of a moment. .. not a posed affair. Steve is not just taking a photo, he is creating something beautiful and meaningful. More...
Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
Thank you Margaret, will be seeing you again this weekend
Alex & Amy Brossler
We are so thankful that we chose Steve to capture our wedding day. Steve was a true professional from the start, showing his interest in both us as a couple and to Pickford House (Derby) the venue we had chosen for our wedding
Steve took a day out to visit the venue the week prior to the wedding.
After his visit Steve called and ran through his ideas with a true passion and excitement. Myself and Amy did not expect this but we loved it, it made us start thinking about the smaller fun details of the day itself instead of the general stress of planning the big day itself.
The day arrived and Steve was on time and was ready to go. He was polite and friendly to everyone at the wedding, moving quickly and silently around to get his shots.
We worked through his ideas as well as throwing a few more pictures in when the opportunity arose. The experience was quick and fun under Steve professional guidance.
The final pictures are better than we could have imagined. We asked for candid pictures with a few formal pictures mixed for prosperity and Steve delivered to the highest quality capturing the joy and happiness of the day.
Take a look at our wedding photos yourself, I think you will agree he's got the eye for it.
Thank you Steve.
Alex and Amy
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Reply from Northern Sky; Events Weddings & Elopements
It was a fantastic day, thank you for your kind words
What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
Emotions indeed form the heartbeat of any narrative, providing the vital, authentic pulse that connects viewers to the essence of the moment. Whether it's the exuberant joy of a reunion, the poignant sadness of farewell, or the focused intensity of concentration, capturing these raw, unfiltered emotions is the key to crafting a compelling and deeply resonant visual story.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
When diving into a new project, I love getting to know your vision! Let's chat about your goals, who you're reaching, timelines, budget, and your style preferences. Any favorite competitors or collaboration styles? Share past project tales! And, of course, let's ensure our feedback dance is smooth, and success? We'll define it together! These friendly questions set the stage for a fantastic journey on the project.
What do you love most about your job?
Celebration Atmosphere: Event photographers are frequently immersed in celebratory atmospheres. Being part of joyous occasions and capturing the happiness of people celebrating milestones can be infectious and uplifting..
What inspired you to start your own business?
Witnessing the impact of one's work is gratifying. Knowing that your photographs will be displayed in homes, shared with loved ones, and treasured for years to come adds a sense of fulfillment to my craft..
Why should our clients choose you?
Choosing a photographer is a personal decision, and I believe my commitment to excellence and passion for storytelling set me apart. With a keen eye for capturing emotional moments, a dedication to understanding your unique vision, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, timeless images, I strive to not just meet but exceed your expectations. My collaborative approach ensures that your voice is heard throughout the creative process, resulting in photographs that authentically reflect your story. I am not just a photographer; I am a partner in capturing the moments that matter most to you.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes, I offer online and remote photography services to provide a convenient and accessible experience for clients. Here's how it works:
Virtual Consultations: We can schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your vision, requirements, and any specific details for the shoot. This allows us to plan and tailor the photography experience to your needs.
Photo Planning: Through email or video calls, we can collaborate on the creative aspects of the shoot. Whether it's choosing locations, discussing themes, or selecting styles, we can work together to ensure the photos align with your expectations.
Secure File Sharing: Once the photos are captured, I employ secure online platforms for sharing high-resolution images. You'll have access to a private gallery where you can view and download your photographs at your convenience
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Virtual Consultations: Offer virtual consultations instead of in-person meetings to discuss project details, requirements, and expectations.
Contactless Transactions: Implement contactless payment options to minimize physical contact during transactions.
Remote Photoshoot Planning: Use online communication tools for planning photoshoots, discussing creative aspects, and finalizing shoot details without the need for face-to-face interactions.
Outdoor Photoshoots: Opt for outdoor locations where social distancing can be easily maintained, reducing the risk of virus transmission.
Limited Attendance: If capturing events, consider limiting the number of attendees to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as masks and gloves, during in-person interactions or photoshoots where maintaining distance might be challenging.
Sanitization Protocols: Implement thorough sanitization measures for equipment, props, and any shared surfaces to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Flexible Rescheduling: Offer flexible rescheduling options for clients who may need to postpone or adjust their plans due to COVID-related concerns.
Transparent Communication: Clearly communicate the safety measures you have implemented to clients, assuring them of their well-being during the collaboration.
Monitoring Health: Regularly monitor my own health and follow public health guidelines to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
I provide a versatile range of photography services, covering corporate events, weddings, elopements, baptisms, portraits, and headshots. Committed to delivering high-quality, personalized images, I aim to capture the essence of each unique brief.
Event Photography:
I specialize in capturing the essence of various events, from corporate gatherings and conferences to parties and celebrations.
Through a keen eye for detail, I document the atmosphere, interactions, and key moments, preserving the memories of your special occasions.
Flexible and adaptable, I ensure that the unique energy of each event is reflected in the final collection of images.
Wedding Photography:
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and my goal is to create a timeless visual narrative that tells the story of your love.
I offer a blend of candid and posed shots, capturing the emotions, rituals, and details that make your wedding day uniquely yours.
From the intimate moments to the grand celebrations, I work unobtrusively to ensure you can relive the magic of your wedding through stunning photographs.
Headshot Photography:
A professional headshot is a powerful tool for making a strong first impression. I specialize in creating headshots that convey your personality and professionalism.
Whether you need headshots for business, LinkedIn, or personal branding, I work with you to capture images that reflect your unique identity.
I pay attention to lighting, composition, and posing to ensure your headshots are polished, engaging, and aligned with your professional goals.
Portrait Photography:
Portraits are a timeless way to capture individual personalities, relationships, or family dynamics. I offer portrait sessions tailored to your preferences and needs.
Whether it's a solo portrait, couple's session, or family photoshoot, I create a comfortable and enjoyable environment to bring out natural expressions and genuine connections.
I aim to deliver portraits that go beyond the surface, revealing the true essence of the individuals or relationships captured.
COVID-19 Safety Measures:
In response to the ongoing pandemic, I have implemented a range of safety measures to prioritize the well-being of clients. These include virtual consultations, contactless transactions, and adherence to health and sanitization protocols during in-person sessions.
My commitment is to provide you with a photography experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. By combining technical expertise, creative vision, and a personalized approach, I strive to deliver images that you will treasure for a lifetime.