Celebrating Queer Joy: Photographer Sandra Reddin on Love, Allyship & Why Pride Means More Than Ever
Wedding photographer Sandra Reddin shares how having a trans daughter has shaped her allyship, her work, and her commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion
As part of Hitched’s Celebrating Queer Joy series, we’re spotlighting LGBTQ+ wedding pros and allies who are reshaping the wedding industry with love, authenticity, and inclusivity.
In this feature, we speak to London-based wedding photographer Sandra Reddin about how raising a trans daughter has shaped her life and work, why allyship matters, and how queer joy shows up in the weddings she captures.
A Life Told in Pictures
Sandra’s relationship with photography started young - and never really stopped.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I’ve always had a camera in my hand,” she says. “I still have photos I took on an old Box Brownie when I was a kid. My whole family are big into photos - I always say if my boat was sinking (I live on a boat!), I’d grab the family albums first and leave the rest.”
Though she started her career in the beauty industry, it was while living abroad and raising her children in different countries that photography took root as more than just a passion.
She learned on the go - most of all, alongside a historian friend while travelling across Russia - and eventually began exhibiting her work before discovering a love for weddings.
“I have six older siblings, all married, so weddings were a big and happy part of my childhood. Once photographer friends started asking me to assist them at weddings, it just clicked - this was the perfect job for me.”
After returning to the UK following 16 years abroad, Sandra rebuilt her photography business from scratch. Early clients came through Gumtree, and she gained studio experience in Camden. Over time, she found her footing and created a business rooted in joy, connection, and love.
Today, she runs her wedding photography business with Gigi, an Italian photographer, who second shoots alongside her and has done for the last eight years, and Katya, a Russian photographer. "They are both close friends and we make a very friendly team, working intuitively together."
She's also sometimes accompanied by her son, sometimes as a second shooter and sometimes filming on a vintage Super8 camera - something Sandra is happy to see grow and develop.
Pride, Allyship & Evolving as a Photographer
For Sandra, Pride Month has become an opportunity to reflect - not just on how she shows up as a person, but how she presents her business.
“Having a trans daughter has deepened my allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and brought out my protective instincts a thousand-fold,” she explains.
“It’s made me question whether I need to be more direct in my marketing. I never want it to feel like tokenism, but the truth is - I should be shouting louder. I want everyone to feel safe and welcome when they come to me.”
When LGBTQ+ couples find her, it’s more than just a booking - it’s a moment that matters.
“I definitely do a little dance of joy when a queer couple trusts me to capture their special day. It’s a privilege I never take lightly.”
Fierce Love in a Frightening Landscape
Being the parent of a trans child has opened Sandra’s eyes to the realities the community faces - especially in light of recent legal and political developments in the UK.
“Proximity to a trans person brings awareness, of course - but it’s also made me fiercely protective of people’s privacy and autonomy.
“The recent Supreme Court ruling has made me fear for my daughter and the whole trans community. It’s a deeply scary move that will divide and affect everyone, not just trans people.”
Despite the anxiety, Sandra remains committed to joy, resistance, and love - especially during Pride.
“Through Pride Month, we are celebrating. As Sophie Allen said in one of your other interviews, ‘it should be baked into the industry, not just during Pride Month and not treated as niche.’ I couldn't agree more.”
Capturing Joy, One Wedding at a Time
As an ally and artist, Sandra approaches every wedding with warmth, respect, and heart. While she doesn’t only shoot LGBTQ+ weddings, she recognises the added importance of visibility and care when she does.
On harnessing the power that comes with making couples feel truly seen on their wedding day, Sandra says: "I aim to capture their essence - exactly who they are. That's very important to me."
Want to see more of Sandra’s work?
Check out Sandra Reddin Photography to view her wedding portfolio and learn more about her story.
If you loved this, read more from our Celebrating Queer Joy series:
