The Story Behind Den Helder — Your Hertfordshire Wedding Photographer
Hey, I’m Pele — And No, Not That One…
Yes, my name really is Pele.
I’ve even met the famous Pele himself (his real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento) when Santos visited the UK years ago and you can find images of us together all over the internet. Our shared name led to some unexpected moments, including interviews and features with everyone from BBC Sport to national newspapers both when I met him and sadly, when he passed away.
My own story though, started much closer to home.
I served in the British Army before building a career in investment and global retail banking, eventually becoming a Managing Director at a major international bank. Then, following a life-changing motorbike accident, everything changed.
During years of recovery and rehabilitation, I found myself asking a simple question: What do I truly want to spend my life doing?
The answer was photography.
Today, I bring together the organisation, professionalism, and calm decision-making from my previous career with a genuine passion for people, storytelling, and creating beautiful imagery. It’s a combination that allows me to guide couples with confidence while capturing their day naturally and authentically.
Den Helder was named in memory of my mother’s birthplace in the Netherlands — a personal tribute to family, connection, and the stories that shape us.
MORE THAN JUST PHOTOGRAPHS
Creating Memories You'll Want to Return To
For me, wedding photography is about far more than beautiful images.
It’s about preserving the atmosphere, emotion, and energy of a day that can pass in the blink of an eye. The moments you’ll remember for decades aren’t always the big ones — often they’re the quiet glances, the laughter between friends, the proud smile from a parent, or the chaos of a packed dance floor.
My role is to document those moments honestly while creating timeless portraits that feel natural, elegant, and unmistakably you.
With a calm approach and years of experience working with people from all walks of life, I know when to step in and offer guidance and when to simply let moments unfold.
The result is a gallery that feels effortless, emotional, and true to your story.
I’m based in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, and I photograph weddings across Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire and beyond.
How I Found My Way to Wedding Photography
Photography started long before weddings.
Throughout my corporate career, I was always drawn to storytelling, creativity, and documenting people. What began as a passion gradually became something much bigger.
Following my accident, photography became both a creative outlet and a fresh start — a way to reconnect with people and focus on what mattered most.
What I love most is that no two wedding days are ever the same.
Every couple brings their own personalities, traditions, and relationships, which means every story unfolds differently.
I’m privileged to be invited into some of life’s most meaningful moments and trusted to preserve them for future generations.
The Philosophy
PEOPLE FIRST, ALWAYS
The best photographs happen when couples feel relaxed, comfortable, and fully present in the moment.
CALM UNDER PRESSURE
Years spent leading teams and making important decisions means I bring confidence, organisation, and reassurance to every wedding day.
TIMELESS IMAGERY OVER TRENDS
Beautiful photographs shouldn’t feel dated in five years’ time. My focus is creating elegant imagery you’ll love for decades.
A Few Things About Me
MY GO-TO DRINK
Probably a beer or red wine – I’m old school :)
Secret Talent
Making people feel relaxed in front of the camera
Fave Travel Experience
Maldives
CURRENTLY CRAVING
Fruit Gums
WEDDING DAY SOUNDTRACK
Anything from the 80’s & 90’s
Can’t Live Without
My family, my camera, and my dog Nelson
CURRENT OBSESSION
Creative Editorial Photography with Flash
Something Unexpected
I once worked as a Managing Director at a major global bank before becoming a wedding photographer
MORE THAN JUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Let's Talk About Your Wedding Day
Whether you’re planning a relaxed countryside wedding, a luxury celebration, or something entirely your own, I’d love to hear about your plans.
My approach is simple: get to know you, understand what matters most, and create photographs that capture the atmosphere, energy and moments you’ll want to relive for years to come.
If that sounds like the experience you’re looking for, let’s start the conversation.