Hi, I’m Rhys, founder and lead photographer at R&S Oxfordshire Photographers. I wanted to share the story of how this all began - from a career in the military to becoming a part-time wedding and event photographer in Oxfordshire.
🎖️ From Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace
I was born and raised in Edinburgh, but moved to England at 17 to join the British Army. Over the next six years, I took part in ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace, completed deployments abroad, and worked countless night shifts.
In 2019, after getting married, I made the decision to leave the military and explore what life could look like outside the world I’d known since school.
📸 Where Photography Found Me
In my final year in the Army, I volunteered to manage my regiment’s social media - taking photos and short videos to document what we were doing. That role sparked something new in me. I picked up a budget camera, started sharing photos online, and like many new photographers, took lots of pictures of flowers, bugs… and a lot of my wife (who now jokes she was basically my first portfolio).
Soon after, I started getting invited to do small shoots - portraits, engagement sessions, even the odd fashion charity event. My love for photography had officially taken root.
☎️ Life Detours: COVID & the Police
Then COVID hit in 2020, and like many others, my early momentum came to a standstill. I joined the police as a 999 call handler and later became a volunteer Special Constable. Throughout that time, I never stopped photographing - it remained a steady and joyful part of my life, but more as a hobby and creative outlet than a career.
By 2023, I was at a crossroads. After experiencing a series of deeply personal losses, I began to reevaluate everything. I knew I didn’t want to pursue a full-time policing role, and a brief stint as an estate agent only confirmed that I needed something more fulfilling.
✨ Turning Passion into Purpose
In 2023, I joined a brilliant team in the printing industry - and while I love the people and creative energy there, I couldn’t ignore the pull toward photography. After a particularly difficult bereavement that year, I made a decision: life’s too short not to chase what you love.
So I returned to photography - not as a casual passion, but as a profession. I spent months updating my skills, researching the business side, and preparing to offer something truly special.
And in early 2024, R&S Oxfordshire Photographers officially launched.
💍 From First Wedding to Five-Star Reviews
Since launching, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings, portraits, events, and more. I’m proud to say each client has left a five-star review - and I’m even more grateful for every person who’s trusted me with their memories.
This isn’t just a job. It’s a joy. And every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded that I’m right where I’m meant to be.
🎯 Why R&S Exists
At R&S Oxfordshire Photographers, our mission is simple:
To capture real moments, beautifully - with authenticity, emotion, and care. Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or a celebration of any kind, we create lasting memories that feel as good as they look.
📍 Based in Oxfordshire - Covering the South East & Beyond
We specialise in wedding photography in Oxfordshire and nearby counties including Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, and the Cotswolds. From multicultural weddings to intimate elopements, our documentary-style approach brings your day to life in honest, candid vibrant images.
