Dom Shaw: Finding Magic in Small, Everyday Moments

SheClicks Women in Photography

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson chats with Dom Shaw, co-founder of York Place Studios, former Fujifilm ambassador (X Photographer) and documentary wedding photographer with a gift for finding magic in small, everyday moments.
Dom reflects on how a childhood surrounded by photography inspired her passion for capturing real, unposed stories. From working in a darkroom in her family’s attic to travelling the world shooting weddings and street photography, Dom’s creative journey has been fuelled by a love of authenticity and connection.
She shares the importance of staying true to your photographic voice, even when commercial pressures threaten to pull you in other directions. Angela and Dom also discuss Is This Something?, the inspirational book Dom co-wrote with her brother Liam, aimed at helping photographers capture meaningful, spontaneous images rather than posed perfection.
Throughout the conversation, Dom offers heartfelt advice on trusting your instincts, photographing real relationships and keeping creativity alive throughout a busy career. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience behind the lens, Dom’s passion and wisdom will leave you feeling inspired to seek the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Takeaways

• Small moments often carry the deepest emotional weight — learning to spot them is key to meaningful photography.
• Authenticity matters more than technical perfection; real, heartfelt images resonate the most.
• Developing a clear creative vision helps you stay true to yourself even under commercial pressure.
• Composition is a vital storytelling tool — strong framing can transform an ordinary scene into something magical.
• Success comes from persistence and passion, not from chasing trends or perfection.
• Photography is not about capturing what looks good, but about preserving what feels true.

Connect with Dom
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Book

Fujifilm
This podcast is supported by Fujifilm, one of the best-known photography brands in the world. Fujifilm’s award-winning X Series and GFX system cameras and lenses are suitable for all types of photographers and videographers. Each has been developed utilising the experience gained from more than 90 years in the industry, featuring unique film simulation modes that everyone knows and loves.

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Chapters

1. Introductions (00:00:00)

2. Being drawn to documentary-style photography and the small moments in life (00:04:47)

3. Why wedding photography? (00:10:14)

4. Writing down the 'rules' of a photography business (00:16:50)

5. Working with her brother (00:20:19)

6. Writing a book about documentary wedding photography (00:23:59)

7. How do you know when you've got 'the' shot? (00:34:33)

8. Dom's favourite place for street photography (00:37:39)

9. Deciding how much time to spend on a shot at a wedding (00:39:51)

10. Does working with your sibling make it easier to start a photography business? (00:43:48)

11. The best lens and camera combination for documentary wedding photography (00:46:17)