Supplier spotlight: sit down with queer videographer, Naomi Ellison

From those precious stolen glances, happy tears to the colourful confetti moments, this videographer has captured them all.

We're beyond excited to sit down with Naomi (She/Her), the founder of queer-owned wedding videography studio Carabiner Studio, to chat through what inspired her to get started and what inclusivity within the wedding industry means and looks like to her.

hi Naomi, firstly can you tell us about Carabiner

Studios and what you offer?

I’m Naomi, the face behind Carabiner Studios, a queer centred videography business offering services in the UK and internationally. My mission with Carabiner Studios is to create a service where you not only feel comfortable but genuinely seen and celebrated. As a massive film lover who draws a lot of inspiration from movies, I want to give you your own movie moment.

What inspired you to centre LGBTQ+ inclusivity in your business, and why is it important to you personally or professionally?

As a queer person myself, I think we can all relate to the feeling of not having enough representation available to us, trawling the internet just to see ourselves in someone. When I first entered the wedding space as a videographer, I hated how straight-coded everything was. I didn’t see myself represented anywhere and just felt the world of weddings was very outdated. It didn’t sit right with me how sinking it must feel to plan your wedding and have to still fight to see yourself represented in suppliers. I realised how passionate I was about creating a business where queer people were the centre, where you don’t have to question whether you belong because the space is made for you. It’s why the work Rebel Love are doing is so incredible, because they are creating a community of suppliers all fighting the same cause and giving LGBTQIA+ the much-needed representation they deserve, FINALLY!! Thank you so much, Rebel Love!

Absolutely! And, how do you actively create a welcoming, affirming experience for LGBTQ+ to-be-weds?

My aim is to be as open as possible and create a space where you feel affirmed and seen. I’ve developed my brand to be queer-centred, even down to my package names, which are inspired by some of my favourite queer films. I want queer couples to feel at home, the way I would want to feel when looking for suppliers. I love connecting with my couples during our client calls, getting to know you and your love story, and building a relationship that helps you feel comfortable. I also don’t make assumptions about your day and let you lead me through your plans, because queer weddings are so special in how unique they are, which is one of the many reasons I love filming them so much.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from working with an LGBTQ+ couple/lovers that has stayed with you?

The first queer wedding I filmed will always stay with me not only because it was my first to film, but the first I ever attended. I felt overwhelming joy the entire day, crying and smiling as I watched two beautiful LGBTQ+ souls get married. In a world where our rights are still threatened and our love has been hidden for generations, seeing two out and proud lovers celebrate their happiest day was profoundly healing for me. I know that day will stay with me forever, and that feeling is a big reason why I’ll keep fighting for representation.

That sounds beautiful! and, What do you hope couples feel when they work with you?

I hope couples instantly feel like they belong that I understand their love and their vision for the day. I want to be a calm friend rooting for you throughout your wedding journey, and a supportive presence while I capture your most special day. I don’t want to create cookie-cutter films; that’s just boring. I want to feel the essence of your love and personalities and create a film thats you.

What is one piece of advice would you give other wedding suppliers who want to become more LGBTQ+ inclusive?

I feel like the best things you can do are to keep posting representation and stay open to learning and growing. Adding pronouns to your page, and generally just try to use gender neutral language as much as possible in your forms and in your marketing because if you can put yourself in the shoes of an LGBTQ+ couple, this can be instantly off putting.

People want to feel reflected and see themselves in others, so the more diversity you show, the more people will feel like they can see themselves in your work. Being willing to be educated and open to critique without taking it personally is also a huge way to grow, as it shows LGBTQ+ couples that you’re a safe space for them. I also think the inclusivity workshops that ‘Rebel Love’ and ‘Love For All’ put on are honestly amazing they give you so much information and create a safe space for you to ask questions I highly recommend if you want to learn about inclusivity.

Spot on! And finally, can share a fun fact about you or your business that most people wouldn’t expect!

I actually lived in Sitges, the gay capital of Europe for three years while at university. I always joke that my life peaked at 21 living there, haha. My dream is to go back and film a wedding in Sitges, so if you’re reading this, absolutely consider it your sign to book me for your Sitges wedding! I love travelling and am very excited for all the incredible queer destination weddings to come.

Thank you so much Naomi for sitting down with us and chatting with us. We've loved getting to know you and more about your business Carabiner Studios.

If you're searching for a LGBTQ+ videographer for your wedding, make sure you check out Carabiner Studios.