Will Lane never planned to be a wedding photographer.

The 32-year-old father of two from Weymouth graduated as an engineer in 2012.

But, he said: “I quickly realised it wasn’t the career for me.

“I spent several years working in design and analysis with no sense of fulfilment.

“It culminated in me being signed off from work with severe anxiety and depression in 2017.

“During the couple of months off I reignited my dormant passion for photography and began practising street photography.

“It massively helped my mental health and allowed me to be creative and find joy.

“I returned to work as an engineer for four days a week and began building my photography business alongside my day job.

“I decided that my candid style of street photography would translate well to weddings and I began photographing weddings in 2018.

“I haven’t looked back since.”

In 2020, Will – who trades under the name William Lane Photography – was made redundant from engineering due to Covid, a decision he was actually quite happy about.

After taking a part-time job at Dorchester Hospital for two years Will decided to go full-time with his wedding photography last year.

And now, within 12 months of taking the plunge, he’s been named as one of the 27 best wedding photographers in the South West by Hitched.

The website is part of The Knot Worldwide Inc., a leading UK wedding planning destination.

It even featured one of Will’s images, pictured, as the cover shot for the listing which is based on actual customer reviews.

Other Dorset photographers on the list are Azura Gold Photography, Ed Coleman Photography, Paul Thomas Heath Photography, White Chalet Studio and Steve Regan Photography.

Will, who is married with two sons aged one and three years old, said: “To win the wedding award from Hitched was massively exciting and validating because it was decided by reviews left by my previous customers.

“It boosted my confidence and confirmed that I was right to take on this new challenge of a new career.

“To be recognised by Hitched in their article was further reward and I feel very lucky to feature alongside some awesome photographers.”

• williamlanephotography.com