First Dates Announce NEW SERIES! Photos by Paul Groom Photography at Bath location
First Dates Announce NEW SERIES! Photos by Paul Groom Photography at Bath location
First Dates announce new series to start on Channel 4 on August 6th. Photography by Paul Groom
Bristol Bath Photographer for Channel 4’s First Dates
I had an incredible experience working as the photographer for Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty’s popular show First Dates for their latest series, as well as the previous one in January. As a Bristol photographer with years of experience in TV and film, I was thrilled to capture every guest who walked through the restaurant doors. It was a joy to document each person, helping to create visual memories of their dating journey. In addition to photographing the guests, I also took portraits of the First Dates staff, including the well-known faces of Fred Sirieix, Merlin Griffiths, and Cici Coleman. It was a real pleasure to work with such a warm and welcoming team.
Below, I’m sharing some of the best shots from this season, and I hope they capture the wonderful energy and emotions that make First Dates such a beloved show.
For those interested in seeing more of my work in TV and film photography, please take a moment to visit my portfolio pages: TV & Film or Portraits. There, you’ll find more examples of my work, including portraits of other well-known personalities like Mel Giedroyc for Channel 4, Grayson and Philippa Perry, Boy George, Johnny Vegas, and several others.
TV Promo & Unit Stills Photographer
Working on TV sets often presents an exciting variety of photographic opportunities. One of my favourite aspects of these jobs is when I get to take what is called “Unit Stills.” Unit stills are essentially behind-the-scenes photographs that offer a unique perspective on the filming process. I love this part of the job because it allows me to capture moments that the audience doesn’t usually see—those candid, unguarded moments that tell the story behind the scenes.
However, for the First Dates job, there wasn’t much time for behind-the-scenes shots, as my focus was on capturing the guests. After they had finished their meals and shared their dating experiences, I was there to take their portraits. I loved seeing the wide range of emotions that can come out of a single date—whether it’s joy, nervousness, or excitement. This role was especially rewarding because it allowed me to interact with so many interesting people while creating portraits that seemed to bring a lot of joy and excitement, people seeing themselves on the laptop after the shoot, dressed up on a day they won’t forget.
Though this particular job didn’t include unit stills, I’ve been fortunate enough to take them on other TV productions, and they always offer a different, more intimate feel to the images. When I’m on set for these shots, it’s important to be as unobtrusive as possible—working silently and discreetly, all while documenting the essence of the production. There’s something magical about being able to witness and capture the behind-the-scenes process, and it’s an element of TV and film photography that I really enjoy.
Professional Portraits for TV and Film
As a Bristol photographer, working on these high-profile TV projects has allowed me to combine my love of storytelling with my passion for photography. Every show, every guest, and every staff member brings a unique energy, and it’s my job to translate that into the photographs. Whether it’s the warm smile of Fred, the composed demeanour of Merlin, or the friendly charm of Cici, I aim to reflect their personalities through my lens.
These kinds of TV photography jobs aren’t just about taking a picture – they’re about creating a visual narrative that complements the story being told on screen. It’s an honour to contribute to that storytelling process, and I’m always eager to take on new challenges.
Corporate, TV, Commercial Photographer, Bristol
If you’re looking for a photographer in Bristol, Bath or elsewhere with experience in TV, film, and portrait photography, I’d love to discuss how we can work together to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s capturing candid moments behind the scenes or creating polished portraits for promo usage, I’m passionate about delivering high-quality images that really work for my clients.
First Dates announce new series! Photography by Paul Groom
A few more useful links to do with First Dates:
Watch First Dates – Channel 4 link to the dedicated page for First Dates.
Twenty Twenty’s First Dates info page – Find how you can be on the show!
Facebook page about First Dates – Regularly updated page with clips from the show.