Wedding photographers in Australia

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—I remember checking the work of a fellow adventurer and wedding photographer named Carl Zoch and thinking: Not only this guy is amazingly talented with a camera but what a dream of a life he has adventuring the most beautiful places of the US in his van.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—I love traveling and telling stories with my camera. I believe weddings are stories that truly deserve to be told on a creative and beautiful way. When I shot my first wedding I didn't really know what to expect but working around loving people and capturing one of the most important day in their life is something that I can definitely get used to ;-)

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—Bridezillas? hehe just kidding. Like any creative profession it is important that clients pick their photographer for the right reasons and trust them to do what they are good at. A lack of trust simply kills creativity and doesn't serve anyone in the process. I feel lucky that my clients usually trust me enough to explore places that they wouldn't have considered otherwise and embrace this great opportunity to create something together.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—I get to know a lot about people from diverse backgrounds and cultures just by photographing them. They often don't get to know me as much but this is something I learned to live with. Sometimes I manage to keep connections with couples that I photograph and for me this is rewarding enough.

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—I am a self-taught photographer and try to keep my approach as simple and intuitive as possible. I keep what I like and reject what I don't like. Obviously light plays an important role in all of this.

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—My dad. He has been traveling and pursuing his dreams since a very early age. His life is full of amazing stories that I would like to tell my grand children one day.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—I love photographing people but I love it even more when there is a strong connection with a place or a culture. This is the travel photographer coming out.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—As Henri Cartier-Bresson once said: "To photograph it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye and the heart". I couldn't phrase it better.

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—I don't like the word success – it's is too relative. Some people follow success their whole life but never find happiness. Never forget who you are.

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—Technologies are evolving very fast but I feel like what people want to keep from their wedding day will never change. A good photograph from 50 years ago is still a good photograph today and this is what I love about photography: timelessness.

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Sticking to a job I don't like for too long. I have spent 6 years of my life in a job that I didn't love, too scared to make the move to photography.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—There are lots of trends but trends can be quite distracting. I prefer to train my eye with my own life experiences. I am certainly influenced by other artists or photographers but I choose not to overanalyse it too much.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—I wouldn't describe myself as someone particularly photogenic. It has often helped me to show empathy for people who are camera shy.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—A wedding day takes years to prepare but always happens so fast. Wedding photographers are given a chance to capture priceless moments that will be cherished by future generations.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—Photographers are common people too, slightly more obsessed by light, that's all ;-)

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—The word 'replicating' is probably too strong but I hope I am close from replicating people's soul through my own eyes.

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—Not really – I am a pretty direct person and find it hard to keep my mouth shut.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—My partner in life Anastasia is my second shooter. I cannot ask for more :)

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I see an opportunity to grow in every critique if it is well constructed.

—What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

—George Costanza from the tv-show Seinfeld. Because we live in a society!

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—A good pair of comfortable shoes. I love hiking in volcanic places.

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—Nothing. I always enjoyed the process and still enjoying it today.

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—Stromae – one of my favourite artist from home country Belgium.

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—I worry about light. All the time. I mean on a wedding day.

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—I like to think that this moment is still to come.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Pushing myself out of my comfort zone – always.

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—Respected. One can never be liked by everyone.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—I don't know. Is there anything?

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—Just follow your heart.

—Do you like travelling?

—o YEAAAH

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—Nope.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—There is a list of standard questions every bride and groom should ask their potential wedding photographer. to ensure they understand what they will be receiving, and when, and for how much. But in the end, you need to go with your heart. It's the kind of day for it.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—I've been a photographer for almost 20 years, I started off in the studio (and dark room) doing commercial photography until my mentor left for super-stardom overseas. I ended up becoming a DJ for some years until I found my love for photography again when I started traveling regularly. A few friends of friends started asking me to shoot their weddings way back in the day, and in 2011 I thought I'd turn pro and try and make a living from it. I love it. It's a full-on experience each time.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—My profession? Well, we're all artists, and artists tend to be a little bit... je ne sais pa? Different. And generally very supportive of each other. I've met some amazing people in my profession that I am honored to call friends.

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—Like many artistic professions, we are subject to oversupply, and amaters flooding the market with cut-prices and underwhelming skills, which can give the rest of us a bad name.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—Coming from a film background I suppose I'm a little old school and would say light, tone, balance in composition, authenticity. I am utterly drawn to symmetry.

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes! I'd love to be a travel photographer but with a young family I'm happy to be taken on the odd destination wedding photography assignment here and there.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Running out of batteries, memory cards, not having back up gear, and not running your bride and groom into the ground with poses and directives!

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Ha ha – nope. But I know that everyone, in the right light, at the right angles, in the right mood, can look amazing as a photography subject.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I am a proud Leo and I take criticism very personally but I also take it on board in an effort to try and constantly better myself.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Yes! A trend I'm digging at the moment is Boho Weddings. I love a barefoot bride and groom.

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—Hmmm interesting! Drones and selfies?

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—Seeing my wife give birth – twice. There is nothing more impressive on this earth.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Nirav Patel and Sean Flanigan