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.

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Brisbane? :)

—Although there are many wedding photographers in Brisbane, Alex Huang came up to my mind since him as a multi-award winner in the AIPP community.

—What things that common people don't usually see can a wedding photographer notice?

—Camera perspectives, lines, and shapes towards any emotional moments. Normally good composition would make a fairly good photograph, yet wedding photographers need to fit all the good photo criteria into the emotional moments. That's what makes it difficult sometimes~

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Due to today's digital emerging society, with technology I believe not only faster professional photos needs to be delivered digitally (via social media or others), and also more creative mediums and tools like the automated drone or instant facial beautify functions...etc will be used to separate the professional work and the guests' photos.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—The value of a photograph would depend on the emotional elements in it which have individual values towards whom the photo is viewed by. One photo can be a nice photo yet it does not mean much to another but does value a lot to someone who has personal attachment to the subject within it~

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Happiness. However, it really depends on the type of successfulness. A successful father or a successful businessman? To be a successful photographer, I think you should at least be recognized by fellow photographers in the field and always keep the passion in whatever you shoot.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—After a long day shoot, sometimes you just worry about if there's anything that you have missed... No one is perfect, so that's why by thinking about the day of your shoot can improve ourselves.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Timing is critical in photography. Sometimes we cannot just wait in a situation. We need to learn how to direct and make your shot happen. So avoid waiting for things to happen I would say.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Observing all the brilliant photographers' works around the world that is for sure! Also, practise in taking pictures all the time, study and get to know the gears that we use.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—It's an inspiration for beauty and living, capturing every memeriable moments and portraying others with their emotions in a unique way makes me proud of what I do~

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—In this business, we always try to deliver something special to our clients. I think lately we see a lot of same-day slideshows, and aerial shots. There use to have little underwaters shots, but I do feel seeing more nowadays.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Learning from criticism is vital. I take criticism seriously so I can improve myself every day. That being said, everybody loves a good compliment, don't we? ;)

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Wedding photography is somewhat different as there is more engagement towards the subjects/clients. A lot of communication is done between the client and the photographer in order to make something fascinating.

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Love stories, classic drama. It may be dull, but if it is beautifully done, it would unfold all the emotional aspects and profoundly touches everyone.

—What should be the criteria for a bride and a groom to choose their wedding photographer?

—To start with, simply look at the photographer's work to see whether they like them or not. From there, communicate to the desired photographer(s) to see whether you think you can work with them or not.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Simply put, I was inspired by someone and then started with doing a few wedding photography for friends. Since then, I have built up my passion.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Not as much as impressive, but I would say a good achievement in life that I have obtained several university degrees including two masters degrees.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I have many hobbies. Golf, Snowboarding, walking my dog, keeping up with the technology world and last but not the least, wine tasting. ;)

—Can you give a few tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out?

—Try to understand the bride and the groom. Don't just make them happy with your photos, but also make them happy as a person, a friend~~

—Do you believe that you replicate the soul of the person you are shooting?

—I don't think that I replicate one's soul, but I tend to think that I exaggerate the soul of the person I am shooting.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I think everyone love to be liked and respected. Both literally more or less the same meaning to me~

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Honestly, I would love to learn by shooting with all the masters around the world.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Meeting with my clients or finish touching up the photos that I shot~ ;)

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, I take all sorts of photos. Especially those that connects people.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I have a chihuahua~ His name is Miruku and he has a facebook too!

—Whose work has influenced you most as a wedding photographer?

—Ryan Schembri, one of the talented young photographer.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—There's always a camera with me no matter where I go.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes, it opens up my mind and vision aesthetically.

—Are you photogenic?

—No, but I am sure I can make my subject one. ;)

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—The importance of light and shadow.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Emotional attachment.

—The best thing in life is:

—Love and family~

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope~