Wedding photographers in Austria

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

—Who made me discover the beauty of wedding photography, I mean, an artistic type of wedding photography, where emotions are mixed to creativity and both are perfectly in balance to each others, it was Ben Chrisman.
When I saw his works for the first time, I was amazed (and I'm still nowadays, I always follow his new works), he showed me something I never saw before.
Then of course everyone has to follow his path, and has to create an own style.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Probably in the same way of most of us: a friend asked me to shoot his wedding, then, since I had already a big passion about photography, after I saw that I enjoyed a lot to capture real moments, I decided to follow that path (step by step).

—Who do you have no respect for?

—For ignorant people pretending to know and judge the things they clearly don't know nothing about, and inside the photography world for photographers that are taking care more to do "blablabla" and talking behind back of other colleagues casting in a bad light the colleagues' works rather than caring about to improve the quality of their own works.
Unfortunately there are many doing so, especially on the social networks (but there are also great people too between my colleagues, thanks God! And I have to say that Mywed gave me the possibility to get in contact with many great colleagues and great people).
But the correct word I would use is "I don't like", and not "I have no respect".

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

—I think there is not an exact answer, everyone likes a photo because of many reasons, also personal reasons given by personal taste.
Personally, using of course a good technique, I aim to capture always the emotions, the real moments, that's what really matters in a perfect service in my opinion.
And in the Creative Sessions I aim to create beautiful photos, so I take care of the esthetique by following my personal sense of taste, but always trying to give some emotions to the viewers.
Also controlling lights and shadows is very important, often essential.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Mostly I follow the works of other colleagues whose style I love, and compare my works with theirs.
Also the contests in the various wedding photography associations I'm member of are a good way to measure your level.
But as a wedding photographer with a photojournalist approach, I follow also the works of the big names in photojournalism: McCurry, Koudelka, Salgado, Güler, Erwitt and so on...there is a lot to learn from them, that is very useful at weddings.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—What I said before, shooting weddings in different countries, with different traditions, it's very interesting, and we often work between Austria, Italy and Hungary, but not only.
And this job allows me to meet new people, of course, and this is also a beautiful side of being a wedding photographer.
And being able to give to these people memories they will be joyful to watch in the future, well, that makes me proud.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Maybe the marketing part, it's a ton of work which is hidden to the eyes of most of the clients, and to be honest is not so great and fun like shooting photos :) but that's part of this job too, and must be done.
I also don't like the envy and malice that some photographers have of others colleagues, I think everyone should just think about giving his best, and caring only about to improve, continuously.

—How do you handle criticism?

—It depends on how much competent is who criticize me :D jokes apart, I'm always studying, always trying new things, and always following photographers whose works I love, and I'm always ready to learn from them.
There is always to learn something new, and there is always someone who can teach me something.
So, I usually accept critics if well motivated, ot at least I reflect on them.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, also engagement sessions, portraits, family shootings, lifestyle photos, maternity.
And street photography, I love street photography, but that's just for me :) and it's a great training for my concept of wedding photography.

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

—Watch, study and follow the works of the "big names".
Learn the technique and the "rules". Then, when you have the technique, you must experience, break also the rules, try, try, and try new things.
Never think that you "arrived", that you learned everything.
Develop your style. Use your ideas. Be yourself. And do what you like.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—The photographer must not become the protagonist of the scene, and he/she must always remember that it's not his/her wedding, but the bride and groom's wedding.
In few words, the photographer must not be intrusive.

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

—I always say to people: "look my portfolio, also the full works, and if you feel something when you are watching my photos, then I'm the photographer you are looking for".
My photos will be the only memories of their best day, they must be absolutely sure that my style fits perfectly with their taste.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Trends are going and coming continuously, but beautiful photos always remain, forever, and that's what matters.
I don't really care about trends, even if I take a look at them.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to show my point of view.
I always do what I like. And I like emotions, so I like to capture the emotions, and to show those photos to my couples: it's always great to see their happiness when they see it.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes, I love to see new places and to change the wedding locations too :) shooting weddings in different countries, with different traditions, it's very interesting.
But I travel also just for myself, obviously.

—Where would you like to live?

—Now I'm not in Italy, the life took me somewhere else, but being close to it makes me feel ok :) I don't want to go far, Europe is good for me, especially the southern/central part :)

—What is special in wedding photography?

—To me, being the direct witness of great emotions, and not only: I'm the one in charge to capture those moments, it's a big responsability, and a honour too.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—To be honest, in these 16 years I still didn't see any great personality, at least not great enough to be called a symbol.
I think he/she is yet to come.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Maybe I would have started before with photography.
But probably I wouldn't change nothing, there is always a reason why things happen in a specific way.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Sometimes I'm so concentrated about the work, that I forget the grooms' names :D luckily there is always my wife next to me to remind me the names :D

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—There are so many great colleagues, that it's hard to choose just one name.
Probably Ben Chrisman could be the name, and Daniele Vertelli too.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Probably I'm never completely satisfied, I'm quite critic with myself, so there is always something I would do to improve something later.

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

—I'm trying to capture the soul of the person I'm shooting. And to do so at best, it's needed a mutual cooperation between both the parts.

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Probably there are some things which are not essential, but I use everything, some things more often than others, but no "regrets".

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

—About my job, a good measure is when many couples suggest me to other friends, it means I did my job as I wanted, perfectly :)

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—I'm not so extroverse as not-italians usually expect from italians, but if I like a person I'm getting friendly quite soon :)

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Is this Miss Universe contest? :D
Do you know how many problems there are in the world? I should write an endless list.

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

—That there is so much "hidden work": marketing, emails, equipment cares and upgrades, etc...a lot of time for that :)

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I'm quite skeptical about the global politics of the last years, I think the world is not going in a good direction.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I don't know.
Let's see, let's work at our best, and let's be ready for all the developments in this profession :)

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—No one, honestly I never had models and I never needed models, I think I always know what I like and what I want.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The fact I can express my creativity, the fact that my work can make happy other people also after many years.

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

—A camera, to take photos of course :D
And a list of good and trustable places where to eat...I'm italian :D

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—Well, winning the lottery would be nice :D but jokes apart, no, around me everything it's ok as it is :)

—What about life on other planets?

—Why not? The universe is so big, so there could be another similar planet between the other billions :)

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Probably they don't speak my language :D But I'm italian, just with my hands I can say everything :D

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

—Again, details: the light, the composition, a natural smile, real tears, perfect moments, emotions.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Yes, I think I have a special attraction on them, they become my friends almost instantly :)

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I love cooking (again, I told you I'm italian :D ), I go running, mountain biking, fishing.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—..."the same thing we do every night Pinky...try to take over the world" :DDD

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I don't have a specific answer, in every people there can be a cool subject.

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

—A lot of details.
And as we know, details are what make the difference.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—First of all respected, then if I'm also liked...perfect :D

—Who are your heroes?

—As I said, no heroes.
People I admire yes, but no heroes.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They have been ok when I was small, even too gentle :)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—In wedding photography probably not.

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

—A commedy, or an action movie.

—Are you photogenic?

—mmm...I don't think so :D

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I married my wife.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Annoying people.

—Is there life after marriage?

—It seems so :D

—The best thing in life is:

—Life itself.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Nothing.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—No.

—The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Salzburg?

—A secret must remain secret! :)

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

—To resonate with the photographer's work, to contact him in order to understand how he/she is working and to feel that he/she is absolutely trustworthy to capture their lifetime memories for them. The financial part should be the last thing to weight in their decision.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—I guess wedding photography has a lot of other genres because wedding photographer must:
- be intuitive like in sports photography;
- know travel/landscape/fashion/boudo ir photography for photo sessions;
- know photojournalism in order to capture real moments,
- product photography for detail shots;
- be creative;
- many others.... but the main one, must "be there"!

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

—When traveling with family a mirrorless camera because its small and light weighted, but when travel for weddings beside the cameras and 2-3 lenses the back-up gear.

—Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

—Not best loved but the latest one I heard:
"Do you know how Michael Schumacher's cat sound like? Meooooow! (say it fast!)"

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

—Yes. The bad effect of human race over the climate and planet earth in general and the overpopulation.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Family time, meet good old friends, sleep more, capture some real life moments.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Reverse the climate change, eradicate world hunger/poverty and terrorism.

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

—Chrisman Studios, Two Mann Studios, Marius Barbulescu Photography, AM Dragan Photography, Pedro Cabrera, Victor Lax and many-many others.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—People to start enjoying life not working their asses off all the time.

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Never underestimate their-self, embrace failure and never ever stop learning. Don't sell yourself cheap only because you are beginner!

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—There are to many, from family and friends, to fellow photographers.

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

—The "click" came when I got married and realized the level of wedding photography.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Where there's not to cold neither to warm all year long. :)

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

—Sometimes the real moments are not in front of photographer but behind (the scene).

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—"Hi, me human! Lets smoke some weed and party!"

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Many ways: with my family, riding my bike, traveling! :)

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

—Moment, message, framing, edit, details, all of them.

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

—Singing at a musical instrument like piano or guitar.

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

—Making people happy after seeing their own memories.

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

—Holding my baby girl in my arms for the first time!

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

—I guess waking up very early in the morning.... :)

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—Those who intentionally make other people suffer.

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—:)) Not possible to show neither in this case!

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

—Not a character but a... motorbike racer! :)

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Photographers couples and same sex couples.

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

—Not capture all the moments sometime.

—Life is great thanks to:

—Family, people around me and nature.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Never stop learning and exercising.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Good question! I don't know... :)

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—There are to many of them! :))

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

—The moment, message, framing.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Always was and always will.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—Shooting makes me happy! ;)

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

—Respected (as human bean).

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

—A graphic tablet I guess.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—You should tell me! :))

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

—Evolving continuously.

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

—My clients happiness.

—Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

—OMG, to many! :))))

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—Real life moments.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Can't decide! :))

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—90% more or less

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

—Albert Einstein

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

—My daughter! :)

—What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

—Can't remember.

—Do you like travelling?

—Hell YEAH! :)

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Definitely :)

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—Lazyness :))

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—Ageing :)))

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Love it!

—When are you totally satisfied with the results of your work?

—Never!

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Comedy

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—Less.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—Yeap!

—Is there life in the Universe?

—100%

—Cats or dogs?

—Both

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

—Yes

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

—No

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—No