Wedding photographers in Vienna

—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 traveling?

—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.

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

—The quality of the pictures is very important, the personalty of the photographer might also play an important role at selection.

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

—I traveled to the United States in 2006 to work for Carnival Cruise Lines as a portrait photographer. I found a book "The Best of Wedding Photojournalism" in a bookstore, which totally amazed me. This was the first emotional step towards wedding photography. After a few years and other influences I started to shoot weddings in Hungary and Austria.

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

—Wedding photography is always a challenge to surpass ourselves. A mental challenge to create something that is exciting. It makes it possible to create something, which we might not only perceive as art but also gives joy and memories to people.

—Do you like traveling?

—I love traveling, I traveled the world between 2006 and 2007 while photographing people. Nowadays wedding photography gives me an opportunity to travel to new locations.

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

—Emotional fulfillment means success to me. Being good in my profession, having many happy clients gives that fulfillment.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—The opportunity to become a better photographer, the satisfaction of my clients and photography is also a living for me.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—I shoot landscape, architecture, portraits, events. I don't want photography to be narrowed down to a single genre.

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

—My printed notes and travel information as phones and notebooks might go broke. Usually I also take my camera.

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

—Composition, lighting and emotional content (storytelling) are all important part of a wedding photo.

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

—Countless poets, writers, cinematographers and photographers inspire me. Art awakens our soul.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—It unifies different genres: portrait, family, landscape, architecture photography and photojournalism, as well. If you want to do it on a high level, you have to be a master of many arts.

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

—Long working hours are exhausting during the high-season but it's a worthy sacrifice.

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

—Wedding photographers can see from the tiniest to the broadest, with a much wider horizon.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—There are always trends and fads but I'd rather create something that is eternal.

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

—It will be more and more refined but won't change a lot from now on.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Criticism might be painful but rightful criticism might help me to evolve.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—I read book and blogs and I also watch online courses.

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

—It might be a lofty goal but we can only approach it.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Reading and shooting shorts films among many others.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Jerry Ghionis, Two Mann Studios, Susan Stripling.

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

—Patience and diligence are the most important.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Disrespectfulness is definitely a big no-no.

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

—I'd start (wedding) photography earlier.

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

—That it will be my profession one day.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—The world should be more equal.

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

—If I am liked isn't that all?

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Life starts only then.

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

—What the moment says.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Corruption and greed.

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

—Jerry Ghionis.

—Cats or dogs?

—I like both!

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

—Drama.

—Life is great thanks to:

—Love.