Wedding photographers in Belgium

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

—The portfolio of the wedding photographer has to meet expectations of the groom and bride. It isn't necessary to choose the photographer, and then to ask him (or her) to take pictures and a retouch "like photographer N".

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The real wedding photographer has to be able to photograph not only a photoshoot of newlyweds. The wedding photographer has to be able to shoot well details, the reporting, to operate big groups of people, to work during a bad lighting etc

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I like to be part of important day of this family. It is pleasant to me that my photos, even after my death, will consider many generations of this family.

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

—It is a subject for the article. The value of the photo can be different for colleagues – photographers and for clients.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—no. Russians make other, deeper meaning of the word "friend", than it is accepted in the USA, for example.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—When guests try to interfere into work of the photographer and to control all processes

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

—The success is with pleasure go to work, and after work with pleasure come back home

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

—Models have to trust the photographer, differently everything loses meaning

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I have art education. I worked in advertizing and fashion industry many years, I began as art – director and the director of photoshoots. In the beginning I worked only as the photographer for fashion and for portraits

—Who or what do you hate?

—I don't like airs and graces, whims, pathos, hypocrisy and moralising.

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

—Keep in mind that suntan in photos looks much worse, than in real life. Keep in mind that the sunburn in photos looks much more considerably. Keep in mind that the photo "adds" 6 pounds of weight.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I take also the picture for fashion. I like to do portraits.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to show beauty and emotions of this special day

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Totally not allowed to have bad mood

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I don't photograph the eating people

—The best thing in life is:

—When from me trousers fall down

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My friends. They are the best.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—both, But I have cat

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I am a perfectionist

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—I like to be myself

—Are you photogenic?

—Yes I am

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Internet

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—moscitos

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—yes

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

—There is no straight answer, since each couple will have a preferred style and "click" with a certain professional. So personality is important too. I think from a certain level it’s more a case of matching the client with the best photographer for them.

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

—Portfolio consistency, matched personality and values and a flawless hair :) See, sense of humor helps too.

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

—About 12 years ago, a friend, a photographer himself asked members of our online photographic community who would be interested in covering his wedding in a photojournalistic manner. Something new at that moment, a style that was about to shape the industry. Many said yes, in the end only a friend of mine and myself made the long trip to the location. I enjoyed the experience and used images form that very first wedding on my portfolio for years to come.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I try to learn from it. But with good communication and transparency, there’s little chance of that. I always present a full portfolio to potential clients. Of course, everybody loves the great shots but consistency is very important. I make sure they understand my way of covering the event. I take the time to know them, and make myself available, answering any concerns they might have.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—Actually I take time off from time to time, because it help keeping a fresh mind but it’s like with anything you like to do, it’s easy to keep on doing it. My approach help this, because each wedding feels different when you don’t focus on shooting a list of typical shots but rather on trying to capture the atmosphere and the interactions.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—I have a few pictures of myself that I am pleased with. Let's say I too have my favorite angles :)
This issue speaks more about how we feel about ourselves and our confidence. No photographer in the world would break that barrier without being a good communicator.

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

—My work is not conceptual, I would argue wedding photography in itself isn’t, but I guess there might be exceptions depending on people's definition of wedding photography. So I’m trying to tell the story, I’m there to document the events.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Constantly photographing and staying connected to peers and going back to the work of the masters regularly. I encourage people to see photographs not only on displays, but also printed, buying books or going to galleries.

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

—Capturing that fleeting moment, matching it with good light and composition. When these fall into place I know I've got a great one. I can see it then in the eyes of the couple when I present them with their pictures.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—We come back to those facades. There is an impulse of trying to present, either as a photographer or as an attendee, something that we think to be our best. We go for the best pose, in detriment of personality. We try to stay composed when showered with emotion.

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

—Some things stand the test of time. Trends will change, tech will evolve but people will always cherish memories. This is part of my approach, trying to document the essence, not to create (stop at) a facade.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Being disrespectful. I show up dressed to match the occasion, not to attract attention. I enjoy a good cocktail but never on the job. I ask gently and show gratitude. I don’t intrude but also stay present.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—No, no one does. Professionally I shoot engagements, couple and family sessions and all sorts of events. I enjoy having personal projects too, from documenting family life to travel and street photography.

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

—I once had a scare with backing up photographs. I trusted myself too much on technology. Having backups is of course a thing you really have to do as a photographer and I treat this matter seriously.

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

—Paperwork. Who likes it, right? Being a wedding photographer means a lot more than creating photographs, it’s actually running a business. Thankfully you can hire help for things like paperwork.

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

—I like to streamline my life as much as possible so if decide I don’t need it anymore, I’ll sell it, or return it if it’s still possible. I’m not the kind that rushes into buying stuff.

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

—I like to keep mobility so I travel lightly whenever possible. If it’s for a wedding, I’ll want to have backup for everything that can break down. And at least another shirt :)

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

—Having a goal helps. As in life in general an photography in particular, you should define goals to be able to measure the results of your actions.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Can’t think of a personality really. The next door neighbor might be more interesting than any celebrity. That’s the beauty of it.

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

—I don’t know, it’s impossible to name the absolute symbol. But the list of people you find by searching this on Google is funny.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—The grandeur of the moment. The historic importance at the family level. The occasion to celebrate with all the loved ones.

—Do you like travelling?

—I love it! Knowing new ways, new places, new people. Enriching yourself with memories and sharing them with loved ones.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—I don’t take many selfies, but I’ll probably ask a sports champion to take one with her or him if I have the chance.

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

—I would love to be able to fly, so anybody that has that superpower. But I’m pretty happy with myself otherwise.

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

—I’m never totally satisfied with the results of my work. Setting the bar just that little bit higher helps me.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—I like to see more positive attitudes, but complaining too much about this wouldn’t be so positive either.

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

—It might be cheesy but anybody that has kids and doesn’t immediately thinks of them is in trouble.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Pretty happy with my current location but I would gladly go for a couple of vacation homes.

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

—Well, if it’s a really good photo, maybe, yes. But not in the sense of that superstition.

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

—A wildlife documentary that involves a lot of traveling to interesting new places.

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

—Sure, I have my doubts from time to time. But I have friends, I talk them out.

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

—The subtle looks, the body language, the way light can create opportunities.

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

—I’m pretty transparent and open but as with anything, there are limits.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—In the traditional ones no, but I don’t agree with extreme feminism.

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

—Calibrate your monitor and print some pictures from time to time.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Unplanned weekend to come. I hope my wife thought of something.

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

—Yes, sure. I would never tickle a bride to get her to smile :)

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

—Hate it’s a bit much but I don’t like the last barber I tried.

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

—I’m married and she’s probably going to see this.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—Patience, I would really like to have more of it.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Pollution seems to be the most stringent problem.

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

—You wouldn’t know them. Most heroes are unknown.

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

—Business skills. Had to learn that on the job.

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

—They did their best and I’m grateful for that.

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

—Most members of Magnum had an impact on me

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

—I don’t care about these sorts of things.

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

—The moment, the emotion, the esthetique.

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

—Brush my teeth thoroughly as a kid :)

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Definite yes, we’re all in it, right?

—Life is great thanks to:

—Life itself. But electricity helps.

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

—I’d rather be liked. It’s warmer.

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

—Whatever makes it memorable.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Keeping flowers from dyeing.

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

—Oh, we’ve all been young.

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

—So, two guys enter a bar…

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

—“I hope you have a plan.”

—Cats or dogs?

—Cats, they smell better.

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—I’m a happy survivor.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—I like to cycle.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—Yes.