Photographers in Antwerp: wedding photography portfolios

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

—If you like the person and his style of photography.
So the photographer can just be himself in his own style.Always the best result!

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—When I graduated as a photographer, I really wanted to do press and war photography. But when a friend of mine asked me to take the pictures of his wedding, I just loved to do it.
So that's why I've been doing this ever since.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Once in a while I worry about the amount of work I'll have the day after.
But most of the time I'm in a flow and try to learn as much as possible.
To love the moment that I share with my clients of colleagues.

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

—You can't measure it. And it's different for every one of us.
For some it's money, for others it's fame and again for others it might be being happy in a small house in the suburbs of a town...

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The variation and the amount of people you get to know.
I love the moment when you can show the pictures to your clients.
Most of the time a little bit emotional moment, but still beautiful.

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

—Sorry, there is no recipe for a good picture. Some have the right emotions, some the right framing, light, colour... I suppose the right light is for me the most important one.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I work together with a lot of other photographers, so you can learn a lot from other good photographers.
I read, follow a lot of photographers/Groups etc etc...

—What do you do in your spare time?

—For the moment I have really a little of spare time but I try to spend some time with the family. And next to that If I had some extra's I like to woodwork.

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

—I believe that you have to do what you like. Or how you feel fine. Both.
if that is traditional, then thats fine. But nobody has to do certain things...

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

—Mist a meeting, I almost lost pictures but was able to avoid it at the last moment due a technical problem. But thats not really a mistake, I think.

—Where would you like to live?

—well, I'm living in Antwerp. which is great. If I have to move, let it be Copenhagen. Nice place, a lot of nice bars, fancy, ecominded...

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

—I'm a photographer, :-) I make pictures and that is absolutely fine! I love photography, So it would look like a screensaver :-D

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—I'm not going to explain all that. There is way to much for this interview. And I doubt that people would like to read that...

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

—I've lost some time here and there. Spending time in work that didn't become that good always happen I think. It's a process.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I'm still learning a lot, every time I do a shoot.
Criticism is rare, but when people have some in general they are right.

—Do you make friends easily?

—No I don't. Friend are for long term. I do get along with a lot of people and very easy. But "friend" is an expensive word.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Who can say?
I think it might be more traveling photography, shoots on great locations.
Or thats just me hoping it ;-)

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

—The perfect light on the right moment.
And be on the right place at the right time. Much harder that you would expect!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—When you have to work. Weekends, summer time... the nice moments in the year.
It's a tough combination with a family.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My father does. If I can be as good in my life for his family as he has been, that would be pretty impressive.

—Are you photogenic?

—No absolutely not. I've got the great advantage that I'm in general behind the camera and not in front of it.

—Who are your heroes?

—Like I said, Jeanloup Sieff and Peter Lindbergh as photographer.
Next to those known people, my father.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The birth of my son. maybe not the most beautiful one, but for sure the most impressive one.

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

—Accountancy :-D
Or maybe that I had to go even harder, right away. don't be afraid. Ever.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I don't want to say anything. I want to make beautiful images. with a lot of feeling.

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

—Just go for it! Go the extra mile and try to convince people to do the same.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Sometimes there is something more in a image. hard to describe. The extra.

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

—no the world is great. Come on, there are tons of things to change!

—What is special in wedding photography?

—You are there on the most special moments of other people lives!

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Of course, for the moment it's quite cool to shoot more vintage.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Not yes, untill now I use 99% of the gear that I've ever bought.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, Most of the time I do fashion or architecture photography.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—Yes It happens that I have a bad day :-) Not to often!

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Wauw, I've got a shortlist which isn't that short ;-)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I've got an English cocker spaniel. He is just great!

—Who or what do you hate?

—People who act like they like you, until your off.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would like to be more patient once in a while.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I don't think so, but that's the problem right?

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I love traveling and I adore to get back home.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Just loving what you do. Thats enough for me.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—respected, it think... Can I have both? :-)

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

—My wife, son and dog. :-) no, no cameras.

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

—That there is no such thing as an alien.

—The best thing in life is:

—Coffee ;-)No, it's love, for sure.

—Is there life after marriage?

—I don't know, I'm not married! :-)

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

—For the client, emotion for sure.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Peter Lindbergh, a half god :-)

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—No, just like that was fine.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—a broke coffee machine.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—That doesn't matter.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Sorry no idea...

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

—Jeanloup Sieff

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Drinking ;-)

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Shoot!

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

—/

—What about life on other planets?

—?