Wedding photographers in Helsinki

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

—Portfolio, first of all. Then maybe looking at a full wedding gallery.
Finding the perfect match! You´ll spend most of your wedding day together with your photographer. It´s good to choose someone who you actually like as a person.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—When you get the first call / mail from your client, you are strangers. When you say goodbye to the couple at the end of their wedding party, you´re friends. A wedding is a hectic mix of all kinds of emotions. People letting you become the part of it is something very special.

—Are you photogenic?

—I would say no. On the other hand when I look at our wedding,- and engagement pictures with my husband, I´m happy with the results. That is why I think it´s not about being photogenic or not. It depends on your photographer whether he/she finds the most favourable angles to photograph you. :)

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

—At the first wedding work, I was a second shooter. After ceremony I forgot my large camera bag in the church. Luckily I noticed it before leaving. The bag wasn´t missing anything. Never made the mistake of leaving my gear again. ;)

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

—In general I would say it´s the ability to live life as I would like to live it.
Professionally the ability to continuously develop. I mean, when I look back at my work after years, to think that "Hah, I´ve come a long way!"

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Through my lens I´d like to convey a light and natural atmosphere, where everyone has a good time. I´d like to make you smile each time you look at your photos, reminding you of all the beautiful moments on your wedding day.

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

—That as a photographer you spend the least time with taking photos. Most of the time you are managing your business, editing images, paying bills, answering e-mails, filling in tax papers, networking.

—Where would you like to live?

—Originally I´m from Hungary, but I´m living in Finland, as I´m married to a Finn. I think I´ve found my place here. Sometimes it´s nice to go back to my home-town to soak up the sun. :)

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I´m happy to see the change in the style photographers shoot nowadays, focusing on the couples´ characteristics, letting them "be the way they are". Less strict posing, more natural smiles.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I love travelling, camping, hiking...just being outside in nature. I enjoy simple things, I love spending time with my family, running in the mornings, painting, drawing.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Making people feel comfortable in front of my camera and seeing that they actually enjoy the session. It is a huge energy and creativity boost to me.

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

—I capture the emotions on the face, the movement of the body, little tears of joy. Yes, I think these are all replications of the soul...

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—No specific person in mind.
I would like to continue meeting and photographing awesome couples, their wonderful families and friends!

—Who are your heroes?

—I have a huge respect for people who invest a lot of time and effort to learn something and pursue their dreams.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I worry about beloved ones.
In work when something less pleasant comes up, I always look for the solution.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I can be happy with my work, but I always have the curiosity in me, how I could do it better the next time.

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

—Practice, practice and a little bit more practice. Be empathic and offer a good customer experience!

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

—Putting on an animal mascot and dance in front of a crowd, even though I knew I would be terrified.

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

—You mean photographer? That´s a question with a very subjective answer. :) Probably Joe Villa.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I looove stand-up comedy. Have you heard of Ismo Leikola? His jokes really crack me up. :)

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—In some things they were more strict, in other they weren´t. It was a healthy balance.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Little by little the "side hobby" became my passion, then the passion became my job.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My husband. He´s the funniest, the most relaxed and the kindest person I know.

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

—Little details, interesting angles, expressions, behind the scene scenarios.

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

—Probably I´d make them listen to Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful world. :)

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

—Everything natural.
Natural light.
Natural smiles.
Natural set-up.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs! Though in our house it´s going 50-50% between dog,- and cat love.

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

—My camera, charger, a good book, headphones, music, running shoes.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I get inspired by other photographers´work and I attend workshops.

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

—Elizabeth Messina, Jose Villa, Gabby from En Route Photography.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I definitely value and appreciate constructive criticism. ;)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Illegal stuff. Other things?...have to think about it. :)

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would love to work out a better work hour-schedule.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Feedback and generally the love towards photography.

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

—I would have started my business earlier...probably.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, I´m a lifestyle- and portrait photographer too.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—I´m against cruelty, mean-spirit, bullying...

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—So far it´s our wedding day with my husband.

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

—Emotions, honest expressions, composition.

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

—Let me get back to you later with this. :)

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

—My dream is a refurbished home-office.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Oh, boy. The list is way too long! :)

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

—The gardener, the cook...maybe. :)

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Can´t really think of anything.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I do! I looove travelling! :)

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—I think so. Styles, for sure.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Hurry...I think that´s it. ;)

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Cruelty, pollution of nature.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I stick with saying cruelty.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Days are only 24 hour-long.

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

—Hmmm, hopefully a comedy.

—The best thing in life is:

—Love, family, belonging.

—What about life on other planets?

—For sure there is.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Definitely liked!

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Usually I do. :)

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

—Not really.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course.

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

—No.