Wedding photographers in Dublin

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Dublin? :)

—There are so many great photographers in Dublin at the moment. But I think Gareth Lima Conlon is probably the best. Great attitude, creative.... definitely has both sides of his brain working.

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

—From Ireland it would be Jay Doherty and Dave McClelland. International would be Ross Harvey and Sam Hurd. To be honest I dont get influenced or look too much at other photographers work. It is more about their attitude to photography.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Hard to know! Will weddings disappear altogether!?
I think the important thing is that photographers get better at informing their clients about how important photographs are. I photographed my first wedding in 2000 for two friends. Their families have gone through all sorts of hardships since then and I know how important the family photos I took that day are to them.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course. For some people marriage is not the right option. I read a great book recently by Donald Miller. He writes about how everyone is looking for something thinking that if they get it it will be the answer to their problems. Not so my friend!

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

—I am just there to photograph the day. My favourite photos will be so different from the Brides favourite. It is important to get both. The value is the expression on the subject's face or reliving the feeling of a hug that someone gave you.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—For every day I am shooting there is probably 3/4 that I am not. Emailing, editing and updating website and social media is always a chore but thats what gets you the great shoots.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—When I am asked what I do for a living I tell people I photograph people. Then to relax I take photographs... usually without people. I do a lot of portraits and events as well.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—yes I love traveling. It is only March and I have already been working in Barcelona and Zagreb. Love going away to cities or rural locations for short working breaks.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The challenges of it. Every day is different. I love meeting up with people. Making them feel confident, making them laugh allowing them be tender.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The day itself is pretty intense. So just remaining calm and being to see the photograph as it happens. There is no other day in your life quite like your wedding day.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I started doing landscapes which developed into street photography. Then friends started asking me to photograph their weddings.

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

—Not really. Somethings just dont ask the test of time. If I dont want it they are you usually east to sell online or give away.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Conferences and workshops. Really valuable way of meeting fellow professionals and learning new techniques.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would like to spend less time answering questions on my computer...... I should be out there on my bike!

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

—I would have been braver and started my photography career earlier.
It is very daunting to get started.

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

—I miss the days of film in cameras. It seems to be making a comeback but in fairness digital is amazing.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—I think so.... I am very trusting of people. But if people close off to me I will close off to them.

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

—for me it is just about a moment that can never be recreated... it has to totally spontaneous.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Everyone who I meet. I have never anybody who did not inspire me. For better or for worse.

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

—Really love what you do. Get paid properly for doing it. Learn your craft. Find a mentor.

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

—I have a wife, three children, one house, one car, three cameras, eight lenses... magic!

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

—As little as possible. One camera, two lenses and a list of people to get in touch with.

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

—I am guessing science fiction is the right answer here but I will go with New Wave.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Worry about why I am not taking photographs.
Watch the clouds move over the sea.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—It is not what I want to say it is what and how it makes my client feel.

—Where would you like to live?

—Somewhere where it is just about an hour before sunset all the time.

—Who or what do you hate?

—All of the rubbish in the oceans at the moment is really upsetting!

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

—It should be all about trusting their photographer. Communication.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They could not have been better parents.... I am very lucky.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When you get a compliment or a recommendation from a client.

—What about life on other planets?

—I hope they treat their planet better than we treat ours.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I am not great with jokes.... they usually dont get me.

—The best thing in life is:

—Walking in your own front door after a great adventure.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—lots of trends... but I just believe in my own style.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Still having to shoot weddings when I am 80!

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I would rather be rich, liked and respected.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Always make sure your shoes are polished.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—I am not a big fan of religion and war.

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

—Hi, my name is Gareth Lima Conlon.

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

—Being a father. I like to sleep.

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

—I will do pretty much anything!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—I have not won the lottery yet.

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

—Working for the wrong clients.

—Who are your heroes?

—My family are all pretty cool.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Anytime spent in a darkroom.

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

—the light and fist pumps!

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

—how to speak Spanish.

—Are you photogenic?

—from a distance....

—How do you handle criticism?

—they are wrong....

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People who litter.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—double chins....

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—tough question!

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Happy people.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Diane Arbus

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—the dishes.

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

—Elon Musk

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

—Snowy

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogz

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

—No

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

—No