Wedding photographers in Auckland

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

—Unfortunately I can't say any name in particular, but all photographers communities what Im in gave a lot to me (or I took a lot from them, ha-ha :)

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I always loved photography and love stories. So I guess its all comes together. Also I met my kiwi husband overseas in Europe and next thing moved to New Zealand (very beautiful country with great lifestyle, especially for little ones – we had one baby right after another one :) We had really simple ceremony with meeting sunset on the beach and now Im really enjoying when couples sharing with me their special moments.

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

—Probably nothing, I still can work on myself and change what I want, chose the way what I want. We free to make our choice. For example when I was a child I dreamt about figure skating but never had opportunity to do it, so when i turned 25 and knew there opened groups for adults I been there and did my hardest to learn figure skating (stretching body, work hard on my shape, falling down on the ice a lot, learn jumps, spins, spirals) and I did it for 5 years, even took part in adult international competitions and won some medals as well. So you see everything is possible if you want it to happen!

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

—ohhh, thats made me think, who could I be...
I think about old Hollywood movies like Gone with the wind (Scarlett O'Hara), Audry Hepburn (in Rome holidays) or Merlin Monroe ...
I love retro style and romance and I love movies :) There some special atmosphere, light, colours and BW story

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I look back at pictures and analyse (I love to analyse everything, my husband saying Im thinking a lot and need just relax, ha-ha – New Zealand way of thinking), so I see what I can do better next time, what works what not and how I can improve myself. I also study a lot, its never stops!

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I working, study a lot, taking pictures, retouching pictures, communicating with clients and all this in spare time, ha-ha. Photography business not an easy thing and its hard to balancing it with family time. I still full-time mum :)

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

—When I go to travel I take with me list of things what I need to take, I love to plan everything, every details, choosing destination, hotel, must-see places, its so exciting (Im doing a lot of research before so Im confident)

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Its ability to amaze myself and other people when I discover images on my computer (or at the back screen of the camera), this feeling is unforgettable when you feel the moment and know picture going to come up just great!

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—There few trends, but each photographer having own style and voice, following own instincts, otherwise its just will be fake try to follow some trends...

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

—Im only not happy with one gadget what my husband got for kids – a tablet, Im really don't thing they big enough to use it (even if they easily can slide windows, watch Youtube etc at their 3 and 2 years old). lol

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I guess its really not original, but its birth of two my kids – William and Anna-Bella, really strong omens (with a lot of emotions and pain as well – ha-ha men never knows these feelings)

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I would like to shoot with any professional photographer, who knows what they doing (because its always interesting to see different styles of work, shooting, communicating with couples

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

—Im pretty open for public. They just can't see my really private moments, but I put a lot of family pictures on Instagram, Facebook and my Blog, pretty much like open book :)

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

—I believe its historically come this way, but been slight changes over last century, but I still believe in traditions and happy everyone can do their choice in modern time.

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

—Everyone have own success and its something temporary: one day you want to reach one thing, then you get it, set up next step and look forward it :)

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

—can't think about anything stupid. We make our choice, its ours, so its should happen, and its learning experience, so nothing stupid, just life :)

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Im inspired by people who are doer. If they want something they just do it, at least start, work hard, study on own mistakes and move forward.

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

—its not only soul of the person, its a couples soul and my one as well, because its my voice too (what I see through the art of photography)

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes, absolutely love it. I studied geography in university and travel a lot. Now I live in another part of the world in Hobbit country :)

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—not, I also taking lifestyle pictures, doing 365 project, family storytelling and also taking limited number of family/kids sessions

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I feel I did maximum and get great pictures as results and happy couple who in love with their images, thats a real treasure!

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Im really don't worry about anything in particular, maybe just if I have enough time to tell many stories through my photograph

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Im grow up in Russia (Saint-Petersburg) with discipline, strong rules and characters around. I think its only made me stronger.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—oh no, Im not a dog or cat person, Either not works for me, I had two little kids and thats enough for pets in the house.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I love it! its helps a lot to look clear from outside. When we deep inside something we can't see proper the reality :)

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—ability to be better, faster, wiser, and more clever as I am (my husband saying its impossible I already there, ha-ha!)

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I want to shoot natural, romantic, beautiful authentic artistic images, which motivating, emotional and mind-blowing!

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

—its a complex thing (composition, colours, emotions etc.), but main for me simple – is picture speaks to you or not?

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

—Cant thing about anything in particular. Everyone making mistakes, but I don't think they really big :)

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

—its a complex things, but i would say: love photographer work, meet him and have a connection (trust)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want people feel my voice, read the story in pictures, feel connections and image speaks to them.

—Who or what do you hate?

—or thats a big word, I don't hate anything, its just impossible, love is all around us!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—a lot of them I guess (my imagination goes wild when I think about this, ha-ha!)

—Where would you like to live?

—I would like to stay in new Zealand, such a beautiful place, but travel a lot :)

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

—details, moments, situations, emotions, think step ahead and expect unexpected

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Each wedding lasts only for one day, but lucky will live forever in images.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I think if someone really like you and your work they respect you as well.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Emotions and atmosphere, capture unique event what happens once a life!

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—a lot of things, or maybe just have a little bit rest, i need it! :)

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

—we every day change the world with our choices and steps...

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

—Slow down, think ahead and control your camera settings :)

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

—It will be simply beautiful romantic and powerful story

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

—just be there and watch and don't forget your camera!

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

—Just leave this planet, its too much for you! :)

—Are you photogenic?

—Everyone photogenic when they are happy :)

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—bring more beauty and artistic pictures

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

—no symbols, each year had own heroes

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

—Story, emotion and atmosphere...

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—True stories and fast turnaround

—Who are your heroes?

—my family – husband and kids :)

—The best thing in life is:

—is life :) how simple is this!

—What about life on other planets?

—yep, someone could be there

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Emotions and connection

—Is there life after marriage?

—Ha-ha! We all survive!

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—yes, I am :)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—hard to say

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Hard to say

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—its short

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—no!

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

—Greg Campbell is not only a great guy, but an amazing wedding photographer operating north of the city. His images are inspiring and his podcast "The Snappening" he hosts with Australian based wedding photographer Tom Stewart is insightful and hilarious.

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

—Compare portfolios that match the available budget and from there go with the style that appeals most. When making contact, take note of response time, often indicating motivation, and personality. After all you'll spend one of the most important days of your life with this person. The fit has to be right. Personally, I would advise to have a photography team, so you get more candid and natural shots.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—After moving to New Zealand I started teaching landscape photography, instructing groups of maximum 6 people how to set up their camera, take images of the Auckland skyline around sunset and then teach a bit about post processing the results. I absolutely loved doing this, especially in a country famous for it's stunning scenery, but it didn't pay the bills.I decided that my technical expertise, together with my design and marketing background and outgoing personality would be the perfect combination of factors that could lead to success in the wedding industry.I took on some weddings for free and second shot one or two with my brother-in-law before taking the plunge. And I haven't looked back since, taking on around 30 weddings a season.

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

—The lighting and emotion. It can be visible in a photo if someone is not feeling at ease or themselves. As a husband and wife photography team, we work together to create a natural and relaxed atmosphere to allow people maximum comfort. Even those who are more camera-shy.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I've seen a fair bit of the world and I've traveled around New Zealand for about six months total before deciding to permanently move away from Amsterdam to pursue my career in New Zealand. Highlights were hiking the Peruvian Inca trail and exploring Cuba to name a few.

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

—Success does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—To be honest, it's the best feeling in the world when you intimately know the person you're shooting with. My wife and I have developed a deeper understanding. Sometimes a simple look is enough to communicate an instruction.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Waiting for photos to import, creating smart previews, exporting the final images and uploading files to a gallery. I'm a few steps ahead of the digital tools available to me. Call me impatient, but I just get frustrated.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Reveals or a first look before the ceremony is getting more popular. For some couples it's calming their nerves, for others a simple way of enjoying more time with their guests at the reception.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—It's extremely rewarding to deal with very grateful couples. Often before seeing a single photo they tell me what a great job we've done. Genuine positive reactions are what make this work amazingly satisfying!

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Being asked to capture the wedding of a New Zealand Olympic medal winning cyclist to be featured in Woman's Day magazine was a beautiful highlight. Especially since we pulled it off without a hitch.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—We always worry about a failing memory card, camera or hard drive. Even though we eliminate all the risks by taking every precaution possible, it's still something in the back of our minds.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Criticism, when constructive, can be a great learning and lift the quality of my work. Having studied at an arts institution I can handle criticism very well and not take it personally.

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

—I love natural light and more specifically, shooting straight into the sun around sunset. And if I get the shot right will without a doubt be the highlight photo for the couple.

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

—Nelson Mandela said: "There is no passion to be found playing small -
in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Landscape photography and hiking are a match made in heaven. Especially in New Zealand, with beautiful scenery and so many opportunities for amazing shots.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—It's a conscious choice not to worry about what people may think of me. I would rather earn their respect. Although I'm a pretty likable guy ;)

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—There's many online resources to learn and improve. During the quiet season I love to educate myself and stay on top of modern trends.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Avoid having distracting elements in the background. This is something the photographer should solve by framing the shot.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—We also do engagement shoots, family lifestyle portraits and newborns. The diversity keeps things interesting!

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—With every wedding our portfolio improves. It's the motivation to improve and take the perfect photo!

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

—I'd worry less about the small things and trust that everything works out in the end.

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

—It could be capturing glances or emotions, which people may not be aware of.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I guess drones might play a bigger role, although they can be quite noisy.

—Are you photogenic?

—I'd like to think so. My wife (and second shooter) thinks I am :)

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Real people. We want to convey a true sense of connection.

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

—Shooting a portrait without a memory card in the camera.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The great atmosphere. Everyone is always happy!