Photographers in Christchurch: wedding photography portfolios

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

—I can't go past myself, though I'm not used to being so upfront.

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

—One, they love the photographer's work.
Two, they like the photographer's personality
Three, the photographer's prices are within their budget.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Reluctantly. While studying for my Diploma in Photography, my tutor said I should come along to a wedding with him. I said 'no', he said 'yes' and the rest is history.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Oh yeah. I've lived in four countries – The Cook Islands, The Maldives, New Zealand and Thailand. Did I mention I have worked for four summers in Antarctica?Or I have travelled to 50-countries?

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

—Great photos are about great lighting, wonderful visual design and in the case of wedding photography, real moments between people.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—A year studying for a Diploma in Photography was a good start. Working alongside other working photographer's, has helped too.

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

—I applied for a job once and misspelt a person's name, three times. To be fair though, it was a really tricky name...

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

—Buy a sporting almanac, put down lots of sporting bets and retire to an island in the Pacific somewhere.Wouldn't you?

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Meeting new people and being entrusted to create photos of a couple on one of the most important days in their lives.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Yeah, everyone with a camera thinks they are a wedding photographer these days...Just because I have some tools, doesn't make me a plumber.

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

—Learn visual design.
Shoot a lot.
Find a mentor.
Be patient.
Practice and practice some more.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Standing still. Always change your viewpoint and your focal lengths (great way to hide annoying background elements).

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

—Just one person?That's a tough question. I'd start with Barack Obama, though I'd be happy to name more.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Your next wedding (so stop reading this and head over to my website and contact me).Right. Now.

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

—Nope. I bake our bread; I cook; I clean; I wash the clothes. It's all about sharing the workload.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Another trick question?I've been married for many years and don't plan on being non-married.

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

—I have the bare minimum. Gadgets don't last long and I consider them a waste of valuable money.

—Where would you like to live?

—Where I'm living right now. Two blocks from the beach, in beautiful Christchurch, New Zealand.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I used to do a lot of magazine photography work, prior to getting into wedding photography.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife and kids. They see the joy and wonder in everything. Makes me happy to be a dad.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Hate is such a strong word and there is enough hate in the world. I'm not a hater.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—It is about the people. People are what make weddings great. That and great light.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—My shadow. I rarely use a second shooter, but when I do, I have a reliable go-to.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—No full on nudity. Sorry, it isn't you, it's me. Just not my cup of tea.

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

—Where to start?How about the light and the moments between people.

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

—Great light; an authentic moment between the couple and sweet design.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Delivering my second child. It'll take a lot to surpass that moment.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—If I knew that, I wouldn't be typing the answer in this interview.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—It's R-rated. It'll never be published. So pass this time round.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Couple that keep wanting images that they will cherish forever.

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

—Earplugs and a first aid kit.Second camera. Passport.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Dad – less strict. Sorry dad if you are reading this.

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

—Photograph weddings....It turned out okay though.

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

—Could be a bit warmer in Christchurch during winter.

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

—I would get better at creating photos very quickly.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want people to actually stop and look at them.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Surfing, sea kayaking and camping with the kids.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When my couple's love their wedding photographs.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs, but we don't have enough space for a dog.

—The best thing in life is:

—Lazy Sundays after a wedding shoot on Saturday.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Donald Trump being re-elected. Don't you?

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.Is this another trick question?

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Photograph a wedding. Might see you there...

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

—Being happy and having a healthy family.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Racism and treating people poorly.

—How do you handle criticism?

—What? Got a problem with my work?

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Marketing. It isn't my strength.

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

—I knew you guys were out there!

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

—Adventure (think Indiana Jones)

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Reduce child poverty to zero.

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

—Always loved Road Runner...

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

—That's a bit deep for me.

—Are you photogenic?

—Surely a trick question?

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—People rushing around.

—What about life on other planets?

—It's out there...

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Getting older.

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

—Jonathan Ong.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Sometimes.

—Who are your heroes?

—My wife.