Wedding photographers in Serbia

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

—Belgrade has many great photographers, and it's not easy to make a choice. For wedding couples it dependins on their aesthetic criteria, of style they prefer, of way of storytelling... I try to find my inspiration in Italian wedding photojournalism and in fashion photography, so I think I'm not competent to evaluate Belgrade photographers.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—As a student I tried to earn money for doing fashion & pin up photography, for a studio, for an equipment... so I started doing commercial photography. Now i try to find new inspiration, new ideas and to be more creative. But what's most important I really enjoy doing wedding photography

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

—Only essentials, no photoshop.
First of all light! To know and understand creative possibilities of light and how you can change the subject depending on light. Composition is also very important, and when you shoot people – rules of posing, especially talk of hands and eyes.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—To repeat myself and to not have the ability to do something new and creative, when it does not depend on me.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—To travel, to meet new people, to build friendships, to try to outperform myself and make better photos

—How do you handle criticism?

—I like criticism and I ask for analysis and arguments, because it helps me to be better.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Definitely! I am addicted to traveling.

—Are you photogenic?

—I'm afraid I'm not

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Yes. Now it is wedding destination photography, photojournalism and storytelling, what I like and dark & washed photos without posing (just standing), often incorrectly cut, what I dislike. The main trend today is that many photographers deny the existence of any rules.

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

—No ones. I follow a lot of photographers, but sometimes I am affraid that I will lose my own style, so I try not to look too much. :)

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I was a documentary photographer when I first started working in one of the best studios in my city, Say Cheese Studio, and eventualy I got involved in shooting weddings regularely and fell in love with it.

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

—When I was a teenager, I could sometimes compare myself with Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Sallinger). I was pretty rebelious, and still am.
Nowadays, I can't find someone to compare with.

—What about life on other planets?

—It's a pretty selfish opinion that we are the only ones in the universe. I'm sure that there is life on other planets, in which form and where, it's a question we might never get an answer.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I tend to faithfully replicate the emotion. I don't like too much interference, so I tend to be invisible as much as I can be. I want to capture moments of true love and happiness.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—The thing that worries me right now is the global geopolitical situation. There is too much tension in this world, and it is becoming more and more unstable. Consumerism also.

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

—I was a person who was always carrying a lot of photo equipment, just in case. Now, I only carry my compact Fuji X30 and I tend to use it in best way possible.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I'm a sports person and a proud supporter of Red Star Belgrade. I love basketball and football. Travel and cinematography also plays a big part in my life.

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

—Connecion they make with the photographer on their first meeting, and portfolio, of course.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I find inspiration everywhere, from most common people and their extraordinary stories. I won't single out any individual, because it wouldn't be fair.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I don't have any particular thing in my mind, but if I have to say something, I would say that I don't allow interference of negative people.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Very well. Or at least I like to think so. I am aware that learning photography is an ongoing process, and it never ends.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They had perfect balance, and I would be very proud if I could do the same when I become a parent.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I hate corruption, consumerism and greed. Especially greed of multinational corporations.

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

—Unfortunately, we live in a consumer society. So the consumer is the symbol of our time.

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

—Only by ammount of happiness. There is no measure greater than the inner feeling of joy.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Emotion. You'll rarely see that amount of emotions in one place at one particular time.

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

—As I have mentioned before, an emotion comes first, then the composition and lighting.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I absolutely love traveling. It is probably my greatest passion after photography.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected. I tend to respect people around me, and I like to be respected as well.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The look on bride & grooms face after they see their photos for the first time.

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

—Effort that I make while trying to balance between work, family and friends.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I'm getting married this year, so, I'll be in front of the camera. :)

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

—No. I always make sure that I will actually use the stuff I buy.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Taking pictures makes people happy. I like to make people happy.

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

—Emotion, composition and lighting. But emotion comes first.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No. I'm a documentary photographer too. It's my first love.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I'd like to get less annoyed with things I can't influence.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Couples that are really, really in love with each other.

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

—Broke a memory card. Luckily, I got the shots back. :)

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

—Trust your instincts and build your own unique style.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—It's a Serbian thing, you wouldn't understand. :)

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I have many colleagues that I love working with.

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

—I believe in equal rights and equal obligations.

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

—That it will change my life in 180 degrees.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both, but if I have to choose, then dogs.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—An interview on a local television. :)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Never thought about that. I think no.

—Where would you like to live?

—Berlin, Germany. Or Lisbon, Portugal.

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

—Can't think of anything particular.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Workshops, tutorials and practice.

—Are you photogenic?

—No, actually, I don't think so.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Heavily drunk wedding guests. :)

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Instagram is dictating trends.

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

—A complete political system.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When my clients are happy.

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

—Buy a pro camera earlier.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Journalistic approach.

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

—What took you so long?

—Is there life after marriage?

—I'll let you know. :)

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

—Smiles and tears.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, I think so.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Corporatocracy.

—Who are your heroes?

—Common people.

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

—Social drama.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Politicians.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Bureaucracy.

—The best thing in life is:

—Family.