Wedding photographers in Bilbao

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—On the day, the photographer has a different goal to the guests and the wedding couple. We're there to enjoy the day of course, but our enjoyment comes from getting that awesome photo. I've always said that with space comes movement and with movement comes great photos. If you're stuck in the same position and finding it hard to move, is harder to be discrete and get the photos you really want.

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—The truth is with trepidation as I had a lot of pre-misconceptions about what "wedding photography" actually was and what I thought it was meant to be. Then one day, one of my closest female friend's gave me no option as I was not going to be a bridesmaid and I've not looked back since.
Weddings have an amazing narrative and as a photographer, you're always looking for the three most important aspects to a photo... 1. light 2. composition and 3. the story, so it naturally sets you up to take amazing photos.

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—I'm always surprised when I couple in particular are drawn into a photo that to me looks potentially ordinary – almost something that was simply telling part of a story but not something that blew your socks off. Who know's... Maybe there was a person in the photo that was important or even an expression that is powerful and personal to that individual. For me, the three ingredients of light, composition and the story are what I strive for and if I achieve this, hopefully the couple will be even more impressed.

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—That sounds a little hippy... I think Sebastio Salgado does when he shoots the native indigenous people from the forgotten tribes that he photographs but for me... Look, you know when a photo doesn't look right / honest. I'm generally spending 10-12 hours with a group of people and whilst that's not a huge amount of time, you do get to know the reactions of certain guests.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Oooofff! Me? Well maybe there's a reason I'm more comfortable behind the camera but I think everyone says that. Everyone has an individual quality or an attribute to them that's photogenic. Whilst it might not be what's considered conventional, there's always a good side to every individuals portrait.

—Do you like travelling?

—I've come a long way from my hometown in Sydney to where I now live on the incredible Basque coastline in Bilbao, Spain with my beautiful wife and daughter. At some point along my travels through Asia, North America, South America and Europe, my hobby became my primary job and I've never looked back.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—As I just mentioned, the three key ingredients are light, composition and a story. With one of the ingredients the photo is average / ok, with two components, the photo becomes engaging is very good, but with the three ingredients together, the photo takes on another level and can become great.

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—I am inspired by many different avenues and today I simply can even look into my instagram account to follow some of these individuals there and then. Modern technology has opened our worlds so much that to look at what Sebastio, Don or David are doing in real time is incredible...

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—I don't think there's anything that's not allowed during a shoot. Sure, I prefer if you just be yourselves and I'll find the photos throughout but hopefully everyone knows what were are all in for before the big day comes so you can always adapt to anything and everything.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Of course – You just have to look through Instagram. Trends aren't bad though and if anything, they provide inspiration. My photos now are very different to when I first started in the industry. Sure, I'm sure I'm taking better photographs but I'm also finding that I take a little inspiration from here, a little from there and over time, you become your own photographer and that's what is going to differentiate you from the next person who stands beside you in the profession.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Constructively. It's the only way to become better. It's very difficult to face our floors as it sometimes feels as if you've been stripped bare and exposed but if the criticism is correct, it's an important lesson so you can avoid finding these floors again.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—Simply to choose the photographer that best suits your tastes / style. For example at my wedding, we also wanted a photographer that was a wedding photojournalist so naturally, I would't have chosen a photographer has a portfolio of multiple set shots. This is why a strong portfolio is such an important feature for a couple to choose their photographer.

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—If you love something then there's very little to dislike. Sure, doing the invoicing at the end of each month rates as one of the "chores" but none-the-less, it's an essential part of what we do and to ensure food is coming onto the family's table.

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—It's been in a golden time for a while and doesn't appear to be faltering anytime soon. I think it was once an embarrassment to call yourself a "wedding photographer" and now, particularly when people see your photos, they have a completely different impression of our professionalism and our profession as a whole.

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—Actually, it's those that aren't wedding photographers that inspire me most. The big three I have previously mentioned are an important resource and then there's instagram... Everything under the sun is there and it's fun.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—The more photos you take the better photographer you will be. This is super evident at the end of a busy season when I'm photographing a lot of things. It's almost as if your eyes become range-finders and you can see that little bit more.

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—I think a little or both is great but we can all be liked as individuals. Being respected by our peers to the extent where they ask for your opinion is incredibly rewarding and this is when certain doors start opening.

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—Neither. They did a good job but looking back, they made me drop photography, art and history for maths, science and grammar. HereI am 25 years later doing the things that wanted me to avoid... :-)

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—I don't like flash. Sure it can have purpose but for me it takes something away from a photo. I love honesty in my photography and I think I can achieve this best using ambient light.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—My wife owns 4 businesses and she's always thinking of new ventures to begin... It would be impossible to be with someone incredible like her if I did.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—I've come a long way to end up on the coastline of very foreign shores but I love it here. I just love the lifestyle and it also reminds me of home.

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—An open question with a simple open answer. My busy diary... being busy means constant creativity is required and I excel when things are due.

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—The birth of my daughter. I still can't believe I was part responsible for creating something so perfect and beautiful.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Don McCullin, Sebastiao Salgado and David Bailey. Three insanely talented photographers even in there ripe old ages.

—Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

—Do photography, arts and anything creative in schools... I'm sure I would have gotten to where I am now a lot sooner.

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—I like travelling with my family. It's what makes travelling even more enjoyable if you are more yourself than ever.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—No. I've been with Getty Images now for several years and it's fantastic to pass on my photos to the world.

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—Gadgets no but lenses yes... I have an incredible 24mm L-series lens which hardly sees the light of day.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—The flexibility. I think a creative needs space and movement to allow the ideas to become a reality.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—It's a passion so I do it because I love it. That's all I need.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—Rapid creativity amongst a situation that cannot be repeated.

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—I artfully observe without giving any direction.

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Be patient and open your eyes.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Interaction and observations.

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—No need to worry about that.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Please... next question ,-)

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—How much I really do work.

—Is it easy for you to make friends?

—Yes, I'd like to think so.

—When are you totally satisfied with the results of your work?

—When it's finished yes.

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Documentary... For sure.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Paddle surf after work.

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—How to organise money.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Paddle surf and cycle.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Conflict.

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—My mum.

—Life is great thanks to:

—Family.

—Cats or dogs?

—Dogs

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Tax