Wedding photographers in Thailand

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

—The moments in between, the quiet moments. A good photographer is observant, vigilant, and ready to capture the moments that most people don't see. Also, an experienced wedding photographer learns to anticipate certain moments and reactions throughout the wedding day, and knows where to find them. Its like muscle memory in sports. It becomes a sixth sense.

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

—I worked as a photojournalist for 10 years. When my wife and I started a family, I decided to transition to weddings because the lifestyle was better suited for spending time with my family. I only discovered that I love photographing weddings after I started shooting them!

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

—All photographers post romantic, well lit portraits, because this sells and attracts clients. But the most valuable photos are real, not posed. Those are the ones I think couples will appreciate most 50 years down the line. Interesting natural light, a great moment/emotion, and thoughtful composition. Those are the basic three elements in any good wedding photograph. It sounds simple, but its very rare to capture all three in one image. When you do, its magic.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Don't be an asshole. Seriously, always be the nicest guy in the room. And don't make it about you. This is their day, not yours. Bend over backwards to make it work. And don't interfere with the natural flow of things. I've seen video teams interrupt the first dance to tell the couple to stop and do it a different way. That's ridiculous. My job is to document the wedding day as it happens in real time. Not create a fake fairy tale. My clients want the same thing.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Try and go out every single day and photograph. Anything, it doesn't matter. But the repetitive process of making pictures will make you better. Be thoughtful about it, slow down, and remember the basics of good photography. And also go to the library or bookstore and check out the photography books. Looking at pictures on the Internet sucks.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—There's something timeless about strong documentary photography. I like creating things that will have a long lifespan. And there's kindof a never ending pursuit of beauty and grace in photography, in capturing that elusive trifecta of LIGHT MOMENT COMPOSITION that keeps me curious and motivated and passionate about picking up a camera every day.

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

—I travel a lot so I have a good system. My Think Tank Airport Roller Derby holds my gear and saves my back. I have a new Macbook, the really little one that weighs nothing, and its perfect for someone who travels a lot. Noise-cancelling headphones, and lots of podcasts. Cliff bars.

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

—I get to document one of the most important days in peoples' lives. Hopefully the images I create will be passed on to future generations. That gives me pride in my work. I also love that I get to be creative and photograph they way I want to.

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

—I worry about my kids. The usual parent stuff. When you have a family, you realize whats important, and whats not. And it allows you to not worry much about most things, and just focus on what matters.

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

—Obviously the images have to speak to them, make them feel something in their hearts. And they should get to know the photographer, if not in person maybe on Skype, so that they get to know their personalities and see if they're a good fit.

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

—Trends will come and go, but I think there will always be a market for classic documentary photography. People want photography that shows real moments, that tells the story of their wedding day. And there will probably be more drones :-(

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes. After college I travelled all over Asia, from Iran and India to Laos and Myanmar. I loved it so much I moved to Southeast Asia and have been here 15 years.

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

—Classic photojournalism, like from the Magnum Photo Agency. My passion is photojournalism, so I spend a lot of time following contemporary news and documentary photographers. Too many to list.

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

—I love travelling, sometimes – particularly in the high season from January to May – it can be a drag. Saying goodbye to my kids for a few days is always tough.

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

—No regrets. Even if you mess up, learning from your mistakes is essential in growing as an artist and a human being. I have a great life, can't complain.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Working with magazine editors for a decade has given me thick skin. Criticism is good. It helps you grow as an artist. Take it, learn from it, move on.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Trends are silly and don't interest me. As an artist if you follow trends you are lost.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Fun, kind people who aren't afraid to laugh and cry and get nasty on the dancefloor.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Of course. It's kindof ridiculous to think we're the only life in the universe.

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

—They did a good job. I should tell them that more often.

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

—Happiness, pride, respect, kindness.

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

—How to run a photography business.

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

—Light. Moment. Composition.

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

—The birth of my children.

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

—Life is beautiful.

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

—Don't be late.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Larry Burrows.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—Emotion.

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

—Never.