Wedding photographers in Bristol

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

—I guess some of the preparations – the nervousness in the morning. That's a fairly private time so to be there to record it feels very lucky.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I fell into it. I photographed a wedding for some friends. Then I photographed weddings for more friends, then friends of friends, then it was people I'd never heard of before who happened to have seen my work. My background is in film making so I have great experience in visual story telling.

—Are you photogenic?

—Ha! Not especially. But – I think anyone can be photogenic if they're documented naturally when they are happy and relaxed. So much of people's worries about having their picture taken stems from being forced to pose or smile for the camera.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Pretty well. I think you have to be relatively confident to start your own business in the first place – but that's balanced by having the typically sensitive side of putting your 'art' out there and letting it be judged by people.

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

—Replicate no, but if you can capture something of it, the essence of it, then that's a really powerful thing. You definitely need to have a connection with people to capture the true image of them.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes! I think seeing new places and having new experiences slows down time in a way. You get to meet new people, try new things and see the world. What's not to love.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Making people happy. I am so lucky to get such beautiful feedback on an almost weekly basis from the people I photograph. I think that's quite rare in a job.

—Is there life after marriage?

—I think once you're married you realise that in some ways life goes on the same and in other ways it's so different, so much better.

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

—There are so many things – but the people in the image will influence it's value for my couples. And that can change over time.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Definitely robots. It will all be automated in the next 15 years. When the bride arrives at the church in the hover car there will be robotic drones there to capture every moment.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The bond between my subjects. Capturing something of someone's relationship always feels like a privilege.

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

—If I'm happy and can provide for my family then that's all I want. I'm not particularly interested in being well known.

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

—Shoot in RAW. I went to Bhutan for work, before I was shooting weddings, and I shot everything in JPEG.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Friends and family. They can keep you grounded but also give you the energy you need to really push on.

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

—I'm sure I have about 3 35mm lenses at the moment, so I could probably live without one of them!!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There's not many things, but missing seeing friends during the summer can be hard at times!

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—If you can capture something of a truth about your subject then you're doing just fine.

—Where would you like to live?

—Where I am right now. Or maybe a log cabin in the woods. But I think I'd get bored.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Be sensitive to your couples and to the moment and everything else should be fine.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I love taking pictures of my family. So I would be happy just to keep doing that.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I watch the world around me and see what inspires me and what catches my eye.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—It'd be great if people never had to flee their homes because of war.

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

—Probably that last drink at the end of every night out.

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

—I'd start doing wedding photography sooner. I love it.

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

—The Lawsons. Mister Phill. James Rouse. Ross Harvey.

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

—Pick someone you'd happily sit and have a pint with.

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

—Camera. Passport. And then probably a spare camera.

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

—Light, composition, moment. But moment trumps all.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I can't bear the thought of an empty memory card.

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

—Hmmm. I don't know to be honest. I'm pretty open.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—stuff with my little boy. We might go to the zoo.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—What do you call a massive rodent?GinorMOUSE

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

—I honestly can't think of anything really.

—What about life on other planets?

—I'll worry about that when they arrive.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They got the balance ok I think.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Politicians. Well, most of them.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Yes. But I try and ignore them.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Getting to the wedding on time.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Definitely the birth of my son.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I'd like to be more patient.

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

—Way too early to tell yet!!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Not that I know of :)

—Who are your heroes?

—My parents. My wife.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Liked. Definitely.

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

—A documentary.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Spencer Lum.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never, ever.

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

—Not so much.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—Pretty much.

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

—Shoot more.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Spare time?

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

—Snow White

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

—Welcome :)

—The best thing in life is:

—bisucuits

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—wasps!!!

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

—Politics

—Who or what do you hate?

—Wasps.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Yes