Photographers in Leeds: wedding photography portfolios

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

—So you want me to blow my own trumpet? ;-P There are many great wedding photographers in Leeds so I can't really say just one is the best. I think it depends on style, approach, interaction with clients and products offered. I try to fit around what the client wants and offer the best option based on their requirements. A good photographer may not offer the best all round service. My reviews put me up there in the top 5 definitely.

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

—The direction of light, soft light, good light. Sometimes what people think is a good background can just looked cluttered.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I trained as a journalist and was photo editor for Leeds University Student Newspaper. Then I photographed my cousin's wedding as a 2nd photographer (she already had someone booked) but she preferred my photos to the official photographer's and I realised that maybe I had a talent.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I can't say there is one particular moment. Travelling around the world with my camera, I've experienced some amazing things. I think seeing the raw beauty of nature has been some of the impressive moments for me.

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

—That I was going to be a photographer. I only bought my first good camera at age 21. I wish I had gotten into photography younger and captured more images when I was growing up.

—Are you photogenic?

—I'm so often behind the camera, that I'm rarely captured on film! I don't often see a photo of me that I hate, so I guess that's a good thing...

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

—I would love to feature in The Simpsons as myself. You know you've made it when you get asked to star on it as a cameo.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I try to look at it from the other person's point of view first and understand why they might be thinking that way.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—For my wedding photographs I want to convey the emotions and story of the day from getting ready until first dance.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—I try to avoid trends such as vintage-style images. I think they will look dated in years to come. I provide high quality images that will still look good in 50 years time!

—What about life on other planets?

—Yes, I believe there is other intelligent life somewhere out there. The universe is too big for there not to be!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I think videography and photography will eventually combine. I already offer short video clips in a slideshow as well as still photos.

—Where would you like to live?

—I would like to spend a month in each country around the world during my retirement and see how many I can visit

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

—Firstly they should like his / her photography, but what's also important is feeling comfortable with them on the day.

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

—Australian photographer Jerry Ghionis – I did a week-long course with him in London. Very inspiring!

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

—phone, visa card, camera. You can pretty much get anywhere and do anything with these 3 things!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Photographing a fun day for people. Everyone is happy at a wedding! Also being self-employed.

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

—I don't buy hundreds of gadgets so most of them are carefully considered before I purchase.

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

—Tim Berners-Lee – the creator of the internet. He has revolutionised life as we know it.

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

—happiness, love and being able to travel with someone who gives you both. Air miles! :)

—Is there life after marriage?

—There's life until death – nothing should ever stop you living and experiencing life

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I think they were just right. I got good grades at school but still enjoyed myself!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Long days editing in front of the computer – but this makes the photos perfect!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Taking too long so wedding guests get bored. Harsh light and bad backgrounds.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Poverty and starvation should not be an issue nowadays. Spread the wealth

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

—Other than giving birth, I think men and women can do anything they want

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—If the choice is to be respected but not liked, then liked comes first.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—my friends, strangers, family. It can be anyone on any particular day.

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

—Left a camera lens on location – it was gone by the time I went back!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I go on photography courses every year. You can never stop learning.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Each wedding is different and a new chance for amazing photos.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I don't generally worry. I think worrying is pointless.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Travel, read, listen to music, exercise, eat good food!

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

—Five things: Style, Composition, Mood, light, location

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

—timing, composition, lighting, colour, subject matter

—Do you make friends easily?

—If I find characteristics in people that I like, yes.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Where does satisfaction come from? A Satis-factory.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—A beginner who wants to learn. I love to inspire.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I also work as a travel photographer...so YES!

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Capturing the emotion of a day in a lifetime.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, weddings, portraits, events and travel

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

—I think I'm pretty open about most things

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

—Get lots of practice in people management

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I hand over the wedding album

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

—Buy property when it was cheap!

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

—"I knew you existed!"

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Have a better exercise routine

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Can't think of any

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—my website SEO

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Happy people!

—Who are your heroes?

—My nephew :)

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Donald Trump

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

—a sky dive.

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

—the weather

—Who or what do you hate?

—Aniseed

—The best thing in life is:

—living

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

—Action

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—cats

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—tax

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

—if they get on, if you hate your photographer you will hate the pictures as you'll not be relaxed

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I loved getting married so much (so, so much) that I knew I had to work in that industry. I did a few weddings as a video assistant and then decided I wanted to use my own skills (rather than carry the boys bags around!)

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love being self-employed, I can have fun at someone's wedding and then cuddle the cats while editing, best of all worlds!

—How do you handle criticism?

—You don't always get everything right, hopefully we learn to ask the right questions so this happens less and less

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I worry about everything, I will never stop, that's what makes my bride and grooms love their pictures

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Nothing, everything happens for a reason, if it's raining we will have to do something crazy with it!

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I did tough mudder, 13 miles, 26 military style obstacles... I never thought I would manage it!

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

—that the person in the picture sees their own beauty

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—pther people in my way with their cameras!

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—I love the style i shoot in, i adore black and white images

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—We are all the future, photography is always evolving

—Are you fond of travelling?

—yes, everywhere.

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

—glances, touches, emotion...

—Are you photogenic?

—sometimes...

—What is special in wedding photography?

—the couple are special

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—everyone!

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Lady Gaga