Wedding photographers in London

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

—Fer Juaristi and Jeff Newsom. Both for completely different reasons, but these guys have helped shaped a part of me to who I am as a wedding photographer.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—It all started when I was thinking of moving away from Graphic Design and into something new. I had used camera's before but to take photo's of stock images, and then one of my friends thought I'd be good at weddings, and introduced me to a wedding photographer whom I assisted for two years, before venturing out on my own.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Although as I said above the amount of freedom this job gives me, I think missing out on weekends over the summer with my wife and daughter, is probably what I like least. Especially as my wife works full time, so not being able to spend time with her, is my least favourite thing about this profession.However the positives and all the time off during the quiet months far outweigh the above point. Contradictory I am. Hahaha.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Recently with rise of Snapchat and Instagram Stories, I see so many photographers taking images or videos for social media, that they're missing genuine moments. Stay away from social media, when the action is happening....thats my rule for me!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Ever since the birth of our daughter, I love the freedom this job gives me to spend alot of time with my daughter, being around her, and watching her grow is amazing, and this job gives me the freedom to do that.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Yes! I've backpacked across Thailand and also with my wife along the East Coast of Australia. I'm so lucky that this job has allowed me to travel to countries I would never thought of visiting before too.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Musicians and Footballers (anyone at Man Utd)! I had a press pass for Michael Jackson at the O2, but sadly he had passed away before the concert tour began, he would have been amazing to photograph.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—There are so many photographers i'd like to shoot with Mario Testino, Mark Seliger, Steve McCurry, Joey L just to name a few. I like shooting with wedding photographers I like and respect too.

—How do you handle criticism?

—It hurts. Ofcourse. But I handle it well. If i'm being critiqued by a peer, then I take it well, as it helps me to grow as a photographer. And believe me, I've had some super harsh critique!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I have no idea! I don't think much will change in terms of the foundations of making a good wedding photo. But if things change with the way we shoot or the way images are presented or whatever else, I hope I can change with it too.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Everything. Capturing moments, people, emotions, something that my couples can look back on in years to come that brings them back to their day, or reminiscing about someone....thats special.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My dad. He came from Africa to the UK with nothing, and made a life for himself, and raised a family! I could write an essay about this, but he's one person that inspires me.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—There's always trends. There's always some new preset, go pro, drone, filter happening in wedding photography. I try to stay away from gimmicks and focus on whats important for my couples.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—By taking lots and lots of photo's and understanding why I like some over others and figuring out how to make the photo's I like by analysing them.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I like to mix on my decks when I get the chance! It's rare, but if I get the chance I love to turn the music up and just mix up some records.

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

—At one point I would've said letting my work take over my life. I'm slowly getting the work / life balance right....kinda.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Every wedding I challenge myself to be better than the last and try to take an amazing set of photo's.

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

—Moments over everything. Composition and light play a big part, but moments always win for me.

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

—Go with whoever's style or vision you like and that you feel most comfortable with. Thats it.

—Where would you like to live?

—The grass is always greener.....but I'd love to live in the far east.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Everything. All the time. I'm a worrier. I can't help it.

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

—Thats what I try to do when i'm photographing someone.

—Are you photogenic?

—I don't think I am. But thats my opinion. Hahaha.

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

—Foghorn Leghorn.......cos i've got a loud mouth!

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—You have to like someone to be respected.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The birth of our daughter.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I don't think so.

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

—Buy less gear!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never.

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

—Good light, moments between moments and seeing things before they happen.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—There are always trends starting in wedding photography. I think the latest one is crazy flare.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Getting to attend wedding parties every week is a lot of fun. Being my own boss is also great.

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

—Moments, light and composition. If you get all 3 in one frame, you'll have a winner.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Sticking my head into a freezer.

—Are you photogenic?

—Only with the lens cap on.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Fer Juaristi

—Are you fond of travelling?

—YES I AM!!!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Small cameras that can see in the dark.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Admin.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—The people.