Wedding photographers in United States

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

—Hmmm... I would say photographers in WPJA Winners Collections, Fearless Photographers Award Collections and ISPWP Award Collections have influenced me the most. I am sorry to tell you that I love all the winners, not the single one, as I admire their work so much! Also, I give a full respect to those photographers who push themselves to the infinity over creative limits.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—In technical term, I believe wedding photography can be practised as the collaborative work of wide range of photography types and styles. In human life, it is one of the greatest lifetime celebrations among families and friends, and I am so glad that I can capture many different levels of emotional impacts.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—I try to read/watch/visit photography related or partially related magazines, books, movies, videos (I love watching K pop music videos to learn techniques), art galleries/museums & etc. From these experiences, I love incorporating my new ideas and creative thinking in the actual shoots by hopefully getting faster spontaneous responsiveness to the moments. Also, I go to conferences and seminars, and get connected with a wide range of cool photographers from different parts of the world. Also, I shoot together with a few of my local photographers time to time for cross-inspiring and training purposes at the real weddings.

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

—Three of my most tearful moments showing my love to my parents. I cried so much at the airport when I saw my dad leaving the state after seeing my college graduation (He supported me for 7 years in US for my high school and college, and returned to Korea permanently). I cried so much when I hugged my parents during my wedding ceremony. I cried so much when my dad was being cremated after the funeral ceremony.

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

—Although most of photographers would talk about light, composition, creative approach, subject, emotional impact & etc. as vital components of a good photo, I think preparation for the day and understanding of the flow , environment and subject would help yielding a good photo. Although there are moments I take photos with anticipation, however, I love when I get good photos without anticipation.

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

—I would try my best to replicate the soul of the person I am photographing, but it is always hard to achieve depending on the people's personality and character. I think I am still seeing myself replicating the soul of the person at weddings easier than people in harsher conditions like street, politics, refugee camps, battlefield & etc. due to my limited exposures and experiences.

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

—Bridezilla and Groomzilla. Depending on the situations, people with difficult & demanding personalities to accommodate can be a real challenge. Also, theft and robbery (although I have not experienced before) during the sessions in uncontrolled areas. Being sick can be another big worrisome.

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

—I would go to a renowned college of art to inspire myself with in-depth fine art. I studied Environmental Science instead. Also, I would continue playing badminton, so I could have competed in Olympics (one of my teammates from the same school team won a gold medal in Atlanta Olympic games).

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

—I would not want to spoil those wedding photographer wannabes. It takes so much of professional practice, thinking, attitude, training, study and experience. Don't believe in yourself as a professional shooter by just buying a good camera and shooting a few of your friends weddings.

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

—I really wish I knew a real good mentor when I started taking photos. I have had neither a mentor nor had worked for a studio during my photography career. Also, I did not have any good friend photographers until I met most of them during the past 1.5 years.

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

—It was a pretty natural transition for me becoming a wedding photographer as many of my friends were getting married when I started taking photos. Because of this, I never attended my friends' weddings as a groomsman or guest. Rather, I always photographed their weddings.

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

—For the next 5 years, another convergence of the medium will be coming like stills will be culled from 8k video footage. After another 5 years, I am pretty sure that there will always be needs for wedding photography regardless of the medium convergence.

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

—Learn, practise and gain lots of experience to become a true artist, not a person with a good show-off camera. Most importantly, try to understand what this day means to the wedded couple and people at the wedding, and your role there.

—How do you deal with criticism?

—I would rather be modest and listen to the criticism if it is the matter of your growth and development process in your photography career and human relations. If you stay honest, humble and positive, there will be lesser criticism.

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

—I will take my free & open spirit with me to enjoy the true traveling experience. If it is allowed, then I would love to travel with my wife and son. Of course, a small travel camera will definitely be accompanied with me.

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

—In human perspective, if I have six good men who can carry my coffin at my own funeral, I consider that as a successful life. In business perspective, if I have no haters and no debt, that will be a successful life.

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

—Less strict. Matter of fact, my mom bought me my first point-n-shoot camera when I was the fifth grade. They are always supportive and respectful to my decision, but I had to be very responsible to my decision.

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

—When I hear back from my clients with lots of compliments and appreciation after they get the final release. Also, accolades are bonus to my satisfaction, but I consider myself always being in learning curve.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—Yes, there are trends in wedding photography just like fashion industry, however, I also see there is a range of diversity in wedding photography trends depending on traditions, lifestyle, regions & etc.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—If I get a chance, I would love to shoot with those pulitzer winners who have not shot the weddings before. Also, shooting a wedding by side of any big names in the industry will be my great honor.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—Yes, I am in terms of marriage and family, however, roles are always subject to change based on the modern lifestyle. As long as we love each other, traditional roles are not biggie in our lives.

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes, I love traveling for the photo projects including weddings, fun activities, personal inspiration by the life of the other side of the world, and to see the family (I am from South Korea).

—Cats or dogs?

—We used to have a jack russell terrier and a mix dog for over 12 years. They both passed aways a few years ago, but they always stay remained in our hearts. We are planning to have one soon.

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

—As a person photographing someone's lifetime event, trustworthy, fun and flexible nature in my personality come highly valuable and appreciative among my clients and people in the industry.

—Where would you prefer to live?

—I would like to live in one Korea upon unification of North & South Korea. Other than US and Korea, I would also consider living any parts around the world needing any of my contribution.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—I would like to continue photographing weddings, however, it will be interesting to photograph traditionally unique weddings in remote area not affected by the western culture.

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—Business partners with betrayal, lies and unacceptable manner. I can't tolerate those people, and can't deal with them anymore as it happens to be the worst time in my life.

—What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

—I would love to be Iron man, just to simply get the aerial shots. Also, seeing myself in the Iron man armor which is retrofitted with multiple super cameras will be amazing!

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

—They are fun, animated, compassionate, witty, unique, hardworking, modern, artistic, imaginative, quirky, and yet most importantly, story telling with my true spirit.

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

—Dealing with difficult personalities and awkward characters can be most challenging to me. However, I would rather stay positive and supportive to those nature.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Planning something ahead that would or would not happen, but it is always fun to do it. I do normal things that the normal people would do during the spare time.

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

—Cherishing the memorable moments and people from generation to generation (or among generations). Also, capturing and archiving the history of person's life.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—Yes, however, it can take significant amount of time to become their best friends. I would rather be their best friends than making them my best friends.

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—"Do you need a photographer to document your landing and presence? The session will be free, however, you need to sign a media release form." LOL

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

—Photography career can be highly rewarding. I feel truly blessed when I receive compliments and appreciation from the happy clients and people.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—My family the most. Also, undiscovered world of photography intrigues me to challenge myself in the upcoming future. Accolades can be bonus.

—Do you look good in pictures?

—I never thought I was photogenic and never wanted to be photographed, however, I look pretty cute in the photos from my early childhood.

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

—When I am doing post production work at home, I am normally in underwears as it happens to be very comfortable and free to myself.

—What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

—Sharing a studio space with a wedding dress/floral shop. I would never do a business with anyone in the same space.

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Sure thing! Your lifetime companion and kids are enough to make a dramatic change in your life after marriage.

—Have a best-loved joke? Share it with us!

—My wife and my son give me all kinds of silly talk, and I always return with a joke. Too many to list.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Get rid of terrorists and dictators, and provide aids to those who are in desperate life situation.

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—I would like to redesign my website, restart blogging, and keep up everything in timely manner.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—I need to put something on when I am working at home.
Seriously, I need to reshape my body.

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

—Lytro Illum camera. I never use it. Is there anyone who is interested in this camera? ;)

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—Tomorrow, I will go to a wedding and photograph the most amazing day of someone's life.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—I do landscape, portraits, lifestyle family photos, and architectural/interior photos.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Unprofessional, snobbish & egoistic manner in professional & personal aspects.

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

—Artistic & creative approach. Also, freezing the moment, framing & composition.

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

—I would like to photograph an epic love story, war and drama.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Dealing with business partners and friends who betrayed me.

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Encountering a media failure by using cheap media card.

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—People who commit sins without repent afterwards.

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

—Jesus Christ who keeps me being a better person.

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

—Whoever influences me to become a better person.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—I am going to ask God about it.

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

—I would rather be liked.

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—Big brothers in media.

—Life is great thanks to:

—When my son was born.

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

—There are a lot of amazing photographers and I can't tell who is the best.

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

—Honestly take your time and learn basics of photography. Learn your camera and challenge yourself to photograph just with one lease. Have your camera with you all the time ( not your phone ) and if you need it find a good teacher.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—One of my roommates many years ago showed me some images from "Flash" Festival in Germany. True those images I felt that I'm there. That day I felt in love in to photography. After many years of discovering what I like to photograph I find out that I love to see people in my images + documentary photography another passion of mine. Then I combined these two little things and there you go.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Tons of editing later at the day, will help my friend to set up her new hard drive storage then I have two client meetings, later exhibition, and concert for the end of the night.

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

—I'm traveling 2-3-4 times per month. Most of the time I have my camera with me, my go pro, drone, 360 camera. For my next trip it will be just my Nikon D850.

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

—I wish to get knowledge long time ago that I need to buy one camera and two lenses and master it for instead of buying stuff and putting them to the selfs.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—With Nikon Cameras! My photography style is story telling photojournalism. For that I need super fast focus speed and Nikon is just nailing it!

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I think that you can find this answer by watching this little video about me: vimeo.com/133199850

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Most of the times books are the best educators. Good mentors is worth every single dollar you spend as well!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I believe that sooner or later Photojournalism will back and people will start to value real moments more than pretty image of mountain and them somewhere far far away :))

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

—Most important that couple really enjoy photographers work and both sides will be very happy.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—While I was at Giraffe Manor taking pictures of couple after I have whole evening to play with Giraffes!

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respect is most important factor in our life which is the biggest value of which we need to value.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Once you start to do anything in your life it's hard to take it, once you grow you learn from it.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I take photos everyday of everything. Also starting to do more personal documentary work soon.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—As always. Do not rush to be the best today, and you'll be the best tomorrow.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Doing research, hiking, meeting friends, trying to get more active.

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

—Forgot to bring my SD cards at the Engagement Session :)

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

—To read more books about basics of photography.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—People and ability to document their life.

—Are you photogenic?

—All of us are photogenic. Me too! :)

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

—Composition + Light + Action = OSOM!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Your cell phone should stay at home.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Music, Architecture, People, Books.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—To learn more about photography.

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

—A looot of hard work!

—What is special in wedding photography?

—A lot of Happiness.

—What about life on other planets?

—Yup. I'm believer.

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

—Strong Emotion.

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

—Small details.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I'm dog lover.

—Where would you like to live?

—In Lithuania.

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

—Scott Kelby

—The best thing in life is:

—Beautiful.

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

—Nothing.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Not yet.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Emails.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—People.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Yes :)

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

—Wacup!

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

—Si-Fi

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

—No.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—No.