Photographer Anton Blinkenberg Zeuthen

—Are you photogenic?

—Everything is relative. My parents were never avid photographers, and now I spend most of the time behind the camera!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I bid on a wedding on a freelance forum and my bid turned out to be 1/10th the price of the second cheapest. I was honest about my experience, but showed some portraits I'd done, and that was enough to convince them to hire me. The photos of the couple with the horses are from my very first wedding. After that, my newly acquired portfolio did the rest.

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

—It's all about composition, lighting and posing. A photo is only as strong as it's weakest link. If lighting, composition and posing is great, that can help make up for bad weather or a not so good location.

—Do you love traveling?

—More than anything! In fact I love traveling so much, that I offer free-of-charge destination wedding photography, as long as you pay airfare and living expenses.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Photography is my hobby and my passion. An added bonus is that I get payed to do what I love. Being a wedding photographer is extremely rewarding, as you spend all day with a crazy in love couple and everybody around you are at their happiest.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Carrying gear, which is why I shoot Sony.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I do hope that the wedding photography market will come together. As i see it, there are a giant surplus of supply in the market, far exceeding demand. The availability of cheap but good cameras have made everyone a photographer, and the market has been flooded. I don't say that photography requires an education – I don't have one, and I still call myself a photographer. I do however believe that being a good wedding photographer requires more than just gear, it requires creative sense and instinct.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—On the big day the walls come crashing down and the emotions come to the surface. Wedding photography are unique in the sense that it allows for capturing emotions that a normal portrait session wouldn't.

—How do you handle criticism?

—"Artists are largely, egos covered in skin, and prone to bruising." I read that in an article the other day and found it astoundingly precise. I am no better, but I do believe that constructive criticism makes you a better photographer, and I strife to listen and learn as much as I can from others.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—As digital cameras and retouching technique develop, the boundaries are pushed and the sky's the limit. I believe that the expectations to wedding photographers are rising rapidly, creating a positive trend for honing you skills and becoming a better photographer.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—That they like the creative style of the photographer.
They should choose a photographer that matches their visions, not try to change the photographer to match them.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Attracting attention, plain and simple.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—The intimacy in the portrait session.
This is the first time the couple is alone after they've been wed, and this is a unique opportunity that only the photographer can capture.

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

—Composition, lighting, location, posing, weather.

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

—A bit too early to say isn't it?

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Ryan Brenizer at his own wedding – probably the most difficult customer to please!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Ryan Brenizer. I will realize that dream at a workshop later this month!

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Sensor dust.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Can't say – skydiving, mountain climbing, diving?

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

—I'm a big "Into the wild" fan, so Chris Mccandless is my best best.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I'm inspired by a lot of people, and things.

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

—Achieveing success will leave you stranden, therefore I try not to define it.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I'd rather not choose.

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

—Don't know.

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

—Camera and mosquito repellent. Because both are necessities for a good trip.

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

—Kit lenses. But they have been sold now.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I shoot as much as I can, read as much as I can, debate online as much as I can, attend as many workshops as I can, meet as many new photographers as I can.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Hard to say, I pick up pieces here and there.

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

—Rule of thirds.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to capture emotions and tell the story!

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—All of the above.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Probably more, but I'm happy they weren't.

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

—Not have studied political science, but I'm correcting that next year by starting on digital design.

—What about life on other planets?

—Sure, when we colonize them.

—Who are your heroes?

—Really?

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People that buy an awesome camera and shoot in AUTO.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Photography, rowing, canoe polo (weird yes), and traveling.

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

—The negative one

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When the customers are ecstatic. And even then I'll probably want to change something.

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

—Some, I do believe that being different are a natural part of life.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I like to think so.

—Where would you like to live?

—Copenhagen, maybe try Amsterdam or San Francisco at some point.

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

—I once ate a candle at a children's birthday, not a pleasant experience.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Sure.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Having and camera makes you no more a photographer than having a hammer and some nails makes you a carpenter.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Cats

—Who or what do you hate?

—People that say. "You take amazing photos, you must have an amazing camera".

—The best thing in life is:

—Women

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Women

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

—Women

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Not at the moment.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Airfare prices.

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

—Assist someone, get a portfolio, and don't be discouraged if people don't hire you in the beginning.

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

—Hello.

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

—Sci-fi hopefully.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Create an english version of my website, look for a wedding dress for a styled session next weekend, and look at an office space to rent.