Photographer Tatsiana Avakyan

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Gothenburg, Sweden? :)

—This is a hard question, isn's it? It depends on so many aspects like style, editing, way you work with couple, vision, etc. I personally have some favourites whose works I admire, but I am keeping as a secret, I am letting everyone else to choose for themselves.

—Are you photogenic?

—From my childhood I have this idea in my head that I look horrible on pictures... you know fake smile from your first schoolbook picture? I generally consider myself as a non photogenic person. But I believe that anyone can look good on pictures if camera is in right hands.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It all started in 2012, when I took my first dslr camera to my brothers wedding. I was following the photographer as her assistant, trying to find interesting angles, watching her work with the couple, asking million questions (I can only imagine how annoyed she must have been). I managed to take 3 really nice portraits from that day, which I still like now. This was how it all begun.

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

—Right composition, perfect light, moment and colour are basics of great photo; following these points and combining them in one image, will always end up in an attractive picture.

—Do you love traveling?

—I definitely do, traveling is always fun for me. It doesn't matter if I go to another country or closest city. Traveling is experience, time for thoughts and always learning new things.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I guess being a part of someone's happy day is already joyful in itself. It's amazing to be able to capture couple's emotions on wedding day, see them in love, see them on top of their happiness. Another favourite part of being a wedding photographer is constantly meeting new people, communicating, learning their stories.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There is definitely nothing that I hate about it. And I can't really think of something I dislike, but I guess as any usual job, being a photographer has its own difficulties, hmm let's say like carrying around heavy bags full of equipment.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Classics will always stay classics! There obviously will be new trends appearing, changing constantly to something new on and on, but I know most definitely that classic pictures will always be on top.

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

—Wedding is a one of kind thing, you can't rewind, ask someone to repeat their actions, you have to be here and now! this particular moment, you have to be alert and ready for your best shot.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Constructive criticism is they key to improvement!

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, most definitely there are, they are changing every season to keep wedding industry alive, new and interesting.

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

—They should love the majority of photographer's works, they should feel like these are the images that they would like to have, they need to agree with photographer's style not to be disappointed when they will receive pictures.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Ruining the moment to get a picture!

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

—It's the morning before wedding, normally guests are not involved into this part of the day. Photographer can capture all the exciting moments before the ceremony.

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

—It's uniqueness, the moment, feelings and composition of course.

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

—In each era there is one, but it's too early to judge yet.

—Who do you want to shoot?

—Grace Jones is number 1 on my list

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I've never had a muse or an idol to look up to, I always try to take inspiration from people around me; there is always something we can borrow as an example from each other

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

—Success is being respected, feeling good about what you are doing, enjoying your job, feeling happy.

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

—I normally take just most necessary things to avoid having and extremely heavy bag, but of course my camera is number one to take with me!

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

—Fish eye lens! Bought in in 2014 for some reason, thought I could do some fun things with it, but it turned out to be totally not my style, so I sold it few months after.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Reading articles, trying they things with camera, shooting often.

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

—Business and marketing, boring but useful!

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Willingness to improve!

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

—If to speak about my life events I would choose to study a different subject in university and would go in photography even earlier then I did.

—What about life on other planets?

—Hell's yeah!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When reality exceeded my expectations.

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

—I believe in gender equality!

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

—I have done too many!

—Is there life after marriage?

—Yes definitely! Wedding is just another event in your relationship. So if you focus on each other and keep caring for your partner it will get better and better day by day.

—The best thing in life is:

—People who surround me.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—If I could, I would erase racism from face of the Earth.

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

—Start out as an assistant! Practice a lot on couple photoshoots, not necessarily wedding, learn how to work with 2 people in picture.

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

—''May I take a picture of you?''

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Edit! Edit! Edit!