Photographer Bedo Andor

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania? :)

—I dont think there is a best wedding photographer, I would think in terms of favourite, most respected, creative, etc. My favourite, best photographer is Kátai Judit.

—Are you photogenic?

—I feel better behind the camera, not in front of it, so I don't really know, depends in what situation you take the photo.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—Probably how most of us started out. A friend asked me to shoot their wedding and you know the story from here on. I liked it, the thrill, the action, everything.

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

—My opinion is that the photo has to send a message, not necessarily a clear one, it has to make you think, imagine.

—Do you love traveling?

—Of course, the nature of my work is travellig.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—That I really like my work. But the biggest joy is knowing that my photographs will be the ones that help the couple remember their big day, and hopefully make them smile, shed a tear of joy when they view them.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There is nothing I hate. Every wedding, every cuple, guest is different. I had some unpleasent moments, but nothing that could make me kick back.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Yes. I think that the photographer and the camera will always be there, technology will always evolve, but the human eye instinct an pesonal style will always be needed.

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

—I like to tell people, that wedding photography embodies all the different photographic genres. It has macro, landscape, fashion, portrait, architecture and some other genres. You may not master all of them, but you have to be prepared to face them all.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Depends on what the criticism is about. if it's about respecting all the photography rules, guidelines then I know I'm breaking some of them, but that is purely my vision, my stile that makes me brake them. I always try to learn from the criticism, even if it's harsh. I try to take it positively.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—There are, the most recent one is emulating film, I really like this one.

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

—They should not only choose the photographer based on his portfolio. I always recommend a personal meeting or at least an online conversation, because this is the person, that will follow them everywhere through the whole day, even in their intimate moments, so they need to trust and like this person.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Everything is acceptable, depends on the photographer, the couple and the situation.

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

—Usually, little intimate moments when the subjects dont know that someone's watching.

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

—Depends on the eye of the beholder, on what message it transmits to them. But if I'd have to answer by the book, I'd say it has to have a subject, correct composition and a powerfull message.

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

—I think that person has yet to be born.

—Who do you want to shoot?

—A coupple that appreciates my work is the best subject to shoot.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Not really.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Jonas Peterson.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I'm worried about getting old, tired, not having the energy to work as hard as i do now.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I have no children as I'm writing this interview, so besides that I think that there is no ONE important moment, but many moments that linked together to guide me on the path I'm on now.

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

—Luke Skywalker.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My girlfriend is my inspiration, my muse, my support.

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

—I think success is when people appreciate your work, they look up to you, ask you for advice.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respect is more important, but it depends on how you earn your respect, you should earn respect by personal example.

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

—There was one wedding that I lost 46 photos.

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

—I always take some kind of photographic gear, sometimes even a film camera, so that I can focus on the moment, not the result, the result will be there when I get home and develop the pictures.

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

—Manual macro rings. Because I rarely used them, and they're not like in the adds( I was at the beginning when I bought them).

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I always push myself not to repeat the compositions, I did on other weddings, Every wedding is different, so I try to portray them so. Every time I learn something new.
I also go to workshops, speak with other photographers, follow different photography groups.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Jonas Peterson, Sipos Szabolcs.

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

—Accounting :))))))))))

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Everyone has their own personality, I try to photograph them as they are, natural.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—If you have a passion you can never really stop doing it, so I guess that's the answer, because photography is the passion that chose me.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They did a great job as parents, they helped me become the person I am today, and I like the person I've become, so they've been exactly as strict as they should be.

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

—I wouldn't waste four years in a university that's diploma I've never used, but that experience is also a part of the person I am today.

—What about life on other planets?

—Definitely.

—Who are your heroes?

—PARENTS, I really respect parents, every parent, that raises a child is to be respected.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Those who betray their faith, give up their dreams, for money or who knows what material thing.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Playing PC games is an other passion of mine, also road bikes and triathlon. I also have a vintage Mercedes-Benz, so cars are also a passion of mine, I spend a lot of time with the car too.

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

—I am a very sensible person so sometimes I get emotional behind the camera. I keep it in front of me until my tears dry.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I get a thank you message from my couples. That is the moment when I calm down and relax, because I know that I did what I was chosen for as expected, or better.

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

—Yes I do believe in them, but I think that every person should decide for themselves, not letting society decide instead of them.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, I'm very sociable, but only until a limit.

—Where would you like to live?

—Exactly where I live now. Transylvania is the best place on the planet.

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

—I don't really remember, because I was mostly drunk when I agreed to silly things :P

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course I do. Marriage should not change your life completely.

—Do you have a favorite joke? Tell us.

—What eye colour does an elephant have? ... Cherry.
Why? ... So that it can hide better on a cherry tree.
Have you ever seen an elephant on a cherry tree? ... No.
You see how well it can hide?!

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs!

—Who or what do you hate?

—Not really.

—The best thing in life is:

—Technology!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—To be sorry for things that you could have done, but didn't do.

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

—People's perception of important things in life.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—At some moment in life I'd like to have a tattoo. Not that I can't have it now, but I would like it to be something meaningful.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Humanity not polluting the s..t out of our planet.

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

—Go on weddings as a second shooter, you'll learn a lot. Don't invest in the latest and greatest if it costs more money than you have, sure, it makes a difference, but your eye, experience can't be replaced by a camera, no matter what technology it embodies. Sometimes something simple is the best, because you focus on what's important, capturing the moment.

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

—Hello. As a heads up, at some moment there will surely be an idiot who will shoot some projectile at you. Please don't take it badly, 99% of us are not like him, we are friendly and loving :P

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

—Documentary about a war photographer's days of action.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Sleep until noon, because it's the weekend :)