Photographer Chris Loneragan

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Norwich, United Kingdom? :)

—There are some amazing wedding photographers in Sheffield catering to all styles and budgets, but the best wedding photographer is subjectively the one that clicks best with the wedding couple and works hard to tell the story of their day. I hope that could be me!

—Are you photogenic?

—No! Like many of my clients I echo the statement, "We hate having our photo taken!" For me it is about achieving a relaxed natural look, and I can only do that by chatting and laughing with my clients before I take their photographs. Everyone is photogenic and everyone has a visual story to tell – if I can capture something hidden within you ("love" maybe) then I will have captured a great image for you to treasure.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I have been a keen photographer since winning a competition at the age of 14. As a grown up I shot for stock agencies and for fun until a family member asked me to take some 'extra' photos at their wedding in addition to their professional wedding photographer. Mine were at least as good and well received as the professional's and so I struck out offering my services for free until I felt confident enough to tackle a wedding for money. Over 100 weddings later I have a strong and successful wedding photography business.

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

—Light, composition, natural moments, minimal posing, a story to tell.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes. I have travelled all over the world.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love the speed and quick thinking required when photographing a wedding. There is a massive sense of achievement in producing images that couples love without spending a huge amount of time, sometimes none at all, planning and executing them.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I hate selling, but it is a necessary evil of the business. I would rather just shoot weddings!

—What will be the future of photography?

—Pretty much the same as it is now. Technology will change, but it isn't the thing that makes wedding images.

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

—Interpersonal relationships with clients. A wedding photographer is a friend, a counsellor, an assistant, a go-between, and a photographer.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Professionally on the outside, badly on the inside. It depends what the criticism is though – anything deserved makes me stop and think, and change and grow where necessary.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, but you don't have to follow them!

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

—The personality of the wedding photographer and whether or not they like their images. Always meet for a chat and ask to see real weddings – in my opinion you should steer clear of photographers that just show images from styled shoots or portfolio building workshops as the real skill is in producing images in the pressure situation of a real wedding.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I have witnessed other photographers being divas and shouting at or belittling wedding couples and their guests.

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

—Hidden hand holds, fleeting expressions, laughing children – too many to list. Details like rings and flowers are obvious and should be covered as a matter of course.

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

—A truly valuable image tells a story. A great photo will do this with perfect composition, focus, exposure and subtle editing.

—Who do you want to shoot?

—I love shooting everybody.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—No.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Annie Liebowitz.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The birth of my daughter.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife is my art critic and muse.

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

—Happy clients.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Constant practice and collaborative critique.