Photographer Wendell Fernandes

—Are you photogenic?

—I'm not sure – my wife says so :)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—Long ago, a close friend of mine was getting married and had no one to capture their day. I had a simple Rebel Canon XTi and I volunteered, I look back and from that point forward I fell in love with the stories of people and their lives more than the actual photographic work – It fascinates me how people meet and how they connect and grow into a lifetime together.

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

—This is a tough question. There are so many things that can add up to a great photograph but I believe it all begins with a spectacular experience and interaction between the person registering those moments and the subject. Personally, I think this is the doorway to success and once this happens everything else will follow. People open up to you, they trust you, they trust your vision and creativity. A good photograph evokes reality, however blunt, drastic, romantic, rough it may be. Lighting, camera settings, location, ethnicity, culture, none of these things are as important as the actual naked reality unfolding before you.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes I do. Originally from Brasil and now living in USA for 15 years, every chance I get, I do travel to know whats out there. I have been to various countries because of these stories and I believe being open to it, changes our mindset.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The fact that I can register moments that will live with them for the rest of their lives, this is impacting.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Every profession has its stressful moments, but it comes with the territory, so I don't believe there is anything I can point out that is relevant.

—What will be the future of photography?

—There is already a demand for true storytellers, and I believe this will continue to grow.

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

—Generations joining together in one loving event.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Just like anything else, we can never grow if we don't listen and learn. From the "top" photographer to anyone beginning this journey now, we all began looking, learning from others. The secret is to be open, the next chapter will always teach us something else we need.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Nowadays everything seems to be done from a recipe book which takes away from the stories that need to be told coherently. Pinterest and many other sites cooperate to this trend, but I believe it is in our hands to change this. The other trend is that every photographer is now a "Photojournalism" style photographer but their work shows no sign of it.

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

—They should look for "Storytellers" – Not because they mention this "photojournalism style" in their website, but because they are more humans than professionals. They care more about the couple's stories than their own photo artwork. Couples should "meet" face to face and look for signs that will give them the comfort they are talking to a person and not a business.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Pre-conceived notions and shots. I believe every location has a great amount of potential to look different even though you've been there many times before. "What fits the story of this couple, even though I've been here before?". This type of thinking will transform the way we shoot.

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

—How light affects moments.

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

—Use of light, quantity of light is better than the quality of light. Also, lighting is probably a key element for moments to take place.

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

—The one who is unseen, the one who is invisible, the one not seeking fame. Since we learn from each other, the stories should be what drives us all.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—An African couple that has absolutely no glamour, but an amazing story.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Not really.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Anyone with a greater experience. Perhaps Cliff Mautner or Joe Buissink, would be a great learning experience.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Missing a moment. Inside an environment that you could never go back in time, my fear is to miss a moment that is important to the couple.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Believe it or not, I think it was a day, when I was being taught to love my neighbor as myself, as it's mentioned in the Bible. I spent sometime with a very close friend, a second father to be, and I could not believe how much I needed to learn this and how this has shaped my life.

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

—I never thought of that :)

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Jesus the man, my father and all my mentors in life.

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

—Complete peace and satisfaction even though I'm in the midst of a crises.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Liked. I believe respect comes after. We need to approach and be approachable first.

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

—I can't recall one now, but I hope I don't have anything later either :P

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

—My Canon 5D III and a Sigma 35mm and 85mm. These are my go to lenses for getting a great shot.

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

—Not yet.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Magazines, mostly fashion and arts, and always looking to see greater experience photographers and what they are doing and why they are doing it.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Joe Buissink's work probably.

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

—"What do I do if I turn this dial to M" :P

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Register the reality of people and their personalities.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The stories of people I meet.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I think I received the best parenthood one could ever desire.

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

—Nothing. Where I am today is a result of the choices I made, I can only change the outcome by the decisions I make moving forward.

—What about life on other planets?

—Only God knows!

—Who are your heroes?

—Jesus for giving me life and enabling me to be a father and a husband and a better man than I would ever be without His love and mercy.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—The corrupt system of this world.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Family time. I love spending time with my children and my wife.

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

—Hmmm. I don't think I have anything that I don't mention. I'm a pretty open person.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I can see a moment, register it in a great light.

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

—Yes.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I do.

—Where would you like to live?

—Anywhere I can help and be more active socially.

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

—Open businesses with others without contracts.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Yes and an abundant one.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—- Knock, Knock!
- Who's there?
- Nobody!
- Nobody who?
- ...

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Nothing really.

—The best thing in life is:

—Spend time with the ones you love and care most.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—A long mass in a wedding day.

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

—Not really.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would love to be more handy when it comes to fixing up things at home :P

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Gather all the rich and wealthy, and make an unbiased decision to change a country or a nation for the better. Implement better government and end poverty, one location at a time.

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

—1) Focus on giving people a better experience than knowing "how to take photos". Being human is more important than being a "business person". Invest in yourself first, your personality and your character, then you can prepare for the business part.2) Study a lot, read, and be inspired by whats "not" photography related.

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

—Before you take off – let's take a selfy...?

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

—Drama.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Probably answer emails, prepare for a 2016 Wedding Convention presentation in Brasil and perhaps meet some event planners from recent weddings I've shot!