Photographer Ed Gobina

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

—This is a tough question to answer because when I look around I can hardly see any other wedding photographers in Bø i Telemark.

—Are you photogenic?

—I have no idea as I am more often behind the camera rather than in front of it, so I will let you be the judge on this one.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—After shooting portraits for some years I thought it would be a great idea to try another venture and dive into something which I wasn't used to (wedding photography). I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself a little more so I decided to start searching for wedding gigs and after a while I finally landed one. It was an incredible feeling to follow the couple around for several hours and document the event. After that, I felt like I wanted to do a little more of this.

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

—First and foremost, I would say EMOTION, then the STORY, and last but not least the COMPOSITION. If you have these three elements in your photo then it is hard for people not to fall in love with it.

—Do you love traveling?

—I love travelling. I feel like it is just another form of educating yourself and it is way better than sitting in a classroom. Travelling enriches you as a person and it opens your mind as you get to see how different and diverse the world is. It is a truly enriching experience.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Every time I work on a project, be it a wedding or any other type of photoshoot; and hand over the final product or photos to the client and see a genuine smile on their faces. This keeps me going knowing that you put a smile on a couple's face.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The business end of things is often a pain and this is the part that I dislike as I am the type who likes to focus more on the creative work.

—What will be the future of photography?

—With the ever changing landscape in wedding photography it is hard to tell, but my guess is fewer people will be hiring professionals to do their wedding photography as everyone now has a smart phone that does a decent job and people aren't so willing to spend so much on photos. Just a handfull see the value in getting photos that will stand the test of times.

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

—The fact that you have everything sorted out in your head but you never know what to expect as it is a live event and things just keep unfolding till the end. There is no room for error and therefore no second takes or do-overs.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I try to channel that into something positive and try to build off of it and get better. I think the best way to deal with criticism is not to take anything personal.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—I think there is quite a few as in many other photography genres. Most of them are short lived so I like to look at them as trends since they come and go.

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

—I think it is important for them to find someone with a good balance of experience, knowledge(which can be seen from their previous work) and has the ability to stay incognito while covering the wedding. You want you a photographer to capture the best moments but same time you do not want them to be all over the place and take away the guests' experience.

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

—The emotions of the guests. I think most at times we turn to focus too much on capturing the couple and forget about what is happening around the event with the other people.

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

—In my humble opinion if there is emotion, a story, good composition and a well exposed frame; then that makes the recipe for a great photo.

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

—Peter Mckinnon! Not a wedding photographer at the time but he is one of those photographers whom if you are talking about photography, his name pops up.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I really do not have a personal preference when it comes to shooting someone but more about the story.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—For me trying to be trendy is something I try to keep myself from. Just because something is cool and everyone is doing it doesn't mean I have to, so I try my best to stay away from trends.

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

—Hahahah not sure but I am a big fan of THE FLASH so I guest I would to become the flash if I could.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife. Even though she isn't a photographer, the support I get from her is incredible. Matter of fact she bought me my first camera.

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

—This is one thing which in my opinion is hard to quantify. But I think for me one parameter I use to measure success is happiness.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I would say respected.

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

—I usually take my camera along. I hardly remember any trip that I haven't taken my camera even though sometimes it ends up staying in my bag the whole time because I just want to live and experience some of the moments myself. I take it because I just want to be prepared if need be.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—By constant practice, reading and pulling inspiration from others.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I try to do something which is totally unrelated to photography. Spending sometime with family and then playing football.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Yes I do, I am a living proof :)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Ignorance.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I would love to change the way people treat each other. There is so much hate in the world right now.

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

—Never stop learning and at the start of your career or your first weddings, try to play it safe and take the necessary shots before trying to go for something extra. One more thing that would save your life is planning. If your need to story board or write down your shots or plan, do so. You might be surprised at how much you forget and how fast time goes by.

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

—Actions.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Try and stay alive so I can motivate or inspire someone to so something meaningful.