Photographer Ed Mash

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

—That's such a personal choice for clients. Here in Exeter there are different styles to choose, and different personalities. Clients should pick someone they're comfortable with on the BIG day

—Are you photogenic?

—Photographers don't appear in many pictures do they....i find it hard to judge an image of myself! I keep getting invited back to parties so I cant be that bad :)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—Initially I only photographed weddings of close friends, and people I knew, but by personal recommendation the demand has grown....so I made the leap!

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

—I think a great photograph has resonance, and shares something with the viewer. Personally if it makes me say 'WOW' or smile, or conveys an idea then it's attractive.

—Do you love traveling?

—YES. I've travelled a great deal.....every continent except Antarctica....and I still have a thirst for those unusual out of the way places.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love seeing the world through a lens, it brings me close to people, and the important events in their lives. It's a real privilege

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Missing a special moment.....you can see the image in your mind, and you know you haven't got it...its very disappointing.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Technology is changing cameras, in the future the processing power of the computer will be more integrated into the camera body, with better colour processing, and skin tone rendition.

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

—I love wedding photography, everyone is dressed up, smiling, and determined to have a great time. The atmosphere is exciting and clients are always happy to engage with the camera.

—How do you handle criticism?

—....I haven't received any so far from clients, but I did have a co worker who was brutally critical of everything I did. Its important to listen, be objective, and use it as a learning process.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—I think there is a tendency to use deep apertures, and sharpness as its an inherent part of the digital world. However I always appreciate a photographer who can skilfully handle a shallow aperture to tell the viewer exactly where to look (Sorry that was a technical answer!)

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

—Choose a style of photography that speaks to you personally and best encapsulates your values. Also go for the best budget you can afford...a good photographer will make memories you'll look back on for the rest of your life.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Never force a situation...never make people feel uncomfortable, dress for the wedding and blend into the guests to capture those discreet moments.

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

—I think unnoticed details is a fault in a wedding photographer, great photographers are masters of seeing, rather than just looking.

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

—A valuable photo is very much of its time. It's not a wedding photo but Frank Cappas photo "falling Soldier" taken during the Spanish civil war stopped me in my tracks. It's a painful subject but it has always fascinated and haunted me at the same time, you think of the victim, the photographer standing in a war with a camera, and the soldier who fired the bullet.

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

—There are so many.....Ghandi probably made the most significant difference to the largest amount of people, so numerically he's top of the list.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—No one springs to mind, but I'm confident I could draw out the best in anyone......so long as they wanted to work with me!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I don't believe you should step to far from reality in post production. IMHO over processed photo's don't stand the test of time.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Working in a team, or with a partner can be immensely rewarding, I'm always happy working with talented people with ideas and enthusiasm.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Its a worry trying to cover the increasing cost of, cameras, lenses, hard disk storage, and computers. Most clients are unaware of this. For instance at the last wedding I photographed my equipment totalled 25K (that said Ive got the best kit in the world, and that's to be expected on the big day)

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The birth of my first son.

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

—Great question! Put me down as Harry Potter, I like the glasses, and the wand would be very useful on shoots.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I don't think there's one person, but I'm also a painter, and so art, paintings, and ideas, have always been a constant source of inspiration.

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

—It's hard to quantify success but I have all the important things I need in my life already.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I always strive for high end results so for me its more important to be liked for the person I am, and the body of my work. If people don't respect me there's not much I can do about it.

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

—Missing THE shot!

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

—When I was 23 a good friend gave me a copy of "Four Quartets" by T.S Eliot. Its slim and fits in every rucsac or camera bag. I only carry it when I'm travelling but its quixotic view of infinity constantly surprises me with its relevance in new locations.

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

—I don't like phone calls when I'm working so I have to say the mobile phone....I know that's heretical these days!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Research is a big part of expanding your skill set. I'm constantly looking to develop and expand through experimentation with the camera or computer, or both.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—I think I'm influenced by many images rather than one photographer in person.

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

—More computer skills:)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Intimacy and resonance are very important, but also a sense of place....images are like time capsules I want people to look back and feel connected with the images, again and again.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—There's always a sense of the perfect shot being around the next corner, something more special, more romantic, more FUN.....so I keep searching.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—My parents were very relaxed and open minded in their guidance....so I guess a tiny bit more strictness might have been a good thing?

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

—I'm a very positive person and I think reflection on the past can be self absorbing so I prefer to embrace the future.

—What about life on other planets?

—Definitely...sadly due to deep time its going to be very hard to find.

—Who are your heroes?

—I've mentioned Ghandi but I'd happily add Leonardo Da Vinci, Einstein, Marie Curie, Dickens, Tesla, Jane Austen.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—The tiny minded despots who've sacrificed millions of lives in vain.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Well the camera's always with me out walking, or at art galleries, meeting up with friends, and of course with my family. At home I love to cook, and my garden is a small oasis.

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

—Its always good to keep your professional side towards the public, but if I'm honest I'm a bit shy so I keep that well hidden.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Tough question......i need to learn to stop tweaking.

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

—I'm not really a traditional person, and having had a very liberal background I trust other people to make the choices that are best suited to them and their perception of gender.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes I make friends easily and I'm very lucky in the friends I have, I still have all my school friends:)

—Where would you like to live?

—I live in Devon so I'm spoilt by beautiful coastline in every direction, and two very different national parks. This is a great base for getting the work life balance just right. I'm happy right here.

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

—So many things.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Personally speaking I'm divorced so YES :)

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—" I've gone on the Whisky Diet-I've lost four days already" Tommy Cooper

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs

—Who or what do you hate?

—The art of forgiveness means you don't have to hate anyone, it so unhealthy to carry that emotion around inside you.

—The best thing in life is:

—Sharing

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Climate change.

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

—Personally not much, but politics, world affairs, and the environment are concerns for me.... greater awareness and action by the majority would be a step in the right direction.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I feel its better to work with what you've got.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—A greater sense of balance with the environment.

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

—If you know where to point a camera, then its easy to learn the technical aspects as you progress. Until then trust your instincts, appreciate your own talent, and go and grab as much experience as you possibly can.

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

—Watch out for the others!

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

—Science Fiction

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Put the house in order and get organised.