Photographer Fiona Walsh

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I'd just finished my degree in Psychology and was looking for a job. It was just my fate that jobs were hard to come by as it made me look at doing something I was already enjoying as a hobby – photography. I started to explore the business side of getting it up and running, and was so grateful at my first yes to a request to shadow another photographer. I was hooked from my first wedding.

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

—Composition, expression, and light I would say. I love creating compositions and lighting effects in the frame and doing something different. But technicalities aside, the moment/the meaning is a pretty important component that makes up a good photo.

—Do you love traveling?

—I adore traveling. It shows me what else is going on in the world, I get to see moments between people, I get to see beautiful landscapes. traveling brings opportunity.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Stepping into a couples lives for just one day and being able to capture their connection. Hearing their joy when they see the images, showing them just how amazing they are.
I get so excited with couples in landscapes, especially sunsets. It feels as though the colours around them are putting on a show, a reflection of their emotions.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—All the days in the office doing post production work takes me away from people, so it can be a little isolating at times.

—What will be the future of photography?

—There's an interesting question, i was pondering this the other day. Who knows! Guests will probably have phone cameras with capabilities of my DSLR! But, there will always be a need for a wedding photographer. We see beyond what our eyes show us and give them something special; their story.

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

—Turning their emotions into a physical image they can look at, helping them feel closer to their most personal and meaningful feelings.

—How do you handle criticism?

—With patience. I put myself in their shoes to understand where their coming from.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Sure. There are trends that come and go all the time. Trends in editing, trends in light effects, trends for capturing moments, capturing the natural behaviours of people around us, and maybe putting a different spin on how that's captured.

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

—Rapport. The photographer will be so close to them all day long, so they must feel comfortable and trust in the photographer.
I think they should look for someone with experience, with imagination, with patience, with passion for their wedding, and good editing skills! though i guess that last one is subjective!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—sometimes the officiant will prefer us not to photograph them when they are signing the register.
There isn't anything more that is specifically not allowed, it's just a matter of being delicate and knowing when and when not to shoot something.

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

—Technically, the way the light can fall on a person and enhance that moment. Same goes for the environment, such as reflections or a background that would complimentary.
Emotionally, we are part of their relationship in a closer way than a guest would. For some part of the day it is just us 3, so photographers get to witness a raw beauty in the way they love each other.

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

—Someone experiencing a moment that makes them feel so loved and so worthy.
Technically I love to use shallow depth of fields to make the image soft. I think this can add to the emotional value of a photo.
Beautiful landscapes, and architecture/patterns can influence the value too. So much can though!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—It would be fab to shoot with Two Mann Studios, and Ross Harvey!

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Nothing really.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Walking on hot goal (or is that the craziest?!)
Meeting and photographing Bill Clinton was pretty fun.Getting married felt pretty impressive, couldn't have felt any happier or want to be anywhere else.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—All the photographers being fearless to be creative and bring us and the couple a new way of seeing things.Tony Robbins is pretty awesome. Sly Stallone's story of his determination and belief that he will be an actor in the movies is an inspiring one.

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

—hmmm, well I think a person is successful is they're happy.With weddings, I'd say a wedding is a success if the couple love their images.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected I guess. Feeling a sense of respect can affect your self esteem differently to feeling liked.

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

—Thankfully, and touch wood, there aren't any big ones. I just always aim to learn from each wedding. e,g., there are little ones like making sure batteries are new and such, cards are close by in reach, surveying the area to know where to stand during the ceremony etc. Once I was photographing a ceremony outdoors in gravel. Every step I took was loud and crunchy!

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

—The camera is going to be a must, of course.Then:
Music! Because it enhances experiences. I even have an underwater mp3 player.

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

—no.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Stay in touch with photographers, go on courses. Always look at what the light source is. Look for patterns and shadows.
Take my photos, finish, but then ask myself how else can I take this photo, how would someone else take this photo?

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Two Mann and Ross Harvey.

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

—the environment can be used to your advantage, no matter what it is.Have down right pure belief in yourself.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Look how beautiful life is. Soak in it.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—To show people what life is like is you look out for it! It's beautiful, it's colourful, it's meaningful, it's fun.
Giving people life long memories in my images.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—neither

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

—I wouldn't like to think about that. I don't believe in regret. You do what you do in that moment with the resources you have.
I believe in learning from each experience, moving forward and living in the now.

—What about life on other planets?

—lol these are funny questions. Sure, I think there is life on other planets.

—Who are your heroes?

—No heroes so to speak. lots of people who mean a lot to me, others that have inspired me.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Those who are mentally and physically cruel to people and animals.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Exploring landscapes with my camera, and watch movies.

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

—If you knew that there wouldn't be a side anymore :)

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When all the elements come together in a photo to make it so satisfying. When creative ideas pan out. There's never a complete moment though or in that case I wouldn't be looking to better my work. I always want to grow.

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

—Not really.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yep, I'm so happy to have made friends at weddings whom I've never met before. I love the stories I learn about peoples lives after a wedding.

—Where would you like to live?

—italy or australia.

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

—there isn't one i can think of!

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course!

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—'Green men make me cross' (Darren Walsh)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Totally love both.

—Who or what do you hate?

—the cold.

—The best thing in life is:

—Compassion.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Aging and illness.

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

—Peace of mind comes when you just accept things the way they are that you cannot change.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—nothing really!

—What would you like to change in the world?

—More cures in illness.
More help for aged, and more unwanted and poorly animals.

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

—believe in yourself.
Network.
Do it because it makes you happy.

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

—lol oh my these questions! I'd see if they want to try some delicious snacks!

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

—romance

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—swim underwater with my mp3 player! and then prep for a lovely wedding!