Photographer Geoff Salisbury

—Are you photogenic?

—No way, it's one of the motivating factors that got me interested in being on the back side of the camera. So I understand how people can feel uncomfortable having a camera pointing at them, I can use this empathy to help subjects and clients make the most of the experience and bring out their best, and in the end, get the best picture.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I was the friend with the camera who took good pictures, so was naturally asked to photograph their weddings. I didn't want to stuff it up, so I studied and put myself on wedding photography courses with people like Chris Chambers and Pete Bristo. I found a great network of wedding photographers and a mentor so took the plunge and made it my career.

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

—For me, it's about connection, either between the subjects, or with the camera.

—Do you love traveling?

—ha ha, funny question, I work in UK and in New Zealand, so I have no option but to like traveling.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I get to be at a wedding every week!
It's amazing being a part of that. If I ever stop being excited about weddings, I'll know it's time to change my job.

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

—A wedding photographer needs to be an expert at many photographic disciplines.
Candid, repotage, portrait, landscape, architectural. You need to work in all sorts of environments quickly and with agility.

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

—Make sure you meet the photographer before you book him or her. You'll be spending a lot of time on one of the most important days of you life with this person. Make sure it's somebody you both like and feel comfortable with.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The birth of my first son, I suddenly changed many behaviours, for the better.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I still and will continue to go to photography courses.
I study other photographers.
It's always good to go as a second shooter with another photographer, no mater how experienced you are, you will al ways lean something.
I experiment with different genres, and try aspects of photography that are new or elusive to me. Some examples are Astral photography, macro, wildlife, landscape....

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Chris Chambers, definitely. He makes the job more fun and more economical. He teaches that you don't need tonnes of equipment slowing you down on a wedding shoot to get fantastic results.