Photographer Marius Godeanu

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

—Well, it all depends on who you ask.
What is the best car in the world ? Everyone just sees things differently and especially in photography which is an art in itself, where everything is subjective, ask 10 people this question and probably you will get 11 different answers ! :)

—Are you photogenic?

—Never :)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It was back in 2007 I think ... photography was already a hobby for me and as I already had a "decent" DSLR kit ( by those times' standards ) a friend of mine ( who was a videographer ) asked me to go with him and shoot some christenings. I was scared as hell thinking I have a huge responsibility but everything went well and then I moved to weddings, still shooting for him as I didn't have any portfolio. The next year I started going solo and ... 10 years later here we are.

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

—Besides the basic technical stuff – composition and message/feeling are by far the key elements of an attractive wedding photograph.

—Do you love traveling?

—Sure, who doesn't ?
Although I shot quite a few after wedding session abroad with just the bride and groom, I would love to be able to shoot a full destination wedding sometime.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Happiness in the client's eyes when they look at their wedding photos for the first time.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Hmm tough one...
If I'd had to choose, it would probably the fact that I have to refuse some clients that reeeeealy want me as their wedding photographer, because I already booked their wedding date for someone else.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Probably not much would change – no matter how advanced the cameras will get. A strong and great wedding image from the 50s is still great today so I can only image – the things that bring value to an image will stay constant over time.

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

—Wedding photography is different because it actually combines A LOT of other photography genres. A good wedding photographer has to be good at shooting landscapes, portraits, journalism, fashion, architecture, street photography and the list could go on... Probably that's why a great photographer in just any of these genres is not necessary a good wedding photographer.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I embrace it – it's the only way we move up the ladder.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Sure – as in every other genre – not just photography, but as I said, the things that bring value to a wedding photography will never change regardless of the iso that photograph was taken on, or how many megapixels the camera used has :)

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

—If there is one thing I always encourage newlyweds to do when looking for a wedding photographer is to pay very good attention to the portfolios and see which style would suit them and most importantly when meeting a wedding photographer – have him show a full wedding coverage and not get "fooled" by the best 2-3 photos everyone uploads online.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Photography is an art – no doubt about that and I find it unacceptable for a client to give the photographer exact and strict examples of they want their wedding images to look like, by bringing photos from other photographers around the world and setting stirct guidelines and boundaries regarding their own images. A photographer should be hired if you liked his own style, not to reproduce someone else's work.

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

—There is an infinite number of things that a wedding photographer could capture.

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

—Message, moment, feeling, composition.

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

—I really can't think of anyone – and hey – the 21st century is only at he beginning :)

—Who do you want to shoot?

—Absolutely anybody

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Selective color.

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

—Never give up !