Photographer Jason Clavey

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Ayia Napa, Cyprus? :)

—There are a lot of great photographers in Ayia Napa... A lot of bad ones too! I couldn't pick 1 best but I could pick a handfull!

—Are you photogenic?

—I don't believe so! It's why I prefer to be on the other side of the camera!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I started out as a nightlife photographer. I was asked to do a few family weddings, then a few friend's weddings and then I bit the bullet and decided to go full time!

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

—There are far too many elements that make a good photo! but the two at the top of my rule book are lighting and composition. If you can master those then the rest follows!

—Do you love traveling?

—I LOVE travelling. I just don't get to do much of it! haha

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Client's reactions when they see the photos. It's one of the best "Feel Good" moments in a photographer's career!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—'Scuse my language... but the b*tchiness... between other photographers. At the end of the day business is business. but some people will go to great lengths to put others down. It's not great.

—What will be the future of photography?

—on an iPhone.

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

—It's fast paced, spontaneous at times and you need to be versatile with your ability to shoot in ANY situation!

—How do you handle criticism?

—I grow from it.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Of course! but as photographers we try to do things differently.

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

—PHOTOS! forget about price for a minute. this is the single most important part of your day that you will have for generations! research your photographer and make sure they are up to the standard you want!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Having uncle bob standing in front of me during the first kiss taking a photo on his iphone

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

—Emotions.

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

—a photo that tells a story, or shows an emotion which can trigger a memory. those are the best.

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

—I couldn't name one. but they are all artists!

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I'd love to shoot a royal wedding. purely for the criticism of the photos.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—In this day and age, anything goes in photography.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Someone with a lot of character

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I try not to worry about things. Worrying never helps situations, try to think positively!

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Moving my life to Cyprus. If I stayed in the UK I wouldn't be who I am today.

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

—I'd love to have the creative abilities of August Rush

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My dad. He always supported me with any choice in life. He never pushed my to get a "real job" and he supported my education choices musically and photographically.

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

—Success to me is looking back and seeing how far you have come.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respect in my opinion. You don't have to like someone to respect them, and I think everybody deserves respect in some way.

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

—Not becoming a wedding photographer sooner!

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

—My camera of course! To keep those amazing memories!

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

—I'm a geek! I love devices and I don't regret any of my purchases!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I am always looking back on my work and trying to find ways to improve. What could I have done differently which would have made that photo better.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—I've always loved Annie Leibovitz's work. Ever since I started photography!

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

—How much money it costs to be a photographer!

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Natural moments are the best. don't try to be something you're not, let the picture tell the true story.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Like I said before, the reaction of my clients when I deliver the photos. the smiles on their faces and the amazing comments and reviews they leave me on my website. As long as that keeps happening, I will continue shooting.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—My parents were great! I was always creative as a child. I played music since I was 5. I was playing in 6 different bands when I was 14. and I was the principal of percussion in an orchestra when I was 16. My parents supported my creativity, and my music! I wouldn't be doing what I do if it wasn't for their support!

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

—I would probably keep my music and photography more balanced. I feel now I am more involved with photography and my music is taking a back seat for now.

—What about life on other planets?

—for sure!

—Who are your heroes?

—My family and friends. I can't respect anyone more than them!

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Everybody deserves respect in their own way. some more than others, but everyone deserves some respect.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Listening to music, sight seeing and a good movie now and again.

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

—my soft side.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I'm never 100% satisfied. I'm always looking for ways to improve. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad!

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

—I believe in equality. If you think you can do something nobody should have the right to say no.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I try to, I believe it's better to make friends than enemies.

—Where would you like to live?

—Probably somewhere closer to my family but with weather like Cyprus.

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

—I'm a male. there are too many silly things I've done in my life. most of them involved alcohol!

—Is there life after marriage?

—of course!

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—A man walks into a bar,
Ouch!

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I've always been a dog lover. but I now have a cat so I guess both!

—Who or what do you hate?

—People in high power.

—The best thing in life is:

—Everyone in it!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—wondering how long it lasts.

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

—Not much, I'm quite happy

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I'd put some more hair on my head haha

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Religion.

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

—Take criticism and work from it. Never think you are better than anyone, we are all learning. And always look to improve on your work.

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

—"do you speak human"

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

—Comedy or a good fantasy/scifi

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Editing Editing Editing!