Photographer Joey Rudd

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

—The best wedding photographer for your wedding is the one that you get along with best! Obviously, it is important that you like their style and photos, but most importantly you need to be able to trust your photographer. You spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day so I encourage couples to find someone that they enjoy spending time with.

—Are you photogenic?

—My two year old daughter thinks I am.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It kind of just happened. It was a natural progression of taking photos personally to professionally.

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

—A good photo is one that tells a story. Couple's trust me to capture the essence of their day in still life and I see this as a very important (and enjoyable!) task. With the exceptions of some of my more creative and double exposure photographs, I endeavor to capture the colours and lighting of a day accurately so that it tells the story of the wedding in a way that the couple can remember it.

—Do you love traveling?

—Did someone say Iceland?

—What do you like most about your profession?

—There is something special about being invited to share in the most important day in a couple's life. Moreover, to be trusted to document it for them. I love to hear back from couples about how much they love their wedding photos.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The behind scenes of running a business. (Cough) Taxes.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I am always asking this and seeking to grow as an individual and as a business, but at the end of the day we can only guess. I look forward to the journey.

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

—That each and every moment is so important and timeless. It goes by so fast for the bride and groom- that is where I come in.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As with anything that you pour so much of your life into, it can be hard to hear criticism, but I try to learn and grow rather than build walls.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—There are always trends, editing styles, colours (or lack there of), airy, moody, etc. I try to stay true to the day itself rather than getting caught up in all of these. I am there to document the day after all.
Although, as a signature, I do enjoy creating a few double exposures for each couple!

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

—Trust. You need to be able to trust them as a person and as a professional.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Backing off docks in late October. Trust me, the water is colder when you are wearing two cameras. I always bring a change of clothes and, obviously, backup equipment for moments like this, but avoidance is always the best practice.

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

—I am always noticing (or anticipating) moments that are happening at an event. Reactions, emotions, accidents. As a photographer I also tend to see the world around me differently. I am always considering whether or not a specific place would make for an interesting background for photos. It can be hard to turn this off when I am not "on the job".

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

—It can sometimes be surprising to learn what photographs from a day are a couples' favourites. Award winning photographs are not always the ones that are most important to a couple. The tearful hug of a grandparent can be significantly more beautiful than mountains.

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

—Jon Snow. #winteriscoming

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I love taking photos of my daughters.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Cellphones. Why are they even at weddings?

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I love shooting with my wife Natalie, she is so talented and incredibly fun to have around. But, there are also so many other talented photographers that I would enjoy shooting with and learning from.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—With a consistent routine and sufficient backups there is little to worry about. Enjoy life!

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I got a standing ovation for a stand up routine in Minnesota... and I am not even funny.

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

—Jack Pearson from This Is Us. But it's hard to live up that.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—So many other wedding photographers. There is so much talent and creativity out there to be inspired by.

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

—If I can be a person that someone trusts whether that is a wedding couple or my family.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I would love to be both.

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

—There have been little mistakes here and there, but I have always been grateful to learn from them for the future so that they don't become big mistakes down the road.

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

—A camera. Life goes too fast not to document it.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I am always trying new things. It keeps life interesting to experiment and grow as a photographer.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want my photographs to freeze a moment, capture emotion, and tell a story.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I love to water ski, snowboard, or just be all around active with my family.

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

—Don't be afraid to ask questions.