Photographer Joseph Requerme

—Are you photogenic?

—I am not sure yet. I will have my own wedding in the coming months and we'll know if I am. Technically, yes because I direct my couple by doing the pose first.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I got into wedding industry by accident. I was invited to attend a wedding as a guest and I brought with me my 2 days old dslr camera and started taking pictures. To make the story short, the official photographer lost all his photos of the wedding and the couple made my photos as their official(even ordered an album) after 4 years of their wedding. That's where I was inspired to make more love-inspired photos.

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

—For me, it is the emotion that is captured in frames. I always make sure that most of my photos are love-inspired. When emotion is in there, composition and post processing style will follow.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes, in fact I am a destination wedding photographer based in Cebu City. I have been to different places in the Philippines and abroad.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love to feel and indulge myself into an emotional celebration like weddings and my favorite is the pictorial of the bride and his father, the dance with the father and the groom with his mom. Capturing those are heaven to me.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—What I don't like is the sore in my feet the day after the wedding. I move a lot to make sure that everything is covered. But it also reminds me of a successful wedding coverage. No sore, meaning I did not do my best.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I think people will start to take photographers like me to unfamiliar and less shot locations and will incorporate adventure along the way.

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

—The most special thing in wedding photography is the union of two souls. That's where I challenge my self, to get every inch of emotion and historic event in the frames.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I have the best and worst critic in the world, my partner in life and she tells me the things that she don't like in the harshest way possible. Every time she do that, I will be hurt but I use that pain in my ego to improve. At the end of the day, I am glad that she made those criticism. Criticisms from people I don't know – I listen to them. Criticism from my clients – I am glad they are all satisfied and if there will be one, I will work my way to correct the problem.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—There are no trends for me. Every couple has its own way of making their wedding a memorable one and each shoot is unique. In fact, the more different the wedding is, the more unique it will become.

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

—The couple should and must always like the photographic style of the photographer. No buts and ifs. If you like the work, go for it and tell the photographer. Rates should be the last thing that will hinder in booking a photographer.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—For me, the only thing that is not allowed is shooting beyond the cultural norms of every person. You got to respect it.

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

—It is the emotion. When people are emotional they forget about their looks and not aware of their surroundings. The photographers on the other hand, hold the tears or just smile behind the camera and capture those moments.

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

—Its all about the subject, location and composition.

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

—A person that can understand different cultures without any hesitation and manage to blend in.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I love and want to shoot weddings and any life events.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I am glad that I don't have.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I like to shoot with Jasmine Star. There's a lot of things that I like about her shooting style.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I don't get worried that much in terms of shooting. I worry much when I got home and make the photos exist in different places (backup).

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I got hired by a Swiss magazine to make a portrait of a typhoon survivor. Eventually, they got married and I was their photographer. The story I told was amazing. The guy saved his queen after typhoon Yolanda and that was the most heart warming story I ever told.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My inspiration will always be my partner in life and the photos that I have not captured yet.

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

—Success in not a destination, it is an ongoing process and cannot be measured. As long as you are happy, you can feel success.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Yes, as a human being but not like king.

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

—Hiring a cheap 2nd shooter. They just don't get my style. When I started to hire right priced shooter, my output became more valuable.

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

—I would take my editor(my partner). She is all in one, my inspiration, my critic, the stylist and can give tons of ideas when I ran out.

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

—Every piece that I have has its own use, I did not regret buying any of them.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—By joining photography related clubs and forums. The different opinions gives me ideas on where to improve.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Jasmine Star

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I must say that my photographs are created and inspired with love.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The satisfied and happy clients.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I do fishing, watching movies and travelling. I love indulging to beach, nature and adventure.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I don't get satisfied. There is always a margin of unsatisfaction but I make sure that the photos are well processed.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, I always make sure that I make conversation and help people along the way.

—Where would you like to live?

—I love my country and my answer is Philippines. If my clients want me to live in their place for a month then I'll go.

—Is there life after marriage?

—For me, Yes. But I should experience it first next year for me to say the whole thing.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I like both.

—The best thing in life is:

—The best thing in life is love.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—The most annoying thing in life is disrespect.

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

—Just get your hands dirty and shoot weddings regardless its price. The most important thing is experience. Don't listen to negative and destructive comments.