Photographer Karen Skelly

—Are you photogenic?

—Yes, but that's not important, because I would be behind the camera making the bride and groom photogenic:}

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—My dad was a wedding photographer so I was around cameras and all the equipment my whole life. I love creating those memories that will last forever for the couple and remind them of their special day.

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

—Lighting is the most important aspect. The word "photography" means to paint with light. Once you determine where the best lighting is, you work on backgrounds, posing, and getting natural smiles from people.

—Do you love traveling?

—I live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, so most of my clients travel here for their weddings. I will, however, go wherever your love takes me.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Meeting new people, sharing a special occasion with them, and giving them memories of that wonderful day.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—It takes a long time to beautify all the images from a wedding. I like doing that work, just wish it didn't take so long.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I hope that couples continue to see the value in hiring a professional photographer for their weddings. I know many people who say the one regret they have was using a friend or family member to photograph their wedding and now their memories are terrible photographs.

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

—The wedding photographs are all that you have left of your wedding day. All the food will have been eaten, the flowers die, the music is only in your head, and you won't ever wear the dress again. Wedding Photography is the best investment you can make.

—How do you handle criticism?

—My clients are super nice people and have never criticized me. I've had a couple of them request something different be done with a few of their images, and I'm happy to comply with those requests. For instance, one bride felt that her husband's face looked a little washed out so I darkened the images until she liked them. I had a little bit of a hard time editing his face because he is out in the sun a lot and his skin was very red with sun glass marks around his eyes. I would like to be able to tell all my couples to "wear sunblock when outdoors, even when it's cloudy". This will make your photographs look much nicer and keep your skin from getting so wrinkled when you get older:}

—Are there any trends in photography?

—I avoid photographic trends. Things like selective color, putting the couple in a champagne glass, or inside the church looking down at their own ceremony, are all trends that came and went. I want my couples to still love their wedding photographs 20-50 yrs from now.

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

—I know many new photographers are moms who work another job and only do weddings on the weekends. Nothing against these photographers, but they probably aren't going to spend the amount of time necessary to learn everything about weddings and photography that are vital to doing an amazing job for their clients. Knowing how to use your camera (not on auto), and how to use off camera lighting is important to being able to photograph the entire day, including the reception when it's possibly dark. My husband and I work together to get those beautiful images you want for your wedding album.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I'm not sure what you are referring to, but when I'm doing the family and wedding formals, I ask that all the guests go to the reception area. Otherwise, if the guests are standing behind me, people in the groups getting photographed will be looking at them and I'll have some of the people looking one way, some people looking the other way, and some looking at me. I need them all looking at me so everyone can go to the reception to enjoy themselves in a timely fashion.

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

—Getting good lighting on the people and in the background takes a trained eye. Also making sure the background is clear of things like garbage cans, other people, or things that just shouldn't be there. One mistake that's pretty common is to see people with trees looking like they're growing out of their heads.

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

—Good lighting, exposure, posing, and composition.