Photographer Richard Richard Linnett

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Chester, United Kingdom? :)

—I am one of the best, please read the reviews!

—Are you photogenic?

—Occasionally, but there are not many I appear in!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—My brothers wedding was the first time someone asked me to photograph their wedding, over 25 years ago.

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

—The people. If the people are engaged in the image, perhaps through eye contact, or if they are focused on what they are thinking or doing it, comes through.

—Do you love traveling?

—Absolutely! The month we spent in California and the west this year was epic!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—When people see the picture and share the way I see it.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Equipment breakdown and carry spares.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Immersive experiences are coming.

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

—It is that you will probably spend all day and more with the bride and groom and you will get to know them.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I listen, reflect, discuss and develop.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, but an outstanding picture remains outstanding regardless of time and fashion.

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

—Personable – will the photographer get on with everyone including me? Having a wedding photograph taken should be a joy, fun, never a chore.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Disregard for people's feelings.

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

—Those looks from bridesmaids and others when they do not notice you are there.

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

—Personal meaning. When a picture captures that feeling or thought and becomes part of the memory.

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

—Still Martin Luther King.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Barrack Obama.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—The 'wharp' too.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Oona my wife.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—The fear of being delayed getting to a venue. Working out how much 'safety' time to allow.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Getting married and the subsequent birth of my two sons.

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

—Rick from Casablanca.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Oona my wife.

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

—Having the confidence that what I do is very good.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Impossible to answer – we all need both.

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

—Not listen to clients closely enough.

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

—My Nikon camera. Feel incomplete without it.

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

—Too many watches that did not last a year!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Listening to clients, if you do not meet their needs you have not succeeded.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Too many.

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

—People jounalism, capturing people's story in words as well as pictures.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—That life is worthwhile and people can be fulfilled.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Enthusiasm for a wonderful medium.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Parents should be loving, the challenge for them is when to be strict and when to be more relaxed.

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

—Be more confident that I was actually better at what I did than I thought at the time. Less troubled by criticiim and more able to react positively.

—What about life on other planets?

—Absolutely, me for a start. If 'it' lives here it will be living in other places too.

—Who are your heroes?

—Oona my partner in life, 'soulmates'.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—President Trump.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Photographing and travelling.

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

—I am a pretty open person, what you see is what you get. I am usually guarded about reacting to a first impression.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When the client is.

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

—No.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Not close friends.

—Where would you like to live?

—Chester.

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

—Ride a toddlers bicycle.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Yes. I have been fortunate to be happily married for 28 years.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—If tin whistles are made of tin, what are foghorns made of?

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—hate is too strong, would like to talk to such people and spend a bit of time finding out why they are the way they are.

—The best thing in life is:

—Other people, family and friends.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—People's carelessness.

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

—Right now it is the government!

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—To spend less time being thoughtless.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—That people work much more cooperatively for the common good.

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

—Remember brides and grooms are people not subjects.

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

—We are not all as bad as you might have heard.

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

—Film noire.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Attend a wedding?!