Photographer Maaris Tölp

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

—The one who inspires the most. Since there are quite many of them, I think it would be unfair to bring out just one of them

—Are you photogenic?

—I think so, but one can never be completely satisfied with hew own photos

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—After photographing on racing track and doing family photoshoots for 2 years, I felt that wedding photography might be my thing. So when two of my friends got married, they asked me to photograph their wedding and also allowed me to share these photos. I think starting to work in wedding industry is one of the best decision I've ever made

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

—Emotion is the main thing. But also composition and light to create mood

—Do you love traveling?

—I love travelling. New places and challenges

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love making people happy with photos.
Also, the emotional part of weddings is my fuel

—What will be the future of photography?

—May be we can take photos with our eyes or mind? Too futuristic?

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

—You have only one opportunity to get "that" photo. You can not just repeat that day. So the responsibility is really there.
But also, there are lots of more emotions in weddings, in every way. More joy, more tears...everything.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Of course it's emotionally difficult to deal with it , but also, when that criticism is constructive, it helps to become better and its a good thing. So while it can make sad, it also makes you become thankful for that criticism

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Right now more and more photographers retouch their photos to have warm and vintage colors. It looks pretty although it's not my style

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

—1) Style of photos – both color, catching emotions, composition
2) How photographer communicates
3) You should also ask to see some full galleries of weddings

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Being rude. Also taking photos while someone is eating, because no one can look pretty and enjoy their meal at the same time.

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

—Emotion. It's the most important thing. Photo has to have emotion in it or it has to create one

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Changing the background completely when retouching. I normally don't do that , but sometimes its necessary

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Every day is a new adventure. Every day you have an opportunity to make something even better. So I think also right now is that moment.

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

—Toothless a ka Nightfury from "How to Train Your Dragon". Smart and sweet

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My daughter. Shes just pure love

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

—Success is when you accomplish something you wanted, also when you make someone happy

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—That is a difficult question. Both are important , but I think that You affect more people, when You are respected. Because then You can create work that is both respected and loved.

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

—Booking two full day weddings on the same day. Luckily I discovered it 6 months before these weddings so one of them could easily find new photographer.

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

—Both cameras and at least 4 of my main lens. But in addition a laptop and at least one hard drive for making copies of photos.

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Macro rings because the real macro lens are so much better

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I study other photographers work and organize model photoshoots few times a year to test something new

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—There are so many of them, but lately I've been keeping my eye on Lupascu's work.

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

—I wish I got to understand artificial light earlier

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When my client is more than happy, their friends love my work also, and I have accomplished my goals

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course. Wedding should be part of our life, but marriage can be even more exciting

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

—Make sure You write everything down You know about Your couple and their wedding. You will need it

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Tomorrow I will finish retouching one wedding, create a photo album of antoher one, upload photos to my blog, play with my daughter, visit a friend :D I would do more, but there are only 24 hours in a day