Photographer Mark Fierst

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

—I think Erin Johnson is the best wedding photographer in the Twin Cities. She has been doing it for many years and has a brand that is uniquely hers.

—Are you photogenic?

—No, lol. That's why I'm behind the camera.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I've always loved taking pictures, and a friend suggested that I do photograph friend's wedding. The rest is history!

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

—1. Good use of light
2. A photo existing within the context of a story
3. Intentionality

—Do you love traveling?

—I LOVE to travel!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love meeting, working with, and becoming friends with new people. I also love being able to capture a moment that can end up meaning the world to a bride, a groom, a couple, a family member, or a friend.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I don't like it when some photographers make it more about themselves and their "art" than the needs and desires of the couple.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I honestly don't think much will change. I think weddings have some deep rooted traditions that will alway exist. If you're focus in wedding photography isn't people, you will not have success. And the underlying truths about relationships and love will never change.

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

—Being able to capture a moment that resonates with a couple is one of the best part of my job.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I take all criticism seriously. Sometimes it has complete merit. Sometimes it doesn't. Being able to honestly and humbly tell the difference is the key to growth.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—There are trends in any business. Again, being able to tell which trends have merit is key to sustainability.

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

—1a. The Photographer's style of photographs.
1b. The personal connection you feel with the photographer.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I think most things are on the table. I really try to capture the day as it unfolds, so laughter, tears, the ugly cry; those things are free game. Of course unflattering poses should always be avoided. And every now and then, there is that awkward moment between a family member that you just let pass.

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

—The more emotion in a picture the better.

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

—I hope it can be Jesus. Religious significance aside, his teachings are universal: love your neighbor, love your enemy, acceptance, forgiveness, accountability. I also think the concept of putting your faith in something larger than yourself creates a humility that our world is in desperate need of.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—People having fun.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Shooting with my camera at an angle.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Annie Liebovitz

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Every time I send the link to the wedding gallery to the couple, I always worry that they won't like their pictures. I always have the fear that they won't like them. I guess that fear always pushes you to be the best you can be on the wedding day though.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Probably my wedding. The fact that another human would want to spend forever with me is pretty amazing ;)

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

—Winnie the Pooh. Simple. Carefree. One moment at a time.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife. My kids. Jesus.

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

—One review at a time.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I think they go hand in hand.

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

—I lost a memory card once. (I found it 2 months later though)

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

—I always pack too much. I always want to be prepared for whatever might happen.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Copy others, lol. But honestly, look at the work of others, find what inspires you, learn how to do it.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Jeannine Pohl, another Twin Cities photographer. She has mentored be immensely, and most of what I am good at is because of her.

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

—When I first started, I had no clue how focal length affected depth of field.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I would like to say that I knew who the couple was at their core.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I am always searching to find that perfect moment.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Less strict.

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

—I would start photography as a career sooner. But then again, life experiences have made me the photographer I am now.

—What about life on other planets?

—The chances are miniscule.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—If it has anything to do with sports, I am probably doing it. Netflix has also played a bigger role for me and my wife lately.

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

—The private side.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I'm satisfied when the bride is satisfied!

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

—I believe in traditional roles. I believe in non-traditional roles.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I feel that I can connect with and relate to new people very well. Everyone has different standards and definitions of friends, but I feel I can be friends with most people.

—Where would you like to live?

—I would love to live in Chicago. I love the energy of the city, yet it still has Midwestern values.

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

—Answering all of these questions, lol. I think there is value that you can take from any experience, even the bad ones.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Ummmm....

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Can't share publicly.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Hate? I don't know if I "hate" anything or anyone. I have a lot of pet peeves though; that's for sure.

—The best thing in life is:

—Bacon.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Haterz.LOL

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—the number of fat cells, lol.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—More love. Less hate.

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

—Trust yourself. Don't settle.

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

—Go back.

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

—Romantic Comedy.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—...all the things I didn't do today.