Photographer Maria Simon

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

—I think the best photographer is the one who you feel a connection and comfortable with. Each wedding is unique as is your vision of photography.
There is no " best". Its more about the most suitable for you.

—Are you photogenic?

—If a friend catches me in a candid happy moment, yes!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I always loved to paint and craft and my plan was to study arts. But then a camera got into my hands and I felt so enthusiastic and passionate about taking pictures that I decided overnight to become a photographer. The rest is history :-)

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

—If I remember it :-) We have so much visual input every day. If a photo creates a feeling, a mood and tells a story, its a big winner. Of course the tones, setting and composition are important too. Most of all they have to fit the story.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes I absolutely LOVE traveling and capturing weddings across Europe.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Connecting with people and finding beauty in everything. The freelance aspect. Creating constantly. The process of editing and putting the story together. I absolutely LOVE to meet so many inspiring souls along the way.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Hopefully a return to simplicity, rawness, authenticity. Photography appreciated and valued as art, not as "content creating".

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

—I work across various genres and they all have their magic.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Criticism lets me grow constantly and pushes me out of my comfort zone.

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

—It depends on your priorities. I would say the connection and the style you are looking for, are very important. You should feel comfortable and relaxed with your photographer of choice.

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

—A timeless photo is always the winner

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I always love to explore new faces. And I love freckles.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Yes. Elegance is key. When it gets tacky or pornographic, I am out.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, Paul Newman, Sofia Loren, Monica Belucci....
I love all the actors from the earlier days...its an endless list :-)

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

—Amelie.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—people in general inspire me, sometimes a short conversation with a stranger brings a new aspect to my life

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

—Its already a big success when you love what you do and make a living from it.
When you reach your very personal goals in all areas of your life. Abundance, inner peace, love, health and of course a stable and established business. When work and life are in balance then I think you did it right :-)

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected

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

—Thankfully in more than two decades working as a photographer I never had any big errors at work.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I watch movies, look through photography books. I love improving through practice.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin among so many others.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I was never a provocateur. I just want to create magical moments, capture beauty in all ways and create timeless memories. The world is a tough place and somehow I just want to take you with me to a happy place.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—First of all my happy and grateful clients. They keep me going and motivated! And probably my creative mind when I have a new story in my head.

—What about life on other planets?

—I would say get this planet sorted out first, but I am sure we are not alone.

—Who are your heroes?

—My friends and my family who are doing so much to make this world a better place. And all those great minds and spiritual teachers.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Reading, watching movies, traveling and spending time at the sea for sunsets.I love cooking for my friends, especially freestyle curries

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I am a perfectionist with my work so I am always evolving ;-)

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, I am very curious to meet new people and very easy going

—Where would you like to live?

—I absolutely love Ibiza where I am based for a long time but Italy is my second home ;-)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love cats but I shot an advertising campaign for a dog product where I met so many dogs that I fell in love with almost all of them :-)

—The best thing in life is:

—the simple things

—What would you like to change in the world?

—The way we treat nature to start with... its an endless story

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

—Keep your vision and your uniqueness, it will pay off one day.

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

—a Lovestory, always

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Enjoy my morning coffee in the sunshine.