Photographer Dory Chamoun

—Are you photogenic?

—Ouff... even though I don't believe I am, I still have to say yes. The reason is that everyone has their photogenic side. Every person is unique and each uniqueness is beautiful. I have to follow what I preach because I know that I can capture the beauty in anyone I photograph.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I have to say that my biggest influence since I was a child was my uncle. He always had a camera in hand, and therefore, so did I. I love life, and I love to show others the beauty in it. So in my career, I get to do that every single day. I have the privilege to be at everyone's important events and capture them through my eyes. I have the honour to be trusted by others for me to capture their personality and to later justify that trust. I simply love what I do.

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

—For you to see yourself in there. For you to, not only remember the moment captured, but the emotions you were feeling at that moment. I want my clients to look back at their photos and relive each special moment. For them to look back and say "Yes, that was us". To evoke that emotion all over again, wether it be laughter, love, passion and even sadness at times.

—Do you love traveling?

—Absolutely! We love in this world. The boundaries of my life are not only the city lines, province lines, country lines... but the whole planet we live on. I love to experience all cultures and way of life. When I travel to do a destination wedding or event, I make sure to capture everything starting from the moment we leave until the moment I get back. I want them to have their whole trip captured.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The fact that I can show my clients the beauty in what I see trough my lens. That I can tell a story of their special day. That I can make anyone feel beautiful and photogenic. The ability to ave someone look back at their wedding and cry, smile, laugh and feel every ounce of emotion they felt then. To show them what I see.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—That I can't clone myself and be in more places. That I am always tempted to do more. It's hard for me to stop shooting. I always want to keep going. As mochas I love my work, I always want to push to do more.

—What will be the future of photography?

—For now... drones, in terms of tech. But for the art of it, it the classic side of it will always remain. Trends come and go and come back again. I can't say exactly what will happen, but I know that for as long as it exists, people will always be people... there will always be emotions and there will always be light. Photography is light.

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

—I adapt to my clients. I am passionate in what I do and therefore it translates into my work. I am not only there to capture their moments, but I am also there to make them feel great. All my couples feel comfortable when I am around. I help them enjoy each moment.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As openly as I can. My ultimate goal is to offer the best I can to my couples. Needs change.. and if I don't listen and am open to it, then there is no point.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, tons... too many to list. By the time you read this, more new ones will start. But, since I am asked, here are a few. (smoke bombs, back lighting, fun shots, jump shots, candids will always be in)

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

—Meet your photographer. Sit down and chat with them. They will be with you for your whole day so having a good connection with them is key. They work will speak for itself, so now, speak with them.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Hmmm... anything disrespectful I guess. I'm ok with having uncle bob shooting alongside of me. I will actually help adjust his camera so he can get better pictures. :)

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

—Well, the bride & groom are caught up in their moments. There day passes by so fast that they barely have a chance to focus on other things. A photographer will see something in a different light. A different angle. In doing so, he/she can bring out or emphasize more a story. There will always be the party shots that will be captures.
But overall, a whole story could happen in a fraction of a section and that, most people miss out on.

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

—Emotions and the story told.

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

—I honestly don't know how to answer this one. Sorry.

—Who do you want to shoot?

—Everything and everyone :)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I've been doing it long enough and love it way to much to be affected by anything.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Anyone as passionate as me. (I will give a shoutout to Yervant. I love his work and love his sense of humour and passion in what he does. He LOVES photography and life itself.)

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Missing a moment. That will always be there. I always strive to capture everything so it's normal to worry about missing something.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I can't bring it down to one moment, or even a few. I want to have as many impressive moments as I can. Life is not about waiting for that one moment or measuring it up to everything else. It's about finding all the small moments that bring you joy.

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

—Superman... simply because I want to help and save anyone I can.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My uncle. He grew this passion in me.

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

—By my client's reactions. By seeing the tears in their eyes, hearing their laughter. Seeing them tell everyone else that they have to go with me for their event.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I can't choose. Sorry.

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

—Ouch! I don't know if this would count, but once had the wrong file setting for my pictures. It meant I had to edit more afterwards.

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

—Everything! I can't have a moment where I will say "If only I brought..."

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

—Everything I bought, I have used and made the best of it.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—By letting my inner creative side talk. I also get inspired by going to work shops and watching the work of others.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Yervant

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

—Not accurate to answer this at all because there will always be something to learn. Who I am today as a photographer was because of what I knew then and how I grew it from there.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want the story of that moment told. The emotions that were felt at that moment.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—I love life and always will.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Same as a previous question, I am who I am know because of my past. No changes. :)

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

—Same answer as before as well. Nothing.

—What about life on other planets?

—I believe in them. I am sure that we are far from being the only ones out there.

—Who are your heroes?

—Anyone that helps make this world a better place.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Same as before, anyone that helps make this world a better place.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Socialize, play games, walk my dog

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

—hah hah... if I said it, then it defeats the purpose. ;)

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When my couples are overwhelmed in emotion and satisfaction.

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

—Nope.. we are all equal and should be open to doing anything we like.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Don't you feel like you are my friend already? :)

—Where would you like to live?

—Too many places to choose from... but I love Europe overall. I would love to travel all over the world.

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

—Wear a mankini in public for losing a bet.

—Is there life after marriage?

—of course.

—Do you have a favorite joke? Tell us.

—oh boy... I will fill this field in after. Too many to tell and choose from. Meet with me and I will tell you a few. Deal?

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love all animals and have a gorgeous Berner names Maximus.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Nothing

—The best thing in life is:

—to enjoy it

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—not to enjoy it. lol

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

—hmmm... I would like a million dollars.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—My weight.. I would like to lose weight.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Just to have everyone take a moment and realize that we are all connected. To stop fighting with each other. To do good deeds, to be selfless. To love and enjoy life.

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

—Trust your eye

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

—I would probably crack them up and we would be best friends. I would tell them how amazing life is.

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

—Romantic-Action-Comedy... does that exist?

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—more photos and editing and making people laugh... enjoy life.