Photographer Bren Ohara

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

—Other than myself :) I would say Gavin Prest is amazing.

—Are you photogenic?

—I would like to think so, but I am often behind the camera more often than not.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I became interested in photography back in 2009, I kept being asked to cover weddings, and eventually I covered my first wedding in 2010.

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

—For me it is all about capturing that moment in time. I can certainly conduct grand posed photos, but for me taking a photo of a special memory is what drives me in photography.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes I love to travel, and frequently visit the United States where I have family.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—My aim is to capture the story of the day, in an unposed and natural way. When the bride and groom sit down to look at the photos and I receive a lovely message that makes it all worthwhile. I also strive to be better than my last photograph, that for me is a huge factor.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The market is quite saturated now with photographers, but other than that there isn't much that I dislike.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Wedding photography will always be around. It will evolve with new cameras and equipment.

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

—The pure emotion of the day.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I take it and reflect on any criticism, and then learn from it.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—When I was a second shooter for a wedding photographer his style was very much posed. Ceremony, group photos, bride and groom photos and that was it for the day. Now it is much more about telling the story of the day, which I love.

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

—I would say to look at their portfolio and to take in their style. If that matches what you have in mind then you will be a good fit. How passionate is the photographer? Is it all about the money in their pocket?

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I certainly try not to be intrusive, and rather go with the flow of the day.

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

—The little details, family and friends laughing and the emotion of the day.

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

—Uniqueness, composition and capturing a moment.

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

—Stephen Hawking.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Everyone and everything.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—No.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—There are a few, but Annie Leibovitz always springs to mind when asked this. But I am a huge fan of Sabina Mladin, that would be a dream.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—In all honesty not much. I trust myself and my cameras to do the job.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When my son was born, and seeing my wife singing on TV and the stage.

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

—Ive been told that I look like Gromit from Wallace and Gromit, so it would have to be him :)

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My son without doubt. He was born with visual impairment and autism. Despite this he has the greatest courage to strive on. Nothing fazes him, and he is always laughing and smiling.

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

—When my clients leave a flowing review, nothing beats that.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Can I say both?

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

—The biggest mistake, well it was kind of a mistake, but while photographing a New Years eve party at a well known racecourse one of the guests broke my camera. They were a little drunk and swung their arms around, it happens. But my camera at the time only had one SD card slot, and for some reason the hit wiped the card clean. From then and now I will only shoot with a camera with two SD card slots, its not worth the risk.

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

—My family along with my Sony A7Riii camera and 35mm lens. With that setup I can capture everything from a human eye perspective.

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

—I bought a whole bunch of studio lighting. I soon realised that my job would barely ever be inside a studio, so those lights were a waste of money.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I meet up with fellow photographers as much as I can. I take several online courses with set tasks, and I visit workshops as often as possible. But usually the best way to learn is to look at my past work and to improve on that.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Sabina Mladin, she's amazing.

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

—Always shoot in RAW, for some reason I decided at the beginning that shooting in JPEG was fine. To each his own, many photographers shoot in JPEG, but for me I need that RAW data.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—That I captured the story of the day, the pure emotion and joy.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—It's actually myself, as I constantly strive to be better and better.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I think my parents were a good blend of strict and liberal.

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

—I stopped photographing weddings for several years, that was a mistake. For three years I took my foot off the gas and wish I could have continued.

—What about life on other planets?

—There must be life out there, right?

—Who are your heroes?

—My son and Superman.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Those that have no respect for anyone else, who go out of their way to inflict suffering on others.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Barely a moment when I am not photographing something or someone, but usually I will chill out with my son and play games.

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

—That I am incredibly hard on myself.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I receive a glowing review, or some kind words from my clients.

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

—No I don't.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes I do. I have been told I am bubbly and friendly, if people like that then I tend to make a lot of friends.

—Where would you like to live?

—Probably in the United States to be closer to family.

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

—Ill have to think about this.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Yes there is.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Q: What did one elevator say to the other elevator?
A: I think I'm coming down with something

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Yes, we have a dog called Coco and a cat called Sasha.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I hate discrimination.

—The best thing in life is:

—My son.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Never enough time.

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

—The weather, its always cold!

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Probably how harsh and critical I am of myself.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—For people to just get along.

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

—Practice, practice and practice some more. The camera should eventually become an extension of you. Almost like driving or riding a bike. I would also say that tutorials, courses and workshops are a must.

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

—It aint bad here, just needs some help.

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

—Probably a thriller.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Photograph a show jumping competition :) then spend time with my son.