Photographer Tom Wishart

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

—I'd have to put my hand on heart and name Murray and Myself as the best wedding photographers in Swanage

—Are you photogenic?

—Oh hell no, but the more time I spend in front of the camera the better I am at having my photograph taken

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I am the son of a photography teacher, discovering my passion for photography and playing with pinhole cameras at the age of three. He was then trained as a photojournalist and found that shooting weddings were my ideal creative outlet. As a wedding photographer I can combine so many different aspects and techniques into my work. I have since developed a passion for capturing people’s natural characters and emotions as well as incorporating experimental photographic techniques into my wedding photography.

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

—Capturing the true emotion of the moment and conveying it well. If i can produce an image that required looking at more than once to understand it I am happy.

—Do you love traveling?

—Absolutely, I have spent time travelling around Europe, South America, North America and Australia burning through film and memory cards like there was no tomorrow.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Meeting brides and grooms and being a part of their wonderful weddings. Also being able to work with one of my best friends to create something we are both passionate about.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The incredibly long and sometimes unsocial hours spent working on images

—What will be the future of photography?

—I think the standards of wedding photography will continue to steadily improve as those at the top of their game differentiate themselves from the crowd. I also believe that available technology will have a major impact on the way we work and the equipment we work with.

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

—The conveyance of real emotion and the ability to take someone back to the feeling of a certain time and place with an image.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As a tool to improve

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Always, but I believe in keeping them at a considered arms length. I think wedding photography should be timeless, god forbid any of my clients look back at their images and think they look dated.

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

—The quality and style of the images should match the couples requirements but as equally important they should get along like a house on fire. After all we are the only suppliers with a bride and groom for their entire day

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Interrupting and obtruding the natural flow of a wedding day

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

—So many things; relevant little details, unusual compositions, the best of light and colour

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

—How long is a piece of string? Virtually everything influences the value of a photograph and its elements.

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

—I don't think any single person can be a symbol for a 100 year period

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Pretty much everything, particularly things that others wouldn't regard as photo worthy when they really are

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Murray- and I do!

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Not a lot- I'm a pretty happy go lucky kinda guy

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Witnessing the birth of my children – there's no way I could have achieved that!

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—A multitude of things and people, but mainly being in the outdoor and nature

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

—By happiness and how much i feel

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—A or B – surely it's A and B

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—With constant research, learning, experimentation and collaboration

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Bill Brandt, Andreas Gursky, Cartier-Bresson, my mother, Martin Parr, Murray Lambert

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

—How to run a business

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The joy I feel creating and delivering them

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Neither

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Mountain Biking, Camping, Exploring, Surfing, Cooking, Drumming

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

—Nope

—Do you make friends easily?

—Absolutely

—Where would you like to live?

—By the sea in Dorset

—Is there life after marriage?

—A lot of it and it just keeps on gettign better

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Dwarf Shortage

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love both but have a large black dog ATM

—The best thing in life is:

—working for yourself

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—working for yourself

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

—Learn from others mistakes and seek guidance from those with expertise and experience

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

—We are mostly harmless

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

—Anything but horror (I have an overactive imagination)