Photographer Shaun Baker

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

—I think that we all want to say ourselves but really the best wedding photographer is the one the best fits the style of what the bride and groom are looking for. But as far as artistic, creative, documentary wedding photography, it's got to be me ;)

—Are you photogenic?

—It depends on who's taking them.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It looked like a lot of fun! I wanted to approach it differently than your "traditional" wedding photographer. It really paid off :)

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

—Moment, Light and Composition.

—Do you love traveling?

—I love it!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Trying to make a picture. It's a challenge that is highly rewarding.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I am very hard on myself and by far my worst critic. But it's this that keeps me pushing, improving my eye and making better photographs.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Hopefully more documentary and true to life. There are a lot of clichés that are so unnecessary.

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

—It's such a special day. I can feel it when I wake up that morning. As soon as I arrive I can feel all of the joy, excitement and nervousness that is just begging to be captured.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I like it. As long as it's coming from the right people/places.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Some people have the tendency to remove themselves from the photograph. I let them know that I work around them and they are always exactly where I want them.

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

—Stay away from Pinterest and keep it real. Real is always better. Make sure they do research and spend the money. This is the ONE area you don't what to skimp out on. If the bride and groom set a budget and it turns out that wedding photographers cost more, well than it's time to change the budget as well. Don't try to work with it. Make sure you see at least 2 full weddings. Photographers only want to show you their best.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Ruining moments to make something cheesy.

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

—Everything! It's all there. From children to elderly, pets and other vendors. It's NOT al about the bride and groom.

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

—Moments moments moments!

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

—What?

—Who do you want to shoot?

—I like working with people. I believe every single one of us is beautiful. If I can show that to somebody who doesn't feel that way about them self than I did my part.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—The people who love me most.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Everything! I don't know why.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I like to call them mile markers. They make us who we are. I can't choose one of significance because they all are.

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

—This is a weird question. I love being me. We are all unique. Embrace your quirkiness and be yourself and maybe more people would like to be like you.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Hmmm... Not sure

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

—"Success is the result that you get from the calculated effort that went into that particular event." – Shaun Baker

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—If you like and respect yourself than your not worrying who's liking and respecting you. My life isn't based off of "likes".

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

—I am a very methodical person. I do my best to reduce mistakes. Mistakes are "risks gone wrong". We learn from them and move on.

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

—I don't like to check luggage so it's all being carried on with me. I always bring a camera with a 28mm and a 50mm lens.

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

—When I first started out I bought way to much gear. keeping it simple is much easier and also helps me stay in the moment.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I shoot every single day.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—James Nachtwey and Bruce Davidson.

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

—That it's all about the people. A true, real moment will win over something staged every single time.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I am a creative, artistic story teller.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—It's who I am. I don't have a choice :)

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I guess it also made me who I am today so I would say it was just about perfect. Weather I agree with it or not.

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

—I would have say Yes to that McDonalds party that my parents wanted to throw for me when I turned 6.

—What about life on other planets?

—Of course there is.

—Who are your heroes?

—Any person that is not afraid to take a chance. To stand for something. To make this a better place for all of us to life.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Murderers, robbers, rapists ect...

—What do you do in your spare time?

—What leisure time?!

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

—My good side.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never but hopefully next time.

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

—Nope.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes.

—Where would you like to live?

—San Diego, California.

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

—This interview!

—Is there life after marriage?

—Not for the bride and groom. Kidding. Of course.

—Do you have a favorite joke? Tell us.

—It's not appropriate for this interview.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Everything and everyone.

—The best thing in life is:

—What you choose to include in it. My wife and dog for sure!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—That human being create categories for each other and then fight! We are all humans! Cut it out.

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

—Nicer people. Less hate/ corrupted social media algorithms.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I alter myself every day.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I am an observer. Non critical.

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

—Shoot, shoot shoot. Make mistakes and learn. Don't overcharge!

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

—To get me out of here!

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

—Comedy.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Same as today.