Photographer Tom Robak

—Are you photogenic?

—of course I am! :P

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—That's a long story... photography is a passion initiated by my father so I'm taking pictures for 12 years or so...

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

—light, fun and location

—Do you love traveling?

—OMG, I'm travelling all the time. I even have a bucket list with places to visit... this is a typical photographic bucket list, so if any couple is getting married in a location from my bucket list we need to talk :) find out more on my website

—What do you like most about your profession?

—It makes me very happy doing things for living that I enjoy. It’s better than doing things you don’t enjoy… right?

—What do you like least about your profession?

—hmm... not enough time to do more&more :)

—What will be the future of photography?

—I'm not sure... but the future of my wedding photography is clear. On November 2016 I'm moving out from UK to Dominican Republic. Time for a change, time for new opportunity with wedding locations

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

—Being a part in that big day of people in love... you know, I'm a witness of all emotions, I catch them on my pictures!

—How do you handle criticism?

—go ahead and try. I love it! Thanks to criticism I can improve my artistic soul

—Are there any trends in photography?

—yes they are and I'm open to all ideas

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

—I wrote an article about it. Easy to find on my website. First of all couples should stop thinking about saving money on pictures and find a recommended photographer or if found in google meet or Skype... As a photographer I am always doing a Skype chat with my couples to see if we are a good fit – that's a key to success

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—making an attention! I'm a reportage photographer and this day is about people in love not about photographer... you know what I mean :)

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

—the list is very very long... this came with experience...

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

—technically: equipment, experience and knowledge... artistic point: the moment, the second... when I take a picture to catch that emotion, tears, smile....

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

—This might sounds a bit funny in photographer mouth... Steve Jobs... because he said something important for me and many people:“You can’t look at the competition and say you’re going to do it better.
You have to look at the competition and say you’re going to do it differently”

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—people in love getting married in Bali – my current wish

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Yes I do

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—My favourite two photographers... Ross Harvey and Adam Alex... on my list was also Aga Tomaszek... but this dream came true on 2015 wedding season (we shot together couple times)

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I'm worry about innocent people involved in war conflicts... and I'm worry because it's not fair

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—wait for that :)

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

—I love minions... they r so funny

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—my parents, some politicians, some volunteers, some other people. simply they are the best... that's why

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

—success is when I do good things for other people and of course for myself. Measuring success... difficult to describe... I just need to feel that it's a good thing

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—liked – it's all about relationships, friendship....

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

—thankfully I haven't done anything wrong :) The worst mistake I remember when I forgot to format memory cards before a wedding... ages ago.. but I've spent plenty of time after wedding on sorting all these images :) removing old one and keeping new one

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

—January 2016. I'm going for a month to Dominican Republic. One bag of clothes and second bag of equipment – I will shoot there few weddings and engagement sessions :)

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

—no

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—participating in workshops and of course shooting all the time

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Adam Alex

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

—how to run a business :)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—"that moment"

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—good people around me and of course new opportunities

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—they are fantastic and all the time they were supporting me with my ideas... sometimes stupid ideas, but who would listen to smarter parents on youngest ages :) Thanks to them I am who I am

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

—I wouldn't take that chance... I'm absolutely happy with my life. I love my life.

—What about life on other planets?

—I'm a bit behind during a wedding season with world news. Is it confirmed? do they have marriages?? send me there, please :)

—Who are your heroes?

—next please :)

—Who do you have no respect for?

—to people who are saying it can't be done... I don't get it, why people are negative to each other... people should support each other not taking down.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—travelling, pictures, relaxing

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

—I never turn around and walk away showing my back and ignoring people... so won't see my back :)

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—when I see smiles on my clients face

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

—nope

—Do you make friends easily?

—very easily! that's a life about it!

—Where would you like to live?

—Dominican Republic... like I mentioned ... moving there soon

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

—tv shopping. I purchased a flashlight... damn that was stupid – poor quality :( on the first day of camp it stopped working :)

—Is there life after marriage?

—of course...

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I love them all!!!! well.. maybe not the racist one

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Yes, I have a dog called Roger :) Lovely westie :D

—Who or what do you hate?

—nah, let's keep it positive :)

—The best thing in life is:

—freedom

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—luxury

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

—yes, I'm actually worry about killing innocent people in political wars...

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—working on it... just couple of kilograms less :) Life of a busy photographer = no time to cook... junk food is the easiest to get... I've changed that and it looks like I'm on the right track now :)

—What would you like to change in the world?

—extend our lives... we should live longer to see more

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

—sure, just give me a call or meet me for a coffee... and bring your camera with you :)

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

—if we talk in the same language right???
"hello, where are you from?"

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

—documentary

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—a day off :)