Photographer Wayne Van Der Walt

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Ermelo, South Africa? :)

—With so many talented photographers it is almost impossible to single one photographer out. I’d like to think that we all have our own style and that this answer be best answered by the community of Standerton ;)

—Are you photogenic?

—I look so much better behind the camera!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—With several years in photojournalism I have been fortunate to be exposed to different styles of photography. I have occasionally done the odd family/friend wedding, but it has only been for the last few months that I have honed all of my skills and began specializing in wedding photography.

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

—I’m sure there are thousand of things that makes a photo attractive, but keeping it relaxed and natural is the look and feel I tend to go for.

—Do you love traveling?

—It depends who I am travelling with...

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I’m the editor of a small local newspaper in Standerton and freelance photographer. In both fields, highlighting and the capturing of special moments almost always ensures a smile on my face.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—When the inspiration thief comes knocking on my door.

—What will be the future of photography?

—With the rise of the technological age, very drone-y I suppose.

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

—For me working solo, way less time to get it right, lots of planning ahead of time and no redos....well not with the same bride or groom anyway.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Take it on the chin and learn from it. How do you lift your standards if no one ever tells you about your flaws.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Definitely, but they come and go. Emotions during a wedding will however always remain.

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

—Make sure to do a background check. As a fairly new wedding photographer. I have heard too many people who expected way more from their photographer, but never sat down with him/her and got to meet them until the day of the wedding!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Low batteries, no spare memory cards.

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

—It all depends on the vision of the photographer and what priorities were set out by the bridal party beforehand.

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

—I believe it should tell you the same story that you’ve heard so many times before, but not quite with the ending you expected. Hone all your skills and portray them all in one photo.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I like open-minded people who have seen your work and just want you to do you with a few pointers and requests of their own.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—There is no one person that I look to for inspiration, there are several.

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

—Success is being happy in all facets of your life, how do you measure it? Are you happy in all facets of your life?

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Ideally both, but I’ll have to say the latter.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Observe the trends, but try to be a trendsetter.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—There are a lot of influential photographers on mywed, I like to draw inspiration from their images and apply my own style.

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

—Editing! Now I’m stuck learning both at the same time.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—That natural is a good look.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—That moment when you reflect on a shoot during post processing and you see what you’ve captured and you just know that the response will be one of gratitude and admiration.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Once the client approves!

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

—In the words of Bob Dylan: “Times they are a changing.”

—Do you make friends easily?

—Not really, it takes me some time to open up.

—Is there life after marriage?

—It all depends on who you decide to marry! I am married myself ;)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Neither!

—The best thing in life is:

—Fast internet connections??

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

—As a beginner myself, follow other photographers and see what works. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but know you are capturing a special moment that does not grant any redos.

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

—Do you speak English?