Joel and Justyna Bedford
JOEL AND JUSTYNA BEDFORD “Mesmerized by quality light, vibrant people and places, and the x-factor that makes things special.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.:
Justyna: human with a deep love of a life lived honestly and boldly. Dramatic and hilarious (depending on who you ask), unexpected and surprising (depending on who you ask), always packing the wrong footwear for every trip, always quoting her favorite films and TV shows, always ready to eat the biggest bowl of pasta, possibly (?) too affectionate with her dogs, always travels with capes, gloves, and a selection gowns.
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Joel: Consistently inconsistent. Circled photography for years, studying, before entering the realm. Mesmerized by quality light, vibrant people and places, and the x-factor that makes things special. Love snowboarding, running, remote travels, and beautiful paintings.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?:
Justyna: I'm a terrible keeper of secrets - and I don't want to jinx it, but something GREAT is going to happen in the next year and I'm bursting at the seams because I CAN'T talk about it yet!
Joel: I pretty much take each day as it comes and don't think too far beyond the coming year. Livin' in the moment!
What are you the proudest of?:
Justyna: it may be simple, but our relationship. We've been together for 11 years, and actually, it’s great! We're best friends, put one another first, respect and love each other, make each other laugh.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?:
Joel: Art Gallery
Justyna: Marketing manager
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.:
Joel: Annie Leibovitz. I'm fascinated by every choice she makes in nearly every one of her shoots, from sets to poses, from narrative to coloring. Nearly every one of her shots speaks to me in some resonating way.
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?:
Joel: My parents were professional photographers, so I suppose I studied their working and personal relationship in a way...How they seemed to have the freedom to be their own bosses, not having to report to a boss or hierarchy of some kind. That really appealed to me as someone who hated the structure of school. I worked as a model in my 20's which had me working with some excellent photographers from Paris to New York to Toronto to London. I watched the artistry from the set and saw how much thought, care, and passion went into almost every shoot, specifically working with Steven Klein, Miles Aldrige, and Karl Lagerfeld (as a photographer). It was later on that I worked at a boring job in Toronto which afforded me a lot of free time to use the company computer to study photography websites and engage with a community on Flickr.
“LOVE, The greatest of human emotions and accomplishments. Love in every form. Whether it’s shoveling your neighbor’s driveway without asking for anything in return, smiling at strangers, self-love”
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?:
Joel: Vienna, Paris, or New York around 1900 to experience both the Art Nouveau movement, Secessionism, and Photo-secessionism.
How would you like to be remembered?:
Justyna: being remembered used to be really important to me, but I've really changed my perspective in recent years - it actually isn't something I care about anymore. If you think about it, there have been billions of people alive before us, and so few are remembered - and that's not actually that big of a deal. The most important thing to me is to be kind, helpful, bring joy to my friends and family while I'm alive. Eventually, I'll be forgotten too - the future is really now. It's also something we don't have that much control over, and it’s an odd pressure to put on life - BE REMEMBERED. I try to live a bit more in the now - if I'm remembered - I'll be long gone anyway, that's for others not for me. :)
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?:
Justyna: Absolutely not - though, it may have been nice to start a touch sooner :)
What is the best advice that you have been given?:
When I was working at the aforementioned boring job (it was at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario - even a boring name), my contract was up for renewal after about a year (I was a temp). When I found out that I wasn't going to get renewed, after all, I was pretty bummed out because it would have meant an actual salary, benefits, etc...It would have meant that I kept working in a boring part of town, working in a gray office under fluorescent lights - which I obviously hated - but it was a paycheck, and thought that it was a fast track to an 'adult-life'. Most of the people who worked there were robots except for this one manager who was always a pretty positive, cool guy. When I told him that my contract didn't get renewed, he told me not to worry and to "get the hell out of here and don't look back. It will be the best thing that ever happened to you". I appreciated his optimism even though I couldn't see the forest for the trees at that point. It really was the best advice, in hindsight: don't settle.
Do you believe in destiny?:
Justyna: Most definitely not. To think the universe has a plan for each and everyone is a touch narcissistic and "main-character syndrome", for my taste. The universe is chaos, and sometimes we're lucky to thrive, and sometimes it hurls wrenches into our bicycle wheels.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?:
Joel: Yes and No...You can teach the technical stuff for sure, but if there's something that I learned through my career as a model, it's more important how you make people feel; whether they enjoy your energy and working with you, that counts for more. That can't be taught. For example, Richard Avedon was a very big personality and extremely extroverted on set. That was how he was able to bring so much out of his subjects. If you're inherently a shy person, there's very little that can be done to learn that behavior without coming off as disingenuous. Also, your vision is formed through what you choose to absorb and gravitate towards, so if you don't have a propensity for your subject matter, you probably won't be very keen to shoot it and that will come across in the photos.
What inspires you on a daily basis?:
Justyna: LOVE. The greatest of human emotions and accomplishments. Love in every form. Whether it’s shoveling your neighbor’s driveway without asking for anything in return, smiling at strangers, self-love, the love a pup has for their human, making your lover their favorite lunch - it goes on. Simple everyday gestures of love make my heart explode.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?:
No - life is a journey, not a destination. Same with a body of work. You can't "beam" yourself into your current self without experiencing the past - it shapes your present. No regrets, just enjoyment of my creative (and personal) journey.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?:
Justyna: Stability is a falicy. Joel and I both knew that no matter what we chose as a career - it's a risk (as the pandemic has shown us). Industries can disappear overnight. Layoffs happen. The best thing you can do is what you love - you might still fail, but on your own terms. Coming from someone who worked in a corporate boardroom - trust me, it's as big of a risk to spend your life filling out Excel spreadsheets (if that isn't bringing you joy, to begin with).
Joel: Most of the jobs I've had in my life were in the 'unstable' creative field, freelancing. I've had a few 'stable' jobs but really hated them all. Also, what Justyna says about no industry being stable right now (aside from government work and construction, it seems) is true. Might as well try and take the wheel yourself instead of hanging out in the passenger seat, if you have the option.
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?:
You don't! We always get this "I COULD HAVE DONE MORE" pang, but letting go and releasing your work into the ether is important too. Sometimes it’s as simple as a deadline defining a finished product :)
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person:
Joel: Daydreaming about the drawings I wanted to finish while sitting through another boring Grade 2 math lesson.
What does it mean to get older for you?:
Justyna: being wiser, accepting your limitations, focusing on joy, caring even less than I thought I could of what others think of me, haha. FREEDOM.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?:
Justyna: absolutely in every way yes. I always say, the ingredients are similar, but every weekend I create a new recipe.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?:
Of course! Creativity is more than "creating art". Creativity means doing the unexpected - one can be creative with math, medicine, law, cooking, gardening, organizing, cleaning, child care - it goes on. Everyone has the capacity to think outside the box and color outside the lines - it doesn't have to be limited to art with a capital "A".
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: Justyna: on a chic street in Paris. When I see beautiful people, in beautiful places doing beautiful things - very much inspired by Slim Aarons.
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?:
Justyna: An opera singer - until I discovered my voice has the cadence of a sack of drowning cats.
Joel: I remember this same question being asked to us in Grade 1 and the teacher asking us to draw it. I drew myself standing by an easel with a paintbrush in one hand a bag with a dollar sign on it in the other.
Do your work and approach have changed?:
I like to think it has evolved - our ethos has been the same from day one - your wedding is NOT a photoshoot. The memories should be real, not coerced or directed - but we've refined our approach as we've become better photographers. The message and philosophy has been unchanged since we started in 2011 though :)
What is your mission in this life?:
The pursuit and bequeathment of joy.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?:
I stopped caring a few years ago. It's not all about "me". Being rejected is not a universal sign - it's sometimes not about "you" but about the person making the decision - just because you're not right for a project doesn't mean anything at all! And as they say, the comparison is the thief of joy - you can't control others' thoughts or tastes - you can only do what brings you pleasure - if you love your work, if you love creating your work, that is enough.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?:
Asking yourself "why" you want to break in - and allowing that to lead your decisions. It's really that simple. If you can honestly answer that question - why do you want to be a wedding photographer - without regurgitating cliche - that will be your beacon. I mean that in a non-fluffy way too - if your goal is to simply make a certain amount of money because it seems like a fun way to make a living, use that and work backward. That would tell me you're financially motivated (not necessarily a bad thing), and perhaps a volume business model works best. If that's the case, then you're probably focusing on local weddings, and thereby need to make venue and planner connections - see where I'm going with this? There's no real wrong approach - but be honest about what you want out of this life. On a less fluffy level - goal setting. Working backward can help. Being honest about yourself, your skills, what you bring to the table - that is really important too.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 23-10-83 and 02-06-77
LOCATION: OTTAWA, CANADA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHERS
Copyright : LEANN WESTON
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Ian Holmes
IAN HOLMES“Photography, for me, is a constant work in progress therefore I find it a subject very difficult to become bored with. ”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
Ben Böhmer - Beyond Beliefs
Luttrell - Twin Souls
The War On Drugs - I don't live here anymore
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: A city-loving, nature-loving, cyclist, photographer, and beer connoisseur, splitting my time between the vibrant city of Paris and the beautiful nature of the French Alps.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I’m not a huge planner though I am itching to go on another cycling tour in the not too distant future. I’m currently in the process of scaling down my photography business (though Covid did most of that for me) to shoot less, allowing me more time for personal projects, both within and outside of photography.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I’m originally from North-East Yorkshire in England. I grew up in a small village to the north of the city of Hull. I moved to France in early 2002.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: Photography, for me, is a constant work in progress therefore I find it a subject very difficult to become bored with. Also, the lifestyle that comes with being a professional photographer is generally lacking in any type of fixed routine, you never know what’s around the corner and I love that aspect.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Yes, I really think so, particularly for those of us working within the wedding industry. The job can take us away from home for many weekends out of the year, meaning time spent away from family and friends.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I had a job as a reprographics artist, that job had me spending a lot of time working in photoshop, before becoming a project manager within the printing industry. Both these former jobs and the skills I learned through them were a huge help in my photography career.
“I love stories. Listening to, or reading a good story, as well as telling them.”
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: I love stories. Listening to, or reading a good story, as well as telling them. Originally I dreamt of becoming a photojournalist, using my photographs to illustrate new stories. I stumbled into wedding photography by accident and quickly realized weddings were amazing stories, exactly what I was looking for, and being the photographer allowed me perfect access.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: I come across many photographers whose work I would describe as creative, be it through light, the way they pose their subjects, composition, technique, etc. I’m not that photographer, to be honest, I don’t think I’m a particularly creative person. Whilst I feel I have a good understanding of light, and a good sense of aesthetics, taking a look through my photographs I’d describe my work as more classic, documentary-style. I document what is in front of me, be that a wedding or a landscape. I will sometimes try different techniques, focal lengths, a new camera, etc (free-lensing is my current thing) but in general, I wouldn’t describe myself, nor my work as particularly creative.
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: On my graduation from photography school, I spent some time assisting two photographers, one working in fashion and the second a corporate photographer. I also know photographers from many different genres and I really think wedding photography is pretty hard to beat, both as a way to make a good living whilst having pretty much free reign to develop your own style and approach.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: I lecture at my old photography school in Paris (Speos) each year, I also taught the photojournalism course there for a few weeks as a stand-in teacher, so I like to think the answer is yes.
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?: We’re all influenced by everything around us. The places I spend my time, the people I hang out with, and the media I consume all inspire me in some way or another. Nature and travel inspire me. Last year I had my first photography exhibition in over 10 years with a selection of landscape images taken around my home in the mountains.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: Going on a mountain bike ride on one of my favorite alpine trails. Back to the house for a BBQ and cold beers on the deck, hanging out with the people I enjoy being around, and of course, the two mountain dogs who have adopted me. Finishing the day relaxing in bed with my girlfriend with a little help of some psilocybin mushrooms to see me on my way to whatever comes next.
What does it mean to get older for you?: To approach life with a more relaxed, laid-back attitude, whilst spending more time doing what I love with the people I really enjoy being around, all the while continuing to grow and learn.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: Yes, I still enjoy photography, it’s a never-ending journey.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: Nope, I totally stumbled into wedding photography by accident when asked to shoot a friend of a friend's wedding, then found out I loved it. Very cliche I know!
What do you intend to achieve through your work?: From my wedding work I want to give my couples a beautiful story of one of the most important days of their lives, presented in a high-quality album that they’ll be able to pass down to their children. From my personal work, to look back on my life with fond memories.
Are you enjoying this life?: Loving it. I enjoy waking up each and every day, I’m extremely inquisitive about many things and want to constantly keep learning and growing as a person.
What is for you a good story?: A strong beginning, middle, and end, with great emotion throughout.
What is your typical day like?: In Paris, breakfast/coffee whilst responding to email, checking the crypto markets, off to the gym, photo-editing, photoshoot, dinner/drinks, bed.
In the mountains, breakfast/coffee, saying hi to the dogs, responding to email, checking the crypto markets, heading out on the bike or snowboard (depending on the season) bath, dinner, relaxing on the deck or in front of the fire, bed.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: I fully believe that photography is a lot like sport, in that you need to keep practicing regularly to keep on top of your game. I’m not particularly talking about the technical side of things, but personally, I do notice I always need a little time warming up when I haven’t touched the camera for a while. I’m constantly looking to improve my work as a whole, which includes my photography, the client experience as well as the business side of things.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: A Bryan Photo
What would be your question to this person?: How do you get so fast in focusing the Rollei at fast-moving events? :)
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What's next?
And your answer would be ?: I've absolutely no idea but to bring it on!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 06-09-1969
LOCATION: PARIS, FRANCE
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : CIARA COSTENOBLE
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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David Conaty
DAVID CONATY“I want my work to evoke emotions, such as nostalgia, love, and joy, and for my couples to have a transformative experience on their elopement day where they can unapologetically be themselves”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
I'm obsessed with Adele's new album, '30'. I'm playing 'To Be Loved' on repeat.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I'm David, Dad to twin girls Eisa and Reina (who keep me on my toes!) and partner to Orie, my soul mate. I'm a keen hiker and love nothing more than getting my hiking boots on and venturing into nature, exploring new places and refreshing my mind. I love cups of tea, Pink Floyd on the record player, Scandinavian crime dramas, playing my guitar, and cooking.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I'm drawn to moody landscapes, so see myself branching out to destination elopements in Scandinavian countries, as well as Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Where do you come from ? Give us details: I'm from Newcastle in the North-East of England, but now live on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: I'm inspired first and foremost by human connections and nature. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of nature to bring people together and transform lives. I want my work to evoke emotions, such as nostalgia, love, and joy, and for my couples to have a transformative experience on their elopement day where they can unapologetically be themselves.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: I'd not be where I am today without the support of my partner, but, other than her, I don't need the approval or support of my family. I believe so much in what I'm doing that I'm quite self-sufficient.
What are you the proudest of?: Went full-time as an elopement photographer less than 18 months after I shot my first ever wedding, during a global pandemic whilst raising twins. It's been tough, but I think I needed these obstacles to propel me forward even more.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I taught English abroad in Saudi Arabia for a bit. I was also in the Army for a year but got injured so had to leave. Before going full-time in photography I worked at the Apple Store as a Genius.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Absolutely. If I'm not 100% committed to a project, I'm useless at it. Photography warms my heart and soul and I believe my work is a reflection of that.
“Comparison is the thief of joy, and it's so true!”
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: When my Dad got terminally ill, I took up photography to spend more time with him. He was completely obsessed and those times we spend shooting landscapes together are dear memories. When he passed away, I inherited all of his gear and wanted to put it to use. I'd had a very stark realisation that life can end so quickly and, if you have a dream, to do it otherwise you may miss your chance. I'd always been a people watcher and fascinated by the unseen nuances that bind people together. So, I started my wedding photography business and fell in love with it. At the same time, me and my partner welcomed beautiful twin girls into the world and I knew that, if I was going to encourage them to chase their dreams and be themselves, I needed to practice what I preached.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: When I was a kid I was always doing something creative. However, as with many people, I left my creative side behind when adult life began and I was so busy. I'm starting to regain my creative side and, although I struggle to say I'm a creative person (probably due to imposter syndrome!), I know it's who I am at heart.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: My Dad once told me that nobody will ever come knocking at your door and give you a job. It's quite simple but so true and I credit this for how tenacious I am. Don't wait for the opportunity to come knocking at your door, because it probably won't. Get out there and make your dreams happen today!
Do you believe in destiny?: No. I believe everyone has the power to decide their own fate and to manifest their dreams. I think if you believe in destiny then you're assigning your life to the will of some unseen power, but that power is within all of us.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: The innocence and love of my 2-year-old twin girls. Their emotions are so pure at this age and it has taught me a lot about compassion, empathy, and kindness.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: I don't think there exists such a thing as a stable job these days. Any job can be gone in an instant and, for me, is a job really ever stable if it's robbing you of your dreams?
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?: My partner, Orie. She has a way of being able to envision ideas in a way I struggle to comprehend.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: Everyone is creative. I'm currently reading 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron who preaches that everyone is creative, but some just need to be guided on a journey to discover it.
Do you need to be in a certain mindset to work?: Yes - I need a tidy space, a clean desk, complete silence, a beautiful smell (such as a candle), and to have meditated for at least 10 minutes. If I don't have these things my day is chaotic and I'm not productive. It's often hard for me to get these things with two small children in the house, so I choose my schedule carefully.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: I've got quite a curious mind and an obsessive personality. So, I always find myself interested in quite a wide variety of things. This is good from one aspect because I learn new things. However, on the other hand, it's often overwhelming for me to do everything I'm interested in, which can lead to anxiety.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: I limit my access to social media unless I'm on it for a purpose. Every time I catch myself looking at other people's work and feeling down because I'm not that good, I remember that everyone is on their own journey and that's okay.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: First and foremost, focus on creating work you enjoy. Think of adjectives you want to describe your work and go out there to create that work. Also, client experience is number 1, so do your best to always give valuable time and time again. Look at photographers you admire outside of the wedding industry to find your own style. If you do look at other wedding photographers, make sure it's in a healthy way because you're interested in learning from them. There's nothing worse than comparing yourself to others. I remember reading a quote one time that read, 'comparison is the thief of joy, and it's so true! Lastly, leave your ego at the door and always look at ways to improve yourself - whether that's personally or professionally. Look to those you admire for feedback and take it on board with vigor.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Emily Black - yes, I can put you in touch :)
What would be your question to this person?: What inspires you in your work?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What's your favorite memory from being a child?
And your answer would be ?: Sitting on my Dad's lap when I was tiny as he taught me how to play guitar.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 1980
LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTOPORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /davidconaty.photography/
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Ela Tatiana
ELA TATIANA “I've felt the drive to create something unique.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
Depraved by Mammals
Tennen by Hania Rani
Street Spirit by Radiohed
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in Poland but last 14 years leaving in London.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: I like being surrounded by creative people and for me networking is important. I get very excited when I am around new faces and get very inspired by them. If I hadn't met some of the amazing people along the way I wouldn't be doing what I am doing.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: The list is so looong :) from waiter through estate agent, chef, florist, butler etc.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: Since a young age, I've felt the drive to create something unique. Whether that was through fashion, home décor, cooking, or other outlets. For me it is like therapy, I get totally lost when I am in my creative mood.
How would you like to be remembered?: As someone who made people happy!
What is the best advice that you have been given?: In general, people see you through their own perceptions, so don't worry too much about that and just be yourself.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: Number 1 music, traveling, lots of movies
“My photography journey started by taking photos of strangers and creating stories.”
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?: My photography journey started by taking photos of strangers and creating stories. I was obsessively studying the work of Marcin Ryczek, Henri Cartier, Robert Frank, Vivian Maier, Saul Leiter, etc. A few years ago I was diagnosed with depression and this new hobby really helped me to deal with this condition.
Did you feel like this journey would end? What is your approach to life?: All the things in our lives are somehow connected. I believe it will evolve into something new.
Do you have any regrets in life?: No, life is too short!
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Larisa Stinga Photography
What would be your question to this person?: If you were arrested with no explanation, what would your friends assume you had done?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: If you were wrongfully put into an insane asylum, how would you convince them that you are sane and not pretending to be sane?
And your answer would be ?: that's a good question! I haven't figured it out yet :)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 1980
LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTOPORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Dan McCourt
DAN MCCOURT “I'm doing what I love, for couples that love what I do and being able to provide a living with the people I love around me so yeah, that’s what I'm proud of I guess.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Currently got the editing playlist on repeat at the moment, James Vincent McMorrow - Cavalier.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I've been photographing weddings for around 4 years now full time, I live in the northeast of England and photograph couples from all over the UK and all around.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Absolutely, I'd be nothing without the loved ones around me. Both friends and family are a huge part of my life. The encouragement and belief, the people there to talk to when you're second-guessing yourself or things get tough or just when you need that company you know? The life of wedding photography can be quite an isolating one without your circle, without your people. It's mega important to have a good support circle around you at all times, a lot of the time they don't realize how important they are to you.
What are you the proudest of?: That's a tough one, in this industry we are our own worst critics and I'm sure many people reading this will be in the same boat. I find it hard to be proud of myself, we don't look back enough on where we've come and what we've created, and who we have created for. It always seems to be full of 'what if's or 'I wish I had done this' and 'am I good enough?' It took me years in the industry to stop myself from getting caught up in everything, it's an easy trap to fall in to, awards, features, likes they do become appealing and there is a lot of great things to come of them but it's not the be-all and end-all.
I'm doing what I love, for couples that love what I do and being able to provide a living with the people I love around me so yeah, that’s what I'm proud of I guess.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: In my past life before photography was introduced to me I worked in retail, from the bottom customer-facing up roles up to store management and that shaped how I work to this day. Not only from the art of connection building and relating to all of my beaut couples but down to the business side of things. Wedding photography is based huge amount of creativity and how you take a picture, how you tell a story but the business side often gets left behind. But as glamorous as the industry looks, it's a business, it's your own business and you've got to treat it accordingly. Analyze your figures, look at your forecasts, make shit happen rather than just hoping.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Deakins, he's just a hero at what he does and the magic he creates on the big screen.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: If you work without heart and soul that shows in your final output. You can put the most wonderful people in the most scenic backdrop and it will look great but you need to feel an image and to feel an image the creator needs to put their heart and soul into it. Looking at a wedding gallery should transport you back to that moment in time, how it felt to be there at that moment in time, work made with heart and soul will evoke real emotion.
“Never would I look back at a piece of work and think I'd nailed it, that there was no room for improvement.”
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: I'd find my people and I'd educate myself in the true values that photography has, not what the textbooks say. I went for years in this industry before any workshops - and when I say workshops I don't mean these portfolio days where you turn up, photograph a couple and leave. I mean the real deal, the raw education, getting down to the core values of doing what we do and why we do it.
We are just wedding photographers, we're just vendors on the day so there’s no need for any ego's, we're here to help each other and grow. So networking is so important. I certainly wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now if I hadn't met some of the people along the way, if you find the right people you will grow naturally and at a much better rate than you would do solo. By no means do I mean just constantly talk photography but by surrounding yourself with these people and you'll be absorbing constant knowledge and inspiration when you don't even realise it? You could be chatting over a beer about a completely random subject and you come away with a recommendation of a whole new body of work to look at and draw inspiration from.
What is the best advice that you have been given?:
You are what you eat.
I chatted to Si Moore of Bayly & Moore last year after listening to a few podcasts and the topic that was brought up repeatedly was creativity diet, you are what you eat. Find out what you like and look into it a little further, why do you love it? Why does it stand out? Research this as much as you can. Once you delve into a world of research you find yourself incorporating this in your work, you might not even realise it but it happens naturally.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: I've never set out to teach, nor has it really crossed my mind. However if people feel they may be able to benefit from what I know or how I do things, my inbox is always open. More than happy to share my knowledge if I can. We're all here to learn from each other.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: Life around me, my daughter, my wife, our dog, friends and family. These are the things that are important things to me, the inspirations for me, I simply want to do the best I can for them and be the best person I can be.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: Always, never would I look back at a piece of work and think I'd nailed it, that there was no room for improvement. I'm not sure if that's just me or it comes with the creative industry. Don't get me wrong, I love some of my previous works but can always see room for improvement. I think once you don't think there is, it could be a slippery slope.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: If I didn't enjoy what I do, I wouldn't be doing it anymore. That's pretty black and white to me, once you fall out of love with wedding photography, it's time to step out. Don't get me wrong, there’s always going to be the grey days but deep down I will always thoroughly enjoy doing it. Life is too short to not enjoy doing what you love.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: Absolutely yes, we all have creativity in us just in different forms. I find my creativity in light and seeing different textures and creating something with this whereas others release their creativity in music, in performance, in drawing or whatever.
It all boils down to the imagination as a child, it's just development on that, what happens in your life or changes you make to evoke this creativity.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: Not at all, the thought of photography had never really crossed my mind until later in life. Looking back to my childhood I quite often had a camera in my hand but never thought anything of it. I never studied photography however I did toy with the idea and quite vividly remember a lesson at school in 2001, speaking to my media teacher at the time when they said 'there are no jobs in photography' (a world before social media ey?).
I left school, delved into studying subjects that couldn't be further from what I do. I travelled and then had my career in retail. Not only until my late 20's did I even start picking up a camera for fun as a hobby, probably the only hobby I had a genuine interest in that developed into a love.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: Taking a break from what I'm working on normally helps this. I don't just mean taking a break from editing, I mean from everything to do with work, emails, social media, everything. Especially after this year, I think it's important to take a break from it all pretty regularly, refresh yourself and refresh your mind.
Do you need to be in a certain mindset to work?: I've often had this conversation with other creatives about this. I personally do, I have my playlist I listen to religiously before I start a wedding, driving to the wedding I have this quiet time with myself and the music. Nice calming vibes, it puts me at ease and releases any stress beforehand and I think that genuinely reflects in my work.
Do you have skills that you wish to develop or talents you wish to perfect?: I'm going to start focussing on analogue photography this year, back to basics.
Do your work and approach have changed?: I feel my work has changed quite vastly in the past few years, I've got to the stage I keep mentioning how I feel comfortable and I know what and how I shoot. Not only do I know this but I feel the couples I work with doing too.
Rewind a few years and I was very much thinking the 'killer' shots were the be-all and end-all. They're not though - there are so many other mega important and interesting things happening whilst we are hired to do what we do, important details that can often be overlooked.
Do you believe art should deliver a message?: It will always deliver a message to someone, whether it's the creator, the viewer or the masses. Everyone perceives what they are looking at in a different way and takes away different messages and meanings from it.
Do you have any regrets in life?: I do wish I pursued this career earlier in life but who doesn't. If I had I wouldn't have learnt some of the life or business skills that I have along the way.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: Don't ride the wave, don't follow the trends. They come and go. Do what you genuinely love doing in terms of creativity. This doesn't take time, it takes years to realise what you love shooting and why but just be true to yourself and focus on that, not what others think you should be doing. There's always the feeling of imposter syndrome but that’s good, that’s a sign of healthy development. Push yourself as best you can. Don't be afraid to reach out to people, we're all part of the same community.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Chris Parkinson
What would be your question to this person?: How have you seen yourself develop and your ethos towards your work and what you do for clients change?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What creates a good wedding gallery?
And your answer would be ?: Feeling, it can be any couple, any venue, anywhere in the world. As long as the feelings are there, that’s all that matters.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 11-12-1986
LOCATION: UNITED KINGDOM
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : CHRIS PARKINSON
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Martina Ruffini
MARTINA RUFFINI: “I would like to create a completely personal project that talks about me 100% that makes me move to tears”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Kovacs - My Love
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am an eternal dreamer, who still lives in fairy tales and I like to close in my world when I shoot and create stories.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I would like to create a completely personal project that talks about me 100% that makes me move to tears, that helps me to express what I have inside that sometimes I have not said in character. experience abroad, perhaps in a large European city like London that I have in my heart for years.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I am from Tuscany, Italy
What move you in this adventure/journey?: Curiosity, desire to travel, to meet new people, to daydream, and above all to express myself through others.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: I would say fundamental, you don't need many people who support you but you just need to find a single person who truly believes in you, but in the first place, it is you who must believe in yourself.
What are you the proudest of?: The biggest satisfaction I've received lately is being recognized as one of the 30 Rising Stars of wedding photography in 2021
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I have always worked in the kitchen, cooking desserts, which however I keep as a personal passion.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Uh what a good question ... Well, surely my choice would be about a woman. I would love to be able to interview Marilyn Monroe, a strong but at the same time very fragile figure, a bit like me. An icon for me ..
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Absolutely yes, I couldn't do this job if I didn't love it so much.
“Creativity for me is starting from an idea but having a completely different result, a result that surprises the customer but also myself”
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: I would say that I have always loved art, especially drawing, when I was in high school my art teacher always told me what an artist was doing in high school, and he was probably right. but it was love right away.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: Creativity for me is starting from an idea but having a completely different result, a result that surprises the customer but also myself: letting yourself be guided by emotions, instinct from the moment, and above all by who you are in front of.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: I would certainly choose the end of the 19th century for the fashion, the atmosphere, or the 60s for the renewal, the conquests of women, the struggles to get something.
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: No, my studies will probably change, I will devote myself to the cinema, to the study of light and composition, to art in general.
Do you believe in destiny?: Absolutely yes, I believe that everything that happens is because it has to happen.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Yes I'd really like it. I think I'd like to express myself, pass on the passion I have for what I do, and bring my vision to others.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: Anything inspires me, a gloomy day, a song, the cinema, my great source of inspiration, a song, a particular moment in my life. Anything can be inspirational.
Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work? Explain.: There is always a meaning in what I shoot, there is myself inside my photographs, especially in personal projects. Introverted people like me can use photography as an outlet and have their say.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: The ambition, and the desire to create something of my own.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: Spend the money! Also because 24 would be few to travel if I had more time I would travel and visit places I have never seen before.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: If I was bored or if I thought about what I do I would stop, so today I deeply love my work, even if I like to evolve and not stay still.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: Not shooting, if I can, I stop and do not photograph anything.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: I love shooting indoors so a villa, with its lights and shadows, is my natural environment.
Are you enjoying this life?: I would like to use my work to travel more and visit the world.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Certainly my two grandmothers, especially the paternal one, a second mother for me.
What would be your question to this person?:If she would have imagined seeing me like this now, she has missed some fundamental steps in my life.
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What would you like for your future?
And your answer would be ?: Realize myself even more in my work, and be known as well as in Italy, worldwide. You have to dream big :)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 28-02-1982
LOCATION: TUSCANY, ITALY
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, BRAND AND SPORT PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTO PORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Me and Georgia (Manos - Georgia Mathioudakis - Kontodimou)
ME AND GEORGIA “The only one that needs to believe in you is yourself and only yourself. If you don't, no one else will.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Miles Davis' soundtrack of "ascenseur pour l'échafaud".
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: We are a couple for eleven years now and we live in Crete, Greece. Almost 5 years ago we decided to abandon our studies and our work to try to focus on and make a living out of what made us really happy, which is photography. Although we had our ups and downs, we are still trying to follow this dream and not let go of it.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: Nothing specific (we know better now, after covid), but our goal for the future is to achieve a better balance between personal and wedding work and to manage free our minds, even more, when we are shooting weddings. We still think that we have to put more of our personal twist in our work and let go of certain standards. All in all, our future aim is to be better and happier in what we are doing.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: More than it should be, actually. We ended up doing this job with a background and at an age when people expected totally different things from us, so our decision was met with a lot of doubt and disbelief. This may trick someone into trying to prove others wrong, which is such a wrong and soul-sucking mindset. The only one that needs to believe in you is yourself and only yourself. If you don't, no one else will. I know this is a banal saying, but it's the truth. :)
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice: Definitely Harry Callahan. He has been such an inspiration for us and we really wish we manage to incorporate his influences into our work. Although we wouldn't like to interview him as much as we would wish for a little photo stroll with him.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: We think that there is no other way.
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: The fact that we decided that we'd love to do something that is made by just the two of us.
How would you like to be remembered?: Nothing big, with just a smile.
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: To be honest, we would so many things differently if we were to start over again. We have done many mistakes that kept us from evolving sooner or with less effort, but we are trying to acknowledge them and correct them.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: The one that we have not followed yet, which is that if you're not happy where you are, move.
“Art is being human”
Do you believe in destiny?: Nope. There is a certain amount of luck also needed, but you have to work and insist to get where you want.
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?: Our personal experiences are our creativity. One creates based on what one's been through, how one felt. You can be inspired, of course, but all that you see and admire goes through the filter that is whatever made you the person you are today.
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?I: Not sure whether there is any technical or absolute way to decide that.
What does it mean to get older for you? I: Still in the process of conciliating with time and its passing. Not an easy thing to do, we are so jealous of the people who've made their peace with it.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: We don't know, but we really wish it does something to the people that see our photos because this is our goal. The worst thing for us would be if someone were to characterize our work as indifferent.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: To be honest, we didn't have the slightest idea that we would end up doing what we do right now.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: Having lots of them, no idea how to get over them, any tips are welcome, thanks. :) :)
Do you have any regrets in life?: If we could turn back the time, we would have started doing what we are doing now earlier in life and we would have also built up way more skills by studying in a more relative sector.
Do you believe art is something you were born with or something you have to find in your daily life? and work for?: Art is being human, so I guess we are all born with it. What happens as we grow, however, is another matter (see educational systems, society, etc). Now, if you mean talent, yes, we believe that there are individuals that are more gifted than others, be it arts or science or whatever, but work and persistence are way more important.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: Tips on that too, please! :)
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Tomislav Marcijus https://www.instagram.com/marcijus_studio/ https://www.instagram.com/tomislavmarcijus/
What would be your question to this person?: How does he balance his personal work with the wedding work. He is very successful in both. :)
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Are you where you would like to be? (multiple meanings)
And your answer would be?: Not yet, but we're trying our best.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 1983/1085
LOCATION: CRETE, GREECE
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTO PORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Bernadeta Kupiec
BERNADETA KUPIEC: “I look at my photos from the beginning and only see how much I have learned, how far I have come, and how much more to learn and discover.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Lately, I listen to "Windmill" LOR or Abel Korzeniowski "Rome & Juliet" soundtrack
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I'm an introvert and I don't like (can't) write about myself. But I will write a few sentences. I have been living in Scotland for almost seven years. Yes, I fell in love with this place from the first impression. I love nature, hiking, sunrises, rain and wind, and dark chocolate. And the forest, especially coniferous. I have an exaggerated imagination and I believe that almost anything is possible (you just have to believe it).
I feel grateful for everything he has and what surrounds me. By taking photos, I capture the beauty of the moment. A moment that is unique and will never happen again.
I love nostalgic, romantic songs, warm, woolen blankets (I'm a deceased), discovering new tastes, meeting new people and places.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Yes, it is very important. To have someone by your side who believes in you more than you do. To have someone by your side to push you even though you don't believe in yourself or you feel it doesn't make sense. Someone who doesn't say your idea is pointless. I had tremendous support and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today. I also know people who have great potential, but due to the lack of support from their relatives, they still sit still, afraid to take the first step.
What are you the proudest of?: The fact that I dared to quit my job and started doing what I love the most. Capture emotions, the beauty of the moment, love stories. Going to every wedding or elopement, I don't feel like I'm going to work.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Yes. Definitely. How we see and feel the world is reflected in what we create and how we want others to perceive our art.
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: I think it was my dad who gave me my first camera. Old, Russian Kiev for 35mm film. And it fascinated me with the world seen through the viewfinder. I had no idea what a shutter or aperture was. I remember that you had to set the distance to the photographed object there, and my steps were quite short. So most of the photos came out out of focus. Especially with people. Anyway, to this day I have a problem with determining the distance. I just held the camera in my hands and played with it. What I liked the most was the fact that I was finally able to stay a while longer and always come back to it.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: Don't be afraid of the light. Look for the light, play with it.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: No, nothing. Everything happened that was supposed to happen. Each of us started with a strange tone on photos, a crooked horizon, green skin. I look at my photos from the beginning and only see how much I have learned, how far I have come, and how much more to learn and discover.
“I was a little girl. On the way to school, I saw a tree by the road. I don't know if it was light or clouds, or just inspiration (I walked there every day). But I squeezed my eyes shut and took my first picture.”
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: I have always dreamed of doing what I love the most and not feeling that I work. And I'm lucky to finally feel it. Besides, the very fact that I have the opportunity to capture someone's most beautiful day makes me feel even more grateful for what I do. I know that this person will look at the photo and be able to go back to that moment, to those emotions. I feel like I have a kind of machine that allows people to go back in time.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: I would have walked Aonach Eagach. I have a fear of heights that I fight wherever I can. This is one of those places where I would have to prepare myself for a long time, mentally and physically. But if I had known this would be my last 24 hours on this earth, I would have got in the car, parked it at the foot of it, and climbed the mountain to walk over it. If I had a half heart attack, that's too bad, it's my last day anyway. At least I would have beautiful views after my death.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person: It was many years ago. I was a little girl. On the way to school, I saw a tree by the road. I don't know if it was light or clouds, or just inspiration (I walked there every day). But I squeezed my eyes shut and took my first picture. Yes, she felt it was in my brain. I was just wondering how to trigger them ...
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: Yes, maybe not that since forever, but for about 15 years. Back then, these were just dreams of a girl sitting on a bus. Then I went to Scotland and my English was not perfect, which at first blocked me from taking portraits. And then, step by step, she started first with Polish models living in Edinburgh, until I dared to do the first session with a person who spoke only English. And so, session after session, I found out that I would be able to fulfill my dream of photographing weddings.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I usually go for a walk and listen to nostalgic songs. Sometimes I need to go to the mountains, to the forest and stay with nature longer. I also watch more artistic films. I bake, meet with my friends.
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?: First, I wanted to be a princess and wear beautiful Disney outfits. I was really young at that time haha. Then my dreams became more mundane and I wanted to be an astronaut. I dreamed of admiring the stars up close and the Earth through the round window in the spaceship. And I wanted to wear a white jumpsuit. I only knew that physics was not my forte, so I ended up admiring the stars from a distance, and I only fight gravity from time to time.
Are you enjoying this life?: Yes, I do. I really enjoy this life and I wouldn't change anything that has happened so far. I believe it did. I am happy with what I have, I am grateful for what happened to me because thanks to this I appreciate everything that is around me. I have dreams that I believe will come true sooner or later.
What is for you a good story?: A story that contains emotion, interesting content. A story that makes me feel a part of it, or even I would like to be its hero.
What is your typical day like?: Boring haha. My wake-up depends on the season and time at which the sun rises. Now, for example, I get up at 5:30 (in summer, unfortunately, my alarm clock is always set to 4, 5 am. I admire the sun when it is already in the sky). I meditate for 10 minutes every morning. An hour after getting up I eat breakfast (reading a book by the way. Now it's a Jack Reacher crime story) and right after I go for a walk along the sea. I take at least 10,000 steps. By the way, I listen to podcasts, or just go and listen to the sounds of nature. Then it's time for coffee and works: editing photos, replying to emails, blog posts, studying (I love to learn), wedding preparation (if I have one the next day). And so my time passes until 5 p.m. when I put everything aside and take care of dinner, I spend time with my husband.
People usually have learned from their own mistakes, what was your biggest lesson?: Hmm, a tough question and I want to answer it at the same time. I made many mistakes and each taught me something. But is there one that I remember to this day? When it comes to my business, it will definitely not be creating an avatar of my dream client at the very beginning of my adventure with wedding photography. I did not know then that it was so important.
Do you believe art should deliver a message?: Yes. Through art, we can show how we see the world and invite others to it. We can make someone else's day more beautiful. We can show that what we considered ugly until now is not really so. Everyone will find something for themselves in it.
Do you have any regrets in life?: No, I do not have any. My mindset has completely changed since mid-2019 and I believe everything happens at a certain time for a reason. Or it doesn't happen at all. Maybe it's not the moment, not that person, or it's just not for me. Even the fact that I quit my job at almost 36, during the lockdown, and started my career as a wedding photographer. Seems to be late, but it was meant to be.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: Sometimes it's tough. First of all, I try not to compare to other photographers. Each of us is at a certain stage in our career as a photographer, and each of us has taken a specific path to find ourselves where we are now. That is why I compare my photos only to my photos from the beginning of my adventure with photography. Oh, sometimes I myself wonder what I was doing then.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Nina and Darek
What would be your question to this person?: Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Would you like to get back to film camera?
And your answer would be ?: Yes, it's my dream to buy someday a medium format camera.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 07-08-1984
LOCATION: FIFE, SCOTLAND
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : PAWEL, MY HUSBAND
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Brittany Staddon
BRITTANY STADDON: “I’m fortunate to live in a place that inspires me, surrounded by mountains, with nature a short distance away and ever-changing seasons.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Overcome - Samuel Bohn
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am a person with mediocre crafting abilities, my time management tends to err to the side of being far too optimistic, and I have awful taste in music. I am a wedding photographer who doesn’t understand weddings, I sometimes snort when I laugh, and I misspell a lot of words.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. I excelled in school and seemed destined to go to medical school, until I was halfway through my Health Sciences undergraduate degree and realized my heart was not as invested in that path as I had initially thought, paired with a complete discomfort with needles. So began my interest in photography becoming a career following a two-month road trip around the States, in which my now husband joined me for our second date which lasted a month. Shortly after that, I moved to the mountain town of Canmore, on the outskirts of Banff National Park, and have grown my wedding photography business ever since.
What is the best advice that you have been given?:
When I was 16 my father took me out of school for a couple of days to attend a National Geographic sports photographer workshop in Banff. One of the teachers stated that he worked as if he ‘never had the shot’, that is something that is always at the back of my mind on a wedding day. That isn’t to say to shoot indiscriminately, but instead to always try to find a different perspective. Always be experimenting, try a different focal length, try to photograph from the perspective of a guest. It’s like a mini-challenge that can occasionally lead you to some interesting discoveries in your work.
Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work? Explain.: I wouldn’t say intentionally but those that know me will absolutely find little tidbits of humour in my work, whether in how I crop or share them on social media.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: So, are we all dying? Like is an asteroid that will throw up a massive cloud that snuffs out all life? If that is the case I’d avoid everyone else’s reaction, call a handful of close friends to wish them well on our shared fate, probably make some inappropriate jokes, and plan what my death pose would be like to utterly confuse the alien finders. Or is it just my life that expires in 24 hours? In which case I’d do all of the above, except the death pose.
What does it mean to get older for you?: I truly believe getting old is a privilege and I hope it is one I am able to experience. My grandfather who I mentioned earlier was diagnosed with dementia in his late 60s, my father was in his mid-50s. My sister died in an avalanche when she was a teenager. I am starkly aware of the fragility of life and truly hope to make the most of it and hope I get to see and recognize my own reflection with wrinkles.
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?: I was hoping I’d come up with someone far more profound, but I am going to go with my paternal grandfather, Bruce Staddon. He was a greenhouse farmer (representing the Staddon’s Select bell pepper here), a man who was dedicated to his children in a way that was atypical to the time, an amateur photographer who meticulously documented his life, and a talented woodturner who insisted he never be paid for that work and only gave away his pieces.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: I do, although it’s a different type of joy. When I first started it was this wonderfully naive enthusiasm of discovery and experimentation. Now it is more focused growth and joy. They both have their place.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: No, I’m pretty sure as a child I wished to be a unicorn, I went to university and majored in Biomedical Sciences to become a doctor, and I’m sure I’ll be pursuing a new career (unicorn?) in a decade.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: Thankfully, for simplicity and financial sake, I’m happy to report I feel most creative at home. I’m fortunate to live in a place that inspires me, surrounded by mountains, with nature a short distance away and ever-changing seasons. Our home is full of artwork from friends and strangers that are a perpetual inspiration. I’m very fortunate.
How would you like to be regarded or remembered?: I’d love to be remembered as a kind human, with flaws. As the people who know me personally pass away, let my memory cease to exist and hopefully the actions I took when I was alive benefits humanity.
“I have absolutely made mistakes. I look back at my 20s and wish I had utilized the time I had to do more and better myself for where I am now.”
Do you need to be in a certain mindset to work?: Oh yes, and it doesn’t happen nearly as often as I would like. I am sure we can all relate to sitting down to a day of work, having gone through our morning rituals, music on, drink of choice by our screen, then just feel that growing sense of desire to be doing anything but the task at hand. It’s a struggle.
Do you have skills that you wish to develop or talents you wish to perfect?: I feel altogether completely unaccomplished as a person so yes, practically everything. I might even say I have felt some anxiety over this as I go through my early 30s, and have recently dedicated more time in my day to sitting down and reading. I’d love to pick up woodworking as another skill set, but that will be when time and money allow.
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?: I recently jubilantly told my husband that my childhood self would be quite pleased with my adult self as I spent an evening playing video games, with my dog at my side, and a bowl of Fuzzy Peaches at the ready. That is very much how I imagined adulthood to be. Although my childhood self thought as an adult I’d have a lot more answers than questions of life’s problems, that finances would be far easier, and I’m still a bit bummed that coloring in the line as a skillset really isn't helpful in my line of work.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life? Explain.: Sorry going a bit cliche with this one as well. My husband, Sam, is also a photographer (thank you to Flickr for the connection). We have been together for ten years and I have so enjoyed the ever-changing seasons of the other. Sometimes we go through it together, other times one individual grows while the other feels a bit more stagnant. We celebrate and support each other. At this moment I’m very much in an introspective, slower life phase, and his trajectory is in full improvement and self-discovery of his work. I’m inspired by his kindness and selflessness, how his mind works so differently from mine. I love how he responds differently to situations, whether personally or professionally.
What is your typical day like?: I wake up at 9ish (I have come to the conclusion I will likely never be an enthusiastic early riser and that is okay), my morning is generally puttering around doing the less exciting tasks or reading if productivity is low, and then after lunch, I get to work. My day is interrupted by two longer dog walks with Hobbit, and my evenings are reading, playing games online with friends, and probably still working on account of my relatively unproductive mornings.
Any Specific question/subject you would like to talk about and your answer?: Let’s have fun with this - my unpopular hot take on wedding photography is that the images should be tangible and small. I love personal images as prints, as albums, but have never understood them on walls. I want my walls to be full of a myriad of inspiration and artwork, and not my own face. Of course, to each their own, but that’s my nonconsequential soapbox.
Do you have any regrets in life?: Oh sure, I have absolutely made mistakes. I look back at my 20s and wish I had utilized the time I had to do more and better myself for where I am now. But I also don’t wallow in that regret. All I can do is learn from my mistakes, see what I can do better, and move forward only hoping to lessen my retrospective cringe in ten years of my current self.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: I don’t feel I bring much of anything new or groundbreaking to photography or a knowledge space in general, at least not at this moment. If people have questions for me, I’d encourage them to reach out (by email, not phone, I’m a millennial and therefore find telephone calls uncomfortable). But as for improvement, I have taken a keen interest in photography’s role in memory and have been delving into books that more critically analyze photographs and their place in history and collective memory.
Do you believe art is something you were born with or something you have to find in your daily life? and work for?: I believe we are all born with an innate talent and appreciation for art, but it requires nurturing and effort to hone. Art has been held in such an esoteric space and I hope going forward we can move it towards a space of shared experience and understanding.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Sam from Sam Hugh Photography. It's a bit nepotistic but I'd love for him to share his insight.
What would be your question to this person?: What animal do you feel like best represents your personality?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Oh for simplicity's sake, let's go with the question up above.
And your answer would be ?: Capybara. Not necessarily pretty and definitely not grand. But mildly endearing and awkward.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 05-06-1989
LOCATION: CANMORE, CANADA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTO PORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/brittanyesther/
WEBSITE: http://brittanyesther.com/
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Becy Stabler
BECY STABLER: “When I take photos, it's capturing the world as I see it, and so that reflects everything I've ever learnt. ”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Adele - easy on me!
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: Creative, mama of 3, hard-working and kind (I got my husband to answer this one!)
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I am (trying) to write a book on Motherhood, writing is another passion of mine and the words have always been in my head so it's about time!
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in Liverpool, raised in a small town on the Wirral and then left to study fine art in both Newcastle and Germany. We then moved back to the UK in 2015 when we were expecting our first daughter, Belle, we then moved up to Skye just 2 years ago!
What move you in this adventure/journey?: Having Belle was the inspiration to start Belle Art Photography, I wanted to utilise my creativity and passion for photography and film whilst making enough money to support my family.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Absolutely it is! I couldn't do it without them, especially my husband.
What are you the proudest of?: My family! The life my husband and I have created for ourselves and our kids on Skye after so many trials over the years.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I actually worked for many years in Hospitality, managing and waitressing in restaurants whilst studying and then afterwards when I had Belle. When we moved to Germany I also taught English.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Lucien Freud, was always my favourite artist throughout my childhood and through art school and I would love to pick his brain!
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: I've found that it's less of a choice and as a creative, my heart and soul is so intertwined with my work. My experiences past and present, my passions, difficulties all shape how I create. Even when I make work for others, it can never be so objective. When I take photos, it's capturing the world as I see it, and so that reflects everything I've ever learnt. In terms of wedding photography, I really care for each of my couples and their experience, so that's where the heart comes in too.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: ooh the surrealist movement in 1920's and 30's. I was always fascinated by their art and ideas about death. N
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: I wouldn't change my life now, but I almost wish we could live many different versions of our life as there are so many things I would love to try...architecture for example! I don't think there is enough time to dabble in everything.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Yes, I really love teaching. I loved teaching English in Germany but teaching something I am so passionate about is absolutely amazing! I love seeing other creatives grow in confidence too.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: My little growing children, and the beautiful island I live on! I find the ever-changing landscape so inspiring, and whilst I used to seek inspiration through art galleries...I find that just immersing myself in the mountains here really gets the creative juices flowing!
“Comparison kills creativity and I don't feel the need to compare anymore, I've muted many of the big social groups and I try not to spend much time scrolling.”
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: In bed with my whole family drinking coffee.
What does it mean to get older for you?: older and wiser....bit greyer and wrinkly. I say bring it on! Growing older is a privilege and I hope I get to stick around to see my children grow old too.
Did you feel like this journey would end? What is your approach to life?: I'm sure it will at some point, I'd prefer to see it evolve into something new when the time is right. Evolving is a much better way to think of it than ending.
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?:
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: I absolutely do, in fact, I don't think I could do this if I didn't. It is hard work being self-employed and so I think you really have to love it.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: Yes I do, It's just something we feel but maybe not everyone knows how to communicate it. As if the medium of photography is just a way of communicating our creativity.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I accept them, during my last pregnancy I felt Iike I had a 9-month block, I didn't want to create any personal work and I also barely wrote. But then there was a lot going on at the time, pregnancy is difficult physically and mentally, I also had my busiest year this year where I captured 47 elopements and weddings after the pandemic. So I accepted that this is a time in my life where I can't be as creative as I maybe would have liked but that's okay, we will always have periods where we can only focus on the week or day ahead or even the task at hand.
Then now I've started to feel a bit more creative, I can almost feel the ideas seeping in and enthusiasm for personal work that excites me again. So I feel like this time I just had to ride it out. I don't think we are meant to be creative all the time, we also need rest.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: Stood out at the Quiraing, when no one else is about.
How would you like to be regarded or remembered?: It would be nice to be remembered for some significant artwork that made an impact globally, but really I just want to know that I impacted my friends’ and families’ lives and made them better for being here.
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?: I really wanted to be a famous actress or singer...And I mean now I really can't think of anything worse than being in the spotlight all of the time. So I'll stick to singing in the car.
What is for you a good story?: For me, a good story is one that makes you feel something.
What is your typical day like?: Currently, it's waking at 6 am to feed my youngest, to then be joined by our toddler, Eli who kicks and rolls on top of us until we get up to get his breakfast.
coffee, School run, feeds, emails and admin for the morning, feeds, lunch, then edit, feed, edit, feed, edit! Then we go out to pick up the kids and walk our dog through the woodlands and grab some more coffee before coming home to make the kids dinner, which inevitably ends up on the floor...oh the joys of parenting!
But on the days I have elopements, these are amazing and each one is different! Last week I hiked up the old man of Storr in the snow and sipped (a tiny bit) of champagne at the top whilst my toes froze and my expensive boots let in water...
People usually have learned from their own mistakes, what was your biggest lesson?: In business, this was probably to know my worth. Thankfully I learnt this after the first year but this was the biggest learning curve, and in doing so meant that I attracted clients who valued me and my work as much as I did.
Do you believe art should deliver a message?: Not always, art can be many things! Sometimes it's just about the creative expression of that person and the act of doing it is the power of it, no one else needs to understand it.
Do you have any regrets in life?: No, I think life is too short for that and thankfully I don't have any.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: I love to support other photographers and creatives’ work, but I only really come online to do that, post a little and then put my phone down. Comparison kills creativity and I don't feel the need to compare anymore, I've muted many of the big social groups and I try not to spend much time scrolling. This really helps me with my own mental health too.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: I would have to say, and it might sound cliche, but be true to yourself and your journey. What do you want out of your wedding photography business? How do you define your own success? Where will you find fulfillment, creatively or otherwise? Staying on your own path and trying not to emulate others or compare will help you stand out and build a successful brand without burning out.
I would also say, putting your clients’ experience first, treating them with kindness, caring about them, and doing what we do with love and heart. I honestly believe this is where much of my success has come from.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Chris Parkinson
What would be your question to this person?: What's the weirdest food you have ever eaten?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Where do you want to travel to?
And your answer would be ?: Everywhere.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 10-05-1992
LOCATION: ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : STORY OF EVE
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Michael Schultz
MICHAEL SCHULTZ: “I had been in a creative and life crisis for a while - I wanted to break out and leave my job in the insurance industry for something more meaningful.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Lately, I've loved listening to Curtis Harding's "If Words Were Flowers" album.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I'm Michael! I love taking connected, real, emotion-filled, warm photos for people. I also love music and film and being a father to my three lovely children.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I plan to get into more conceptual portraits with projections and colored lighting, that have a moody and film vibe. I was starting to get into the style but then a lockdown happened here, followed by the start of the wedding season. However I plan to get into it a lot more once the season dies down again but here in New Zealand it is about to be Christmas, and then it is peak wedding season from January to April.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in Australia, grew up in South Auckland, New Zealand, and have lived in London and Annemasse, France. I now live in Napier, North Island, New Zealand. Napier is famous for it is Art Deco architecture and the region is famous for it is warm, dry weather, wines, and for relaxed laid-back music concerts.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: My education was in Science, and I have a bachelor's in Health Science but I could never shake the urge to want to create my whole life. I have tried my hand at music, songwriting, and latterly photography. I had been in a creative and life crisis for a while - I wanted to break out and leave my job in the insurance industry for something more meaningful. I became more and more obsessed with photography as a result as my passion for it evolved and as my skills improved.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Yes definitely, I can't do what I do without them. Also, photography works the other way as well - because I am self-employed I can take time off to care for a sick child or go on a school trip or two spend extra time with my children and family.
What are you the proudest of?: I'm really most proud of people who are creative professionals or even just artistic, creative people supporting and admiring some of my work. I think that means more to me than magazine covers or features on big blogs. I suppose it would be like being a musician and having a band whose work you love tell you that they like your music. They know about the work, and they admire what you do. I think that's almost the highest praise.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I have been a Podiatrist and worked for insurance companies after that. I worked as an English Language teacher for foreign language students when I lived in London and France. I have always gravitated, whether in a creative industry or not, towards helping people and animals.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: I'm not sure about the interview, but it would have been lovely to have met Jimi Hendrix. The most amazing musician ever, a truly unique thinker, and such a creative mind. I'd have loved to have gone to his house, politely refused his drugs, and would have wanted to see his guitars and maybe have him jam a bit in front of me and just chat like friends. It would be almost a bathe in his presence type thing rather than asking him hard and fast questions.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: I think creativity is making sure that you don't clock in and out. That you don't let muscle memory and your eye do all the work for you, that you move above that, beyond that, and try and push yourself even if it means you stumble around and look like you don't know what you're doing or have doubts, even in front of clients or other creatives. If they let you feel comfortable in that and you push through your fears that can be the most exciting thing.
“Your mistakes and fuck ups make you what you are.”
What is your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: Films, books, and music. I am constantly and consistently inspired by the creativity of others.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: Creativity to me is having a vision. It is being inspired and turning that into some work that you do that produces a result. It is having an eye, or an ear, or a hand, that creates something that gets close to that vision. It is the urge to push through whatever blocks what you want to do to achieve the piece of work.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: Not so much now, but back when I was younger and unmarried I think I would have been quite happy to have lived in the era of film press photojournalism in the 60s to 80s. I think I would have been a film SLR or maybe a rangefinder type of guy, embedded with people and trying to communicate with people and communicate with film. Not one of those guys with immense kits and huge zooms and motor drives and such. A quiet, thoughtful, deliberate type of shooter with a modest kit. I have long admired James Natchwey's demeanor and work because I could identify with his vibe.
Do you believe in destiny?: I think it is important to acknowledge destiny but also to understand that we are more than, and better than, the past or our upbringing or our parents and we should strive to be a better person and try and do inspire the same in others. I have come to learn more and more, especially as a parent, that personal examples and role models are very important.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: I think so, I have taught in the past.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: At the moment to be a better version of myself than I was the day before both creatively and as a person is what I struggle with, and try and forge ahead with. Sometimes I go backward, and definitely, at times during COVID, a lot of us slid backward. But you've got to go forward. And keep your imagination: "when I was seventeen
My mother said to me
"Don't stop imagining, the day that you do is the day that you die" Youth Lagoon, 17
Who do you define as a visionary?: David Bowie. Denis Villeneuve. Stanley Kubrick. Sebastião Salgado.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: Probably I would change a lot but it doesn't work that way and I try not to think like that. Your mistakes and fuck ups make you what you are. Which is not the same as being arrogant and unfeeling. I don't like those character traits either.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: I think I tried to not be creative and just be good at a job but something in me just has always wanted to create. It's a compulsion.
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?:
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?: Stuff can always be worked and worked and worked on, honestly you've just got to complete the work and think of it as a product of the time you did the work otherwise you'll never complete it. I mean how many times does Led Zeppelin need to remaster their music? haha
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: With my family. That's easy.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person: When I finally quit a normal paying job to move to a new city and be a creative full time I knew that I had become creative and that it couldn't be questioned in my own mind anymore.
What does it mean to get older for you?: I hate it! It means taking care of your health actively though. This year has been more about my family, health, and mental health. I think the other stuff will flow better if I look after that.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: I think my work does convey a sense of peace and calm in some way.
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?: I have a friend who is a street artist and muralist and he showed me that artists could be organized and finish work and make a living from being creative. He is always painting, drawing, creating, playing, or designing.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: I've admired James Frost work, and Catguts work https://www.instagram.com/catgutsphoto/ a lot lately
What would be your question to this person?: Get them to answer these questions haha!
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: How can you become more of an artist?
And your answer would be?: I don't really know - but I am trying anyway ;-)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 30—0231974
LOCATION: NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTO PORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /michael.schultz.photography/
WEBSITE: http://michaelschultz.co.nz
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Mari Trancoso
MARI TRANCOSO: “I remember a lot of my life, my childhood. But one day I won’t. I want to be able to time capsule that for people.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
September Song - Agnes Obel
Street Spirit - Radiohead
The Sea and the Rhythm- Iron and Wine
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: An artist, a mama, a friend to all. Someone who feels and romanticizes everything and everyone.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I’m just trying to get ahold of my branding and solidifying my foundation.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: Small moments that will be forgotten.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Absolutely. I love words of affirmation and encouragement. I don’t handle loneliness well and always want the ones I love most to be alongside my journey.
What are you the proudest of?: My ability to dream and make it happen no matter what.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: Just odd jobs. Dishwasher at a local hospital, sales, and social media for a clothing boutique.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Andrey Harchenko. His eye and vision during a wedding are unmatched. He makes you feel like you’ve known the couple your whole life.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Absolutely. That’s what art is.
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: I remember a lot of my life, my childhood. But one day I won’t. One day I won’t remember my children’s childhood either. I want to be able to time capsule that for people.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: Renaissance.
“A remembrance to cherish what we have while we have it and to encapsulate it when your heart needs to revisit it later.”
How would you like to be remembered?: She inspired me to embrace the ugly and the icky. Not only to accept it but to see that’s where the beauty lies. She taught me that the mundane and the subtle were the most important things in life to slow down for because those are the things that are so easily forgotten as if they never happened to you or happened in this lifetime. A remembrance to cherish what we have while we have it and to encapsulate it when your heart needs to revisit it later. She taught me to never be afraid of speaking only true words even if it may be overwhelming to some.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: Everything is temporary.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: I have no desire to teach WHAT I do. Only I can do that. Just like others can only do what they do. But I am more interested to teach HOW I do it so others can tune in how they create things that are true to them.
Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work? Explain.: Not so much hidden messages, but I sometimes don’t see the story until after I shoot it. It all makes sense in the final product.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: I would slow down and become more intentional.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: Stable bores me.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: People say they feel nostalgia, somberness, eerie, reminiscent when they look at my work.
Did you feel like this journey would end? What is your approach to life?: I don’t think it’ll end, but evolve into something different slowly and I won’t notice until my ending days.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: Yes, but I get overworked easily and I require rest often.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: Rest and reset. Go back to the things that give you that inspiration flow.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: Anywhere with a unique light, people being present, warmth.
Do you believe art is something you were born with or something you have to find in your daily life? and work for?: As long as you have a passion for it, you can work towards creating.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Andrey Harchenko
What would be your question to this person?: What is your process for a wedding day? Leading up to it and day of.
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Why do you question yourself and your work so much?
And your answer would be?: I wish I knew the answer.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 20—02-1984
LOCATION: CHICAGO, IL, USA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : RILEY LIBANSKY
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Brandi Potter
BRANDI POTTER: “Creativity to me is creating something out of nothing. It means that you're able to look at a scene that may be less desirable and transform it into something others wouldn't even recognize.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : My current favorite playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/698XbYFHM4fHEtnOKVLcPV?si=3yJRuS_GRwKHPN98-M3P4Q
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I'm currently working on my exit from the photo industry. I probably won't completely leave and it will be 5-6 years before I actually am able too. I'm back in school and plan on working towards my Ph.D. so it will be a bit. I just want more stability after the pandemic showed me how fragile this career can be.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Not really. At the beginning of my photography journey, a lot of people in my life didn't support me. They didn't think I could make it and as a result, I lost contact with several people, only for them to come back later on and tell me they were wrong. I basically gave up everything to pursue this journey as hard as I did in the beginning because there was so much negativity surrounding my decision.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: Creativity to me is creating something out of nothing. It means that you're able to look at a scene that may be less desirable and transform it into something others wouldn't even recognize. It's seeing the world differently or having a brain that just functions a bit more artistically. It's being able to take inspiration from a muse without replicating it and creating something entirely new. For me, creativity comes from an emotional response. Most of the time when I feel like I am "creative" it's normally from an intense episode of depression, grief, or overwhelming happiness. My grief over the past few years has really been the driving force behind any of the creative images I've created and I think you can tell that within my work. You can definitely see a slight shift from wedding to wedding or session to session of how I was doing emotionally at the time, and in my opinion, the better images are when I wasn't doing well at all.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Yes, and I do teach what I do. I can't teach someone how to be more creative if they aren't already, but I can try to teach people how to open their eyes and look at the world a little differently.
Who do you define as a visionary?: The Ferros, Muse and Mirror, Joel and Justyna, and Rosey Red are my favorite photographers who I think are true visionaries.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: Absolutely. Within a week of shooting a session or wedding, I look at the photos and think to myself that I could have done this differently or that differently to make it better.
“I find a lot of inspiration from movies and artwork, but my emotional state has more to do with my creativity than anything else.”
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your creativity?: I find a lot of inspiration from movies and artwork, but my emotional state has more to do with my creativity than anything else. Intense heartbreak and the deaths of my grandmother and my close friend within two months of each other really made me focus on creativity. I felt at the time that it was either pushing my own limits or dying as well because I was slowly killing myself through the grief process and not being able to properly function.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person: When I started winning art competitions as a 1st grader.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: I think each session or wedding I photograph invokes whatever feeling or emotion I'm currently experiencing.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: Not really. I think everyone’s brains work differently. Someone may be able to replicate something - but that doesn't necessarily mean it's creative thinking. And a creative brain may not always be creative and a non-creative brain could have moments where they are creative. It entirely depends on the person and who they are at their core. I have amazing artists in my family, but they can't really make something out of nothing, it's all replication.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I take time off. I stop trying to please others and I spend time on myself. I watch movies that get my brain spinning or listen to music that pumps me up.
Do you have skills that you wish to develop or talents you wish to perfect?: Of course. There should always be a goal within a creative field to better your craft and work. You should always be learning and pushing your own boundaries. If you become stagnant and unwilling to learn new things you're doing yourself and your clients a disservice.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: I unfollow people or I simply stop scrolling through social media. You control your response to other people’s work. Either you can try to better yourself and find inspiration elsewhere or you have to deal with the imposter syndrome feeling.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: It is so much easier to be a photographer now starting out than it was when I did. There are so many more resources out there to learn from and most of the "new" wedding photographers are almost instantly good, but that doesn't mean they have experience and it definitely doesn't mean they have a solid plan to not just replicate other work they are seeing. Standing out in your local market is the most important thing. After that not over-pricing yourself into a situation that you aren't equipped to handle just yet. Take things slow and don't let your ego get in the way of actually learning how to work with people and learning how to deal with problems that we all experience, such as cards corrupting or gear breaking during events. Have a plan for those things and definitely have a backup. A lot of new people don't and when they are overcharging clients and aren't taking the precautions they need to be they end up hurting themselves more than they should be.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: I think people I would like to learn from are the Ferros. How they set up their weddings and control the narrative to create a literal film blows my mind.
What would be your question to this person?: I don't know them personally.
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What have you learned from being a wedding photographer?
And your answer would be?: That love comes in many different forms and it's not something that can be measured.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 08- 05 - 1988
LOCATION: LOUISVILLE, KY, USA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : SUSAN JORDAN
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Ricardo Catarro
RICARDO CATARRO: “The fact that we can immortalize one of the most important days in the lives of two people through our vision, is indeed a privilege and an honor.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Liberation - Harold Van Lennep
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am a father, a dreamer, a very ambitious person, with an immense love for this art.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I want to strengthen my position more and more. And continue to internationalize my photography.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in Almeirim, a small town near Lisbon. I lived for many years in a social neighborhood and I have a degree in management. The area that never fell in love with me. Photography appeared on this path and I know this is what I want to do forever.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: At my third marriage, I fell in love with this area in such a way that I dropped everything and went after my dream. The fact that we can immortalize one of the most important days in the lives of two people through our vision, is indeed a privilege and an honor. The fact that I can meet new places, different people, and work for myself and in my name is priceless.
What are you the proudest of?: From my kids.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I was a financial manager and accountant.
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: No. I am very happy with this job.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: Always try to be different from others. In times of crisis, only different ones will succeed.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: Leave the house. Pay attention to all the architecture, the light, the gestures of people.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: The fact that in this area 2 plus 2 is not 4. The result is always what we want.
“I've been at it for 4 epochs. I still have a lot of love for this area and I know I can still grow a lot at all levels.”
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: playing with my kids.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: I like my work to be complete. Using several styles of photographs in one day (landscape, architecture, street photography,...) and I always aim to make anyone who sees the gallery feel as if they were there.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: If you count, I've been at it for 4 epochs. I still have a lot of love for this area and I know I can still grow a lot at all levels.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: I think we all have the ability to be creative.
Some more than others and each in its own area. Even if it is in the simple fact of unconsciously, we drink a little of each one and we create our own vision of each thing of each moment.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: In every moment where I feel pressured, all my creativity reveals itself.
How would you like to be regarded or remembered?: I would like to be remembered as a great father, friend, and a good photographer.
Do your work and approach have changed?: From wedding to wedding, my work is always changing. Year after year, these changes are very visible. I'm not the same photographer I was last year or last month.
People usually have learned from their own mistakes, what was your biggest lesson?: That everyone is different and that everyone responds to a situation in their own way.
That the Holy Grail of life is knowing how to manage expectations.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: I never forced my quality, I think it was always something that arrived in a normal way and respected the level of work and dedication.
To get better, the whole mindset has to be one of determination, work, and joy.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Lovati Photography - A couple of photographers
What would be your question to this person?: How many years have you photographed weddings?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What is (was) your purpose in life?
And your answer would be ?: To be a father.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 09 - 07 - 1986
LOCATION: PORTUGAL
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : PAULO REMEDIOS
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /ricardocatarrophotography
WEBSITE: http://www.ricardocatarro.com
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Nadezhda Alexandrova
NADEZHDA ALEXANDROVA: “Memories are everything we have and we need them more than we think. So go take photos, print them out, fill the photo albums, leave something behind.”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : I love this song and it's on a replay from weeks now: Monster - Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am one of those people who are looking for beauty everywhere, who are in love with nature, who are saying "Hi" to the animals on the street, and who are crying in Disney movies. Who is inspired by everything around them? Those who are putting heart and soul into what they do and feel the happiest when they do it. When I'm not shooting I'm retouching I love spending time with my close ones or travel and it's highly possible to stop at the first lay-by just to capture the beautiful sky (Oh, I'm shooting again...Well I call this dedication!). Sandwiches in bed with some good series are also an option. My camera is my best friend and I am so grateful that together we can leave a mark, expressed in memories.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I am a big dreamer so I have a lot of dreams, personal and professional ones, but the dream that it's more important for me is to have kids and a healthy family.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I'm from the sea capital of Bulgaria called Varna, situated on the Bulgarian Black sea coast. I'm in love with our beautiful country and my hometown and can't imagine living somewhere else.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: it's always great to have people that support you but if you truly love something you should go after it despite everyone's opinion.
What are you the proudest of?: I didn't give up on my dream and stayed true to myself. Working on it since I was 13 years old and I'm 25.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?:
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Oh my god - Vivian Maier !!! I adore this woman and her eye for the world. She is so amazing but also very mysterious, that's why I need to know more about her. I would love to hear her stories.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Yes, 100%. But I also think that we need more inspiration to be creative. I love what I do but when you shoot weddings this often you can put yourself in a creative rut. That's why I need to be inspired and come up with new ideas.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: Life in general. I'm in love with it.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: It's very risky indeed, it has ups and downs every day but I follow what my heart wants and I always will.
“Just be you! Don't try to copy, don't try to be someone else. No one can offer what you can because you are one of a kind.”
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: With my family, taking as many photos as I can of us and the world around me.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: Memories are everything we have and we need them more than we think. So go take photos, print them out, fill the photo albums, leave something behind.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: Oh, absolutely! Photography is my best friend and I'm not giving up on him, no matter what.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing?: Actually not. I wanted to own a restaurant but now I can't imagine doing this.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I'm watching movies, series, youtube videos,I listen to music (damn, music is powerful!), podcasts. I'm watching, again and again, people who inspire me too. I search for inspiration everywhere around me.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: At my castle - my home. Where I feel safe, working on my dreams and ideas.
Do you have skills that you wish to develop or talents you wish to perfect?: I would love to be able to paint or sing....but that’s never going to happen. I’m a disaster
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?: A girl who is doing what she loves the most -
Do your work and approach have changed?: It's changing every year because I'm different, older, wiser (I hope so), with a different or better mindset. I'm learning new things every day and this affects my work.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life? Explain.: There's no one particular. I'm fascinated by people in general who never stop learning, growing, and don't give up on their dreams
What is for you a good story?: Any story from which you can learn something or make you feel something.
What is your mission in this life?: To leave something behind and I'm doing it - through my photos.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: We live in a world where everything is easy and approachable, with a lot of sources of information. So read or listen to books, read magazines, interviews like this one, watch movies, series, Youtube videos, online workshops/summits, listen to podcasts, subscribe for education like this one. The sources are soooo many, you just have to want to learn and grow.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: Just be you! Don't try to copy, don't try to be someone else. No one can offer what you can because you are one of a kind. Follow your heart and what you like, not what's in the trend right now.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: India Earl - https://www.instagram.com/indiaearl/
What would be your question to this person?: What makes you happy and inspired?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Are you making the most of your life?
And your answer would be?: I think I could do better than this.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : N/C
LOCATION: VARNA - BULGARIA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING AND LOVE STORIES PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : ROSEN KOLEV
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Francesca Angrisano
FRANCESCA ANGRISANO: “I built up my career all by myself, and whatever I did, right or wrong, was my own doing, my own choice”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Follow you, Imagine dragons
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am a fatalist, convinced that for everything there is an explanation, a reason, a doomed destiny. I am also an incurable dreamer, with my head in the clouds and many dreams to hunt for.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I would like to become a famous destination wedding photographer :D lol
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in Naples
What move you in this adventure/journey?: Maybe I can just mention a funny memory I had when I was a little child.
Well… every time I went on a trip with my family, I clutched my father’s hand and he used to hang his camera across his shoulder, so unfortunately the camera constantly banged against my head throughout the walk.
This is for me the way photography got into my head.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: It has been fundamental, and always will be.
What are you the proudest of?: I built up my career all by myself, and whatever I did, right or wrong, was my own doing, my own choice, with the sole objective of becoming a good, skillful photographer and a good mother for my sons.
One of my rewards, I would say the greatest thus far, was being one of this year's speakers of the Legacy Workshop, in France.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I've always been a photographer since I was 18
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Sofia Loren, she's an Italian actress still alive and I would like to know the secret of her incredible beauty and femininity.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Definitely
“I am a free spirit and I want to remain such, I love to wander with the imagination and I feed on creativity, my mind needs to be busy 24 hours a day.”
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: 40/50's
Do you believe in destiny?: 100%
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Even if I think that I have still a lot to improve and to learn, yes why not.
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: I'm a fatalist, so what has been had been
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: I am a free spirit and I want to remain such, I love to wander with the imagination and I feed on creativity, my mind needs to be busy 24 hours a day
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: staying with my family and my sons, hugging them as much as possible
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: I believe that creativity is different from "talent"
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: There are days when I feel that I'm not fit for this job, or tired of making this effort, or not talented, or that anyone else is better than me. There are other days when I feel like touching the sky with my finger, and think that I have found the magic formula, and then, the next day my happiness will disappear. But this is the life of an artist.
I have been going on with ups and downs for years and years and always will be.
Is there a particular place where you feel most creative?: Every new places where I shoot in is always a great inspiration.
Do you need to be in a certain mindset to work?: Of course I need to be calm and concentrate on the work.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life? Explain.: Every great Woman who has struggled to stand out and break out of the box with the strenght of her own determination.
What is for you a good story?: The one that has an unexpected ending
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: My grandmother (not at all, she is no longer alive)
What would be your question to this person?: Are you proud of me?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: Are you proud of yourself?
And your answer would be ?: I can still improve
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 24/02/1979
LOCATION: ROME, ITALY
OCCUPATION: WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTOPORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
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Marek Sybal
MAREK SYBAL: “Plans for the future... Just to keep doing what I'm doing, getting better at what I'm doing”
by Eric-René Penoy
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Discover weekly, Nirvana, Juníus Meyvant, weird german music, weird Spanish and Russian music.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I'm a sarcastic loner who loves to talk about his personality. Sarcasm. There. I'm a writer who hasn't written anything in almost ten years. I love to take photos. I thought I wasn't afraid of dying until I almost died. Therefore I'd love to continue living.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: Does quit smoking count? I'd love to write a book one day while traveling the way I used to when I was younger. Plans for the future... Just to keep doing what I'm doing, getting better at what I'm doing, finding passions that ceased to be my passions but are very healthy nevertheless.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I'm from a small town in the Czech Republic, most of my childhood was spent working as a slave until I had enough strength to fight my father. I hate small towns. I guess I'm coming there again when my mother gets old. I might grow fond of it eventually.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: Not really. I'm kind of a lone wolf. Loved ones fucked me.
What are you the proudest of?: Despite my long-term goal to just survive, I'm doing what I really like and I'm not just surviving I can say I have a really nice life.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I used to be a waiter and ski instructor, in the end, I was earning half of the year just to spend everything for the other half of the year, to travel with my camera and taste different drugs. I'm sorry, but I'm not.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Maybe Jesus? There's still so much fuss about him and I still don't really know who was it.
“I think that you get creative automatically when you find something you love doing.”
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: I think that you get creative automatically when you find something you love doing. Of course, you can't really put your heart and soul into your work when killing chickens in a slaughterhouse. So these unlucky people are in my opinion really unlucky.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: I consider myself really creative approximately three months in a year when I have my ups.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?It: Definitely not the future when I see where it's going. Probably 90's, the kitschy times in eastern Europe, it must have been amazing in its own way.
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: I'd have started much sooner if I found the thing I love doing earlier. I'm lucky nevertheless some people never find it.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: Riding down the mountain on a bike or skis, only downhill. Then make love, then die.
What does it mean to get older for you?: Getting less naive.
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I do the same work as I did in my brighter days, the mind remembers.
What is for you a good story?: A deep drama with a sad or weird unfinished ending. It makes me think.
What is your mission in this life?: To not reproduce my genes anywhere further. To live a life where there's more joy than suffering, although I don't think it's a choice.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: www.janabuskova.com @jana_buskova_videography
What would be your question to this person?: What was the turning point in your career when you decided to do things differently?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: When are you going to write the book?
And your answer would be ?: When some huge drama in my life comes again and I get over it. Might as well never happen.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 02/08/1990
LOCATION: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
OCCUPATION: COUPLE AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : KATKA KONCAL
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Remi Schouten
REMI SCHOUTEN : “I really go for it for 110%. Creativity has always been a thing in my life. Something that drives me a lot. I have learned that my creativity really comes from solving problems.”
by Eric-René Penoy
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? : Hard question, obviously listen to a lot of different songs. So just going to pick one.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: Creative entrepreneur with too many ambitions and always trying to push the boundaries of business and creativity. Can't sit still, have to always do too many things at the same time, and struggle with time. But once biting into something I really go for it for 110%. Creativity has always been a thing in my life. Something that drives me a lot. I have learned that my creativity really comes from solving problems. So I have a quite rational approach to things, everything has to make sense. This something you can see back in the films we make. We look for problems and solve them in creative ways.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: We are currently developing our own CRM platform called Octoa. Our ambition is to be the most user-friendly CRM for creatives. We have big plans and big goals, as we are already launched and pushing its growth. The idea of helping the community getting organized and giving them back more time to enjoy being creative or time with their loved ones is something that pushes and motivates us.
Where do you come from? Give us details: I'm born in a little town called Zaltbommel in the Netherlands. I have a Dutch father and a Chinese mother, my parents separated when I was 6 years old. Life wasn't easy but my mother always did what she could to give us all we needed. But I'm happy for how things have been, as it made me who I am today. The school was not a success for me, which I recently gave a place with my diagnose of ADD. It was a lack of attention, motivation, and stimulation I got in normal classes. I was always doing bad in the languages. But good at art and math classes. Things became really clear when I moved to Japan and started learning Japanese. One of the most difficult languages to learn, but yet with the right motivation and passion, I was doing extremely well. It made us wonder. 17 years ago I met the love of my life, Pui-Yuk. Now my wife, mother of my children, and co-owner of Maru Films. We have now settled just outside Amsterdam.
What moves you in this adventure/journey?: I've always had a passion for creating things. The same goes for Pui-Yuk, she had an economic education but never felt at home at the jobs she had after. She made the change to start over in the creative industry as a project manager at a creative agency. Where we started filming car events, we had friends that were getting married and liked the videos we made. They asked us to film their wedding and that's where it all started. At that time I also had my own creative agency, so we did the weddings on the side, and were quite happy with that. We didn't want to grow too much until Pui-Yuk was looking at changing jobs, and came to the conclusion it was better to go full-time on Maru Films. My creative agency at some point merged with another company and I slowly shifted my focus to Maru Films. When in 2017 we had 11 destination weddings in 1 year, it was not realistic to do both "jobs" and we both went full time in Maru Films.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: I'm very stubborn, I enjoy having the support of my loved ones but I can also do without. It has always given me opportunities to try things others would be afraid to do. Like starting new companies and new endeavors. So I'm happy I'm not being held back by that.
“The best creativity comes from inside.”
What are you the proudest of?: I'm the proudest of my family, my kids, and my wife. It sounds corny until you have experienced it yourself. There is an undesirable connection or bond you have with your family, that you have to cherish. And the hard part is to find the balance between the ambitions and the time you want to spend with your family.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?:
Good questions so in chronological order:
- Paperboy (when I was 11)
- Working in a snack bar (16)
- Working as a pizza deliver (17)
- Cleaner (17)
- Started my own web design agency (18)
- Full-time position as TNT Head Office as Web Designer (21)
- Manager Intranet TNT Head Office (26)
- Japanese student (28)
- Freelance Frontend developer (29)
- Owner Creative agency (30)
- Owner Maru Films (31)
- Owner Octoa (37)
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Yes for sure, the best creativity comes from inside. Although as mentioned I still have a quite rational approach to this, if you don't put your heart in it has a different quality. Creativity needs to be felt, and it can only be felt by others if you can feel it yourself.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Riccardo Fasoli
What would be your question to this person?: What is the ultimate goal?
And your answer would be?: The ultimate goal is to come to a point where the ambition slows down, and I can truly be just happy with everything I have and have accomplished. The constant drive of wanting to progress is tiring and in a way useless. So perhaps it's financial freedom but likely a change in mindset.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 11/05/1982
LOCATION: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
OCCUPATION: WEDDING FILMMAKER
Copyright : Emily Roembach-Clark
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /marufilms/
WEBSITE: http://marufilms.com/en/
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Pat Cori
PAT CORI: “I am often inspired by art, paintings, colors. But then when I create I unlearn it all and let go of all influences. I just let my mind flow.”
by Eric-René Penoy
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I am creative and I love being behind the scenes. Lover of life and fueled by passion.
I get emotional during a commercial, listening to the lyrics of a song or by the emotions captured in an image or a painting.
Sometimes I feel so much that tears go down my cheeks and I'm ok with it because I would rather this than not feeling.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: During my years as a Wedding Photographer, I also had the chance to mentor other photographers.
I would love to steer my future in that direction. It truly gratifies me to see my mentees succeed!
Where do you come from? Give us details: I was born in NY and I grew up in Italy. Being part of two countries always made me feel like I belonged to both. My love for traveling started at a young age, I always enjoyed learning about different cultures and languages.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: I am often inspired by art, paintings, colors. But then when I create I unlearn it all and let go of all influences. I just let my mind flow. So yes, creativity definitely involves putting my heart and soul into my work.
What is your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: I was always inspired and attracted by art. Music, drawing, painting started to take over me at a very young age. I started photography after my son was born and it was truly like an addiction. It was almost as if I had been waiting to pick up a camera my whole life.
How would you like to be remembered?: I believe the people that meet me can say that I am very positive, full of life and I love to inspire! If people can remember that of me, I would be pretty happy!
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: Definitely not. I would only have started earlier if I had the chance.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: I was told that this was always and only going to be a hobby. I know it doesn't seem like great advice, but it pushed me to prove that person wrong.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Yes, I currently do and I love it!
What inspires you on your daily basis?: It's hard to explain, I get days that I'm on a high of ideas. It just happens and I love reaching out to my mentees on those days as well cause I know I can inspire them too!
“What I did in the past molded who I am today and I am pretty damn proud of this person.”
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: No, what I did in the past molded who I am today and I am pretty damn proud of this person. :)
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: On a beach, in Italy, with my family, camera in hand. Playing music, dancing, and laughing until our bellies would hurt! It would also involve my favorite foods and wine!
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person: I was very little and I was watching Grease. Olivia Newton-John was singing "Hopelessly Devoted to You". It touched me so much that I just wanted to sing. That's how I got into music. Drawing and painting were always my other outlet when I was a child.
What does it mean to get older for you?: Passing on information to other creatives. Sharing my knowledge, seeing other people succeed.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?: Capturing my couples for who they are.
Growing up I was taught to "be pretty" and I realized later on that “being pretty” takes away from the real feelings, from those raw and authentic emotions that are so much more powerful and deep.
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?: Eric Rene Penoy.
I am inspired by you so much! In the past years, I spent hours on your website! Your images give me goosebumps and they make me feel...
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: Every single time!
How do you deal with creativity blocks?: I step away from everything and I involve myself in my other outlets. "Playing piano & Singing" and "painting". I have an art room in my house dedicated to that! :)
What do you intend to achieve through your work?: Give people memories that they can look back in 10-20 years and say "Yup! That was us! Feel through their images who they used to be."
Think back to your childhood. What did you hope to become as an adult?: A clown, haha. I just wanted to make people laugh! I am a people's pleaser and it truly makes me happy to see other people happy!
Do you have any regrets in life?I: Not have started photography sooner.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: Constantly push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Reach out to the people you are inspired by and don't ever stop learning. Be yourself and don't compare yourself to anyone.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Eric Rene Penoy.
What would be your question to this person?: How do you bring your images to life? :)
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What made you the person you are today?
And your answer would be?: The struggles I have been through that made me stronger and love life even more.
The desire to succeed and to be happy.
Learning to let go of perfection, cause beauty to live in all the imperfections.
Believing in myself, even when I was told not to.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 12/08/1974
LOCATION: VIRGINIA, US
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : Carrie Michelle Photography.
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /patcoriphotography/
WEBSITE: https://www.patcoriphotography.com/
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Irina and Matej
IRINA & MATEJ: “We have developed through every moment of it and we absolutely loved it.”
by Eric-René Penoy
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: It's not crucial. You're the one firing the shutter, not your friends or family. But it's nice to have somebody for support.
What are you the proudest of?: Proud Dad. Our girl Eva is above everything else.
If you could interview a creative person (past or present), who would that person be? Please explain your choice.: Larry David.
I would love to grab a drink with him and ask him a couple of questions. About his creative process, writing the stories he wrote, and lots of other things that define him as a person.
If you had the chance to live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose?: Everything prior to the social media bubble. Validating art through numbers is no no to me. But if I have to choose one: 90's New York.
How would you like to be remembered?: By these 2 quotes: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott and "All I have in this world is my balls and my word, and I don’t break ’em for no one." - Tony Montana. I think I would love to be remembered as a man behind his words and work, pretty simple!
If you had to start over, would you choose a different path in your career?: Nope, never! This is the only way to go.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: Never listened to anybody, really. That’s me. Maybe one: "The Opposite" from George Costanza - that worked out a couple of times.
Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?: Absolutely, I would love to do it more!
Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work? Explain.: Never :P Of course, I do, I slipped one here. Find it!
Looking at what you have created in the past, would you change anything today?: Not a single thing. It was such a journey that made us what we are today. We have developed through every moment of it and we absolutely loved it. Our lives are richer in a way that is hard to describe in a few sentences.
"Bringing something new to the "table" every time and still staying true to your work.”
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?: Beauty of the projects is that you can work on them through your whole life, and just add new ones that come through the process. It's enough to have only one and the rest will follow in a never-ending stream.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?: I would go for the run early in the morning and then spend the rest of the day with family and friends.
What does it mean to get older for you?: Just leveling up, nothing else.
After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy to do what you do?: I love working with our couples, they make us go that extra mile! We made new friends after every wedding we did, and I'm really looking forward to getting back to it.
Are you enjoying this life?: I have enjoyed every second until they announced those 15 days to flatten the curve. That was a joke.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life? Explain.: Miles Davis. Bringing something new to the "table" every time and still staying true to your work.
Do you believe art should deliver a message?: No. But it's good if it does.
Do you have any regrets in life?: Not slapping more people. Just kidding. I'm a good guy :)
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: Read, just read every day.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: 1. Be yourself
2. Do Only Good Everyday
3. Never work for free
4. Stay away from toxic people
5. Knowledge
6. Don't wait
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 23.04.1986
LOCATION: OSIJEK, CROATIA
OCCUPATION: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : PETAR JURICA
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /florschutz/
WEBSITE: https://irinaandmatej.com/
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