Choosing a wedding photographer can be a daunting task.  We interview wedding photographers from around the world in order to showcase the different styles available and to share advice from the experts! 

This week, we talked to Yakir, from YZ photography in England.

How did you first get into wedding photography?
I started my career in photography as press & events photographer and also did some writing. Family matters were the main incentive to move into wedding photography. I worked for a short period for a guy who had a wedding photography business, learned the basics and then decided to branch out on my own.

What would you say makes your photography unique?
I try to photograph people in a natural and relaxed way. I believe that when people are at ease with the situation, the camera will reflect their ‘easiness’.

For that reason when I pose people I will always make sure that they feel comfortable and will not pose them in awkward poses.

What is the one thing you try to capture in your photography?
I try to capture those special moments that make a wedding day such a unique event; like a tiny tear in the groom’s mother eye or the bride’s infectious laughter.

What is your favourite image to photograph at a wedding?
One of my favourite images that I try to capture at every wedding is the expression on the bride’s face when she first walks into the ceremony room and sees the groom waiting for her. I focus on the bride’s face but include the groom in the shot out of focus.

What piece of equipment could you not do without?
My 5D II is one piece of equipment I can’t do without. The ability to shoot at 4000 and more ISO with such low noise level has made a great difference on my photography. When using flash I always use it with a bracket and a diffuser to achieve soft and shadowless images.

Why do you love photographing weddings?
I always joke that I love wedding photography because it gives you the chance to photograph happy, smiley people. If I wanted to photograph miserable people I would have become a fashion photographer…

What is the biggest challenge in photographing a wedding?
Before each wedding I always create a shoot list based on information gathered from the couple. I always try to work with the bride and groom and let them feel that they are in control, while making sure that I get all the shots that I need. Things not always go according to plans and the biggest challenge is to know when to let go even though you didn’t get everything you wanted. The bride and groom and their families happiness is more important than you artistic vision.

What one piece of advice would you offer to couples regarding their wedding photography?
Your photographer is an extra guest to your wedding. Try to get to know him as much as you can and see if his personality fits yours. Wedding photography is as much about people’s skill as it is about photography and there are too many stories about brilliant photographers who managed to ruin the party with their behavior.

Find out more about YZ Photography:

YZ Photography