Interview: Martin Makowski

In our regular interview series where we chat to the people behind the lens, today we talk to Martin Makowski, a Nottingham and East Midlands based Wedding Photographer.

Hi Martin, so first off how long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
I have been photographing weddings for 5 years. 3 years ago I started doing it in a pure documentary way.

Photography has been my big passion since I was a kid. My father was a keen photographer and he had his own little darkroom. Cameras have always been near me and I enjoyed photographing what was around me.

I seriously got into it 7 years ago when I bought my first digital SLR. It started with some traveling and landscape photography. I then moved into photographing people. Everything I know about photography came from self-study and practice.

What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
Every wedding is different and special in its own way. Weddings are about people, love, joy and happiness. The emotions in general. I absolutely love being able to capture it all for couples. My heart goes into every single wedding I photograph. I get really excited about each and every one of them.

How would you describe your style and approach?
I photograph weddings in a pure documentary way with a full respect to the rule of “no orchestrating”. It is often named as reportage or photojournalism too. I never interrupt the wedding flow. Everything is being photographed as it happens. Special moments cannot be created or staged. It is all about careful observation. I am a very passionate about people, the way they interact and how they express their emotions. It is a very honest storytelling approach.

What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Make sure you choose the right person for the job. There are a few different wedding photography styles and their interpretations. Do a good research and pick what’s right for you. Talk to your potential photographer and make sure you share the same vision and ideas. Like any trade wedding photography industry has some cowboys too, so keep your eyes open. Your wedding will only happen once.

What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
It is your big day, just enjoy it and let the photographer capture the atmosphere. Most importantly be yourself and keep it real.

Finally… What’s the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
The best moment happens to me every time I receive the feedback from my clients. I love wedding photography and I fulfil my passion by doing it. After all I do it for people. When I know they are loving their wedding photos, it is the biggest reward for me. I am chuffed to bits every single time when I know they are happy.

A big thanks to Martin for taking time out to chat with us, you can find out more about him and his work on his profile page here where you can also get in touch.