Andreas Pollok, an award-winning, fine art wedding photographer from Hemsbach, Deutschland, embraces the challenge of working in such a demanding genre. His work showcases thoughtful storytelling, a sharp eye for detail, and an adeptness in creating dramatic portraiture and landscape photography. We recently interviewed Andreas so that we could learn a little more about how he started and how he finds success in the wedding photography industry today. You can find more of Andreas’ work on his Website and Wedding Maps Profile.
Welcome to the Featured Artist Series at The Photo Argus, a place where we feature the stories and work of incredible photographers from around the world. Many of these features are from the best wedding photographers over at Wedding Maps. However, we also feature photographers in other genres as well. If you’re interested in being featured, please contact us.
What’s in Andreas’ Gear Bag?
- Sony A9 (Find A9 II here)
- Sony A7R IV
- Nikon D850
- Nikon D5 (Find D6 here)
- Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
- Sony 35mm f/1.8
- Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM
- Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM
- Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
- Nikon 35mm f/1.4
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
- Nikon 58mm f/1.4
- Nikon 85mm f/1.4
- Nikon 105mm f/1.4
- Profoto A1 (Find the A10 here)
- + More
Now, let’s jump into the interview!
What is your favorite camera lens and why?
Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM. Since getting into photography, I’ve used 50mm lenses. That’s why I’ve had a lot of 50mm lenses in the past. From Canon, Nikon and Sony. And the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM is the best. It is sharp, and I like the look of the images that I shoot with this lens. It is not too heavy for an f/1.2 aperture lens.
How long have you been a photographer? What got you started?
I’ve been a wedding photographer for 15 years now. Originally, my friends made me do it because I had to photograph their wedding. At first, I didn’t want to do it. I had no experience. So, we went to a local photo studio together and they both got advice there. But after we went out, I said to them, “Well, these kinds of photos, I can do that, too. Let’s try.” So, this was my first wedding. And after that, friends of friends asked me also to shoot their wedding photos. And after that, I thought I would only get invited to weddings because I can take photos. So, I made this my job.
How did you establish and define your shooting and editing style?
I have always looked very closely at my pictures and tried to analyze what is good and what is bad about them. But developing your skills and your own style takes time. The images from my first weddings are not very good. Also, with editing, every year I change a little bit my presets and try to refine them. It is an ongoing process.
How do you differentiate yourself from the photographer down the street?
I think I can work with light. Most of my images are influenced by light. That’s why a location where I take photos doesn’t matter to me. I only look after the light.
What is the best part about being a photographer?
Working with people who are all in a good mood at a wedding.
What is the most challenging part of being a photographer?
The most challenging part is also working with people. Being a photographer is is more than just pressing the shutter button. It is working with all kind of people and keeping them in a good mood.
Who are some of your favorite photographers?
What are your sources of photography inspiration?
I love Patreon.
What advice would you give someone wanting to learn photography?
Work hard, criticize your own images, and take your time for this.
More Info
You can find more of Andreas’ work on his Website and Wedding Maps Profile.
