ISPWP Member Spotlight - Martin Dabek Photography - Bristol Wedding Photographer

1. How did you get your start and why did you chose wedding photography as a career?

I photographed my first wedding for friends of mine, which happened to be in Mexico. I was backpacking in South America when I received an email that their wedding is in two weeks time. My friend asked me to photograph her wedding in exchange for my airfare. I couldn’t say no.  The Mexican wedding was so much fun that I decided to look deeper into wedding photography and here I am today working as Bristol wedding photographer.

2. How has your extensive experience in wedding photography helped you in difficult circumstances on a wedding day?

I’ve shot in every possible lighting situation, space, and restriction so when I walk into a room I immediately think about my camera settings, lens choice, and how to compose a creative shot within the first minute. No matter what the weather is or the light conditions, I'm able to find a way to make it work.

3. Tell us about some of the more unique weddings you've shot.

There were lots of unique weddings over the years. However the one that was the more unique was an Asian wedding in olive grove just outside Florence in Italy. The light, atmosphere, guests, food were just out of this world. 

4. What are some of your favorite local venues?

Working as Bristol wedding photographer and wedding photographer Somerset I have a privilege to work in lots of lovely venues around Bristol area, some of my favourites are: Matara Center, Coombe Lodge, Priston Mill and Brympton House.

5. What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?

Check photographers sample wedding albums and clearly communicate what are you looking for regarding your wedding pictures. 

6. What's your favorite part of the wedding day to photograph?

Bride and Groom together time. That’s when magic happens and emotions connect in a real sense.

7. What kinds of weddings do you love to photograph?

I love fusion weddings where you can capture differents cultutre and wedding tradition blend together. Tipis/yurts or festival weddings are great fun too.

8. What are your top tips for brides to help them get great photos on their wedding day?

Don’t let the small stuff bother you on the wedding day. Something is not going to go exactly to plan and that’s okay.  Just be yourself and don’t worry about the photos. The best photos come out when you are comfortable, relaxed, and trust your photographer.

9. How important is it to hire an experienced wedding photographer

The wedding photos are the thing that truly stand the test of time and trigger those memories of one of the most amazing days of your life. 

The photographs live on way beyond the day, even the lifetimes of the individuals… so why not invest well in them?

10. What do you find is the biggest challenge in wedding photography?

Aside from the weather, which you cannot control, I think the most challenging part of the wedding is how quickly the day goes by.

11. Do you do "destination weddings?" If so, what are your favorite destinations?

Yes I do destinations weddings. I did few in different parts of Italy, also my first wedding this year was in sunny Algavre (Portugal) and I love it.

12. What do you do for fun when you're not shooting weddings?

Editing them :) Seriuosly I love hiking, spending time with my baby boy and cooking with my wife some new exotic dishes.

13. How would you describe your style of photography?

Relaxed, passionate and creative are the words I would use to describe my style. I love capturing candid moments, it is really important to me just allow the day to unfold naturally and record those special moments as they occur. I also love artistic and dramatic images with bold colours  but also timeless black and white images. My couples love my low-light/evening portaits, so that’s probably the reason why I shoot quite a lot Winter weddings too.

15. Do you offer albums? If so, describe the albums you offer and why you think it's important to provide albums

I have found over the past few years my clients are going back to wanting a wedding album and have seen the importance of having a product they can touch and feel and of course also one they can share with friends and family. I provide my wedding clients with GraphiStudio wedding albums from Italy, which I believe are first class albums.

17. What (or who) inspires you?

Two Manns, Jerry Ghionis & Chrismans' crew

18. Have you found any products, services, or seminars that have made a difference to your photography or your business?

I photograph quite a lot of Winter weddings so Lowel Id light is one of the tools I use a lot as Winter wedding photographer in Bristol.  Looking back in time I think Creative Live and Ice Society was a game changer for me.

19. What's the best photography-related advice you've been given?

No matter what take the picture, then take the better one.

20. What would you say was the biggest reason for your success?

I have to thank all of my former clients for my success. It’s a nice feeling to know that your clients love their photos so much they tell all their friends about you. I aslo try to blog every week my Bristol wedding photography  so lots of couples find me that way too.