Localfoto.co.uk

We recently had the chance to have a quick chat with Aimee Hurst, professional wedding photographer. Aimee gives us a great insight into what being a wedding photographer is all about, as well as some general photography tips.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a professional Wedding and Portrait Photographer, based in sunny Bournemouth. I run my own company, Aimee Hurst Photography and enjoy many different types of Photography including travel, and landscape.

How long has photography been your career and how did you get into it?

Like most Photographer’s I have enjoyed it as long as I can remember. Before I started out I was a Flight Attendant, which allowed me to travel around the world with my camera and take shots at some amazing locations. Travel photography is still a huge passion of mine but the airline I worked for went bust in 2008 and that’s when I decided it was time to really give photography a go properly.

Your main type of photography is wedding photography; tell us a bit more about that

Wedding photography is very stressful yet very rewarding at the same time. It’s someone’s big day and it’s your sole responsibility to capture it how they want it! That is a lot of pressure! However at the same time it is such a happy occasion you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of it all! Then seeing their reactions to the images as they view them and remember all the special moments makes the stress worthwhile.

If someone wanted to become a Wedding Photographer what advice would you give him or her?

The best route in my opinion is to create yourself a small portfolio of images (not necessarily weddings) There is an excellent course to help with this at www.pictureweddings.co.uk.

The next step is to contact as many Photographers’ as you can in your area. An assistant’s position will come up at some point you just have to be patient and determined.

Tell us a bit about your equipment

I only use Canon. I have 2 Canon 50D cameras and a range of lenses. I always invest in the highest quality of lens and accessories. If you don’t have faith in the equipment you are using then it will show in your images.

If you could give us one, general photography tip what would it be?

Practice makes perfect! The more familiar you are with your equipment – the better the images you will produce. Also keep up to date with the latest trends in styles etc otherwise you will become quickly stuck in a rut, photography changes very quickly.

A website or blog that you visit often (photography related or not)

Social networking site’s such as Facebook, Twitter and linked in are amazingly good for generating business!

Has the Internet changed photography for you?

Definitely! I didn’t run my business with out the Internet so I can’t say it’s changed it but I can’t imagine life with out it! 80% of enquiries come in via email after people have found me online. This means that I don’t have to pay huge overheads by having premises on the local high street and people can communicate with me when it best suits them.

What’s your view of stock photography sites like localfoto.co.uk from a photographer’s point of view? A feasible source of income or just a way to promote yourself?

I think it’s great. As I mentioned, travel photography is a huge passion and I also live in Dorset, which has so many beautiful places to photograph. Localfoto allows me to share my work with the world and looking through other people’s images gives me inspiration for my next shots.

Is there anything you would of done differently in your photographic career or wish to change in the future?

So far my only regret is I wish I had started earlier! However at 26 I have a long future ahead of me and have now began working towards my qualifications for the British Institute Of Professional Photographers (BIPP).

Thanks again Aimee for your time.

If you wish to enquire about Aimee’s wedding photography visit her site at aimeehurstphotography.com

See Aimee’s collection at localfoto here

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