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#1 interview | BEKA BITTERLI
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Beka and I have been working together since 2016 (she has ordered her sample photobook that year :)) an we have met in 2017.
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the photography and wedding industry and wanted to know how the photographers I work with feel about their work and what they consider important. So, without further ado, here is the first interview! :)
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1.What does photography mean to you personally?
For me, photos have a deeply personal meaning. Looking through my wedding album, for example, I immediately feel grateful and happy. And of course, photography behind the camera means a lot to me too. I found my dream job through photography. I simply adore capturing people and their moments of joy, which makes photography both personally and professionally fulfilling for me.
2. Was becoming a wedding photographer always your goal, or did your path evolve over time?
For me, photographing weddings always seemed to be the supreme discipline of photography and at the beginning I didn’t imagine photographing a wedding myself. About ten years ago, I was asked to photograph my girlfriend’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. I said yes, and I enjoyed it so much that I boldly accepted the next request: photographing a civil wedding. The experience was mind blowing: all those happy and stylish people, the excitement, the uniqueness, the good atmosphere and the ultimate reward: the story full of happiness printed in a photo album. From that very first wedding, I knew I had found my dream job.
3. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?
A big challenge is to stay true to yourself and do what you enjoy, and not dedicate yourself exclusively to the demands of others. I think every self-employed person struggles with this challenge.
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"I think it is very important to know your own principles and values. These automatically create your style."
Beka Bitterli
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4. How do you approach the technical side of photography, like choosing the right camera and lenses (is this important or is it overrated)?
I do believe that it is important to know the technology. I think it's important to know what's possible, and then of course also know how to achieve the desired result, for example a specific image style. Personally, I'm not particularly interested in technology. But I know exactly what my cameras are to be able to do or which lenses I need to use so I get satisfying results. I stay up to date with advice from the camera shop I trust. They know me and also inform me if there is something that would suit my style and enhance my equipment.
5. After years in the field, has photography become "just another job" for you? Is this even possible? What are some of the pros and cons you've experienced?
I feel so honored when I get to attend a wedding, and I look forward to every single one! Even after photographing nearly 200 weddings, I still love every part of it. I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but perhaps that’s just how it feels for anyone who has truly found their dream job.
Still, there are challenges. When you enjoy your work so much and are also your own boss, it can be easy to overwork. I'm currently trying to establish regular working hours and consciously create more breaks and recovery periods.
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6. What book on photography has influenced you the most, and why do you think it’s essential reading for other photographers?
I haven't read any books on photography yet, and I don't attend any photography exhibitions. I just prefer to take photos. :) I also didn't go to school to become a photographer. When I got my first SLR camera in 2014, I watched what felt like thousands of YouTube videos and took photos practically every day. Through practice, I found out what I like best and realized that I wanted to photograph people. I also attended selected workshops by other photographers. Even today, I continue learning new things. And in nature, I find great inspiration.
7. How would you describe your photography style? In your opinion, how important is it for a photographer to have a defined style?
I would describe my style as happy, lively and real. I think it is very important to know your own principles and values. These automatically create your style.
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8. Congratulations on your new studio! What inspired you to take this step, and what does having a studio mean for you and your work?
Thank you! I've been looking for a studio for years but never found the right one. This spring, I realized once again how much I wanted to have my own studio. I began to imagine it as a small, cozy studio. My photography happens outdoors, on location, or at my clients' homes, and a small and lovely studio space could perfectly complement my work. When I saw the advertisement for a small studio in an old building in a very pretty part of the city, I immediately knew this was my new studio. And my dream came true! Now I use it as an office and for meetings with wedding couples. It really makes a huge difference! The couples are thrilled to meet in a studio, and it's great for them to be able to see your albums in person and hold them in their hands!
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THE END
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Thank you so much for your time! The second interview is in the making and I will send it you before this year ends. :)
Warmly,
Iva
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