Photographer Verity Sansom

—Are you photogenic?

—In who's opinion? Haha

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—Chris and I met in our 3rd year of University and fell in love over our love of photography. We used to go on days out with our film cameras and wanted to make it our life. Chris asked me to join him in wedding photography and after our first wedding together we never looked back.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Good light, movement and emotion. Sometimes only one of these is necessary to make a good photograph but these are the 3 main things I look out for.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes! As a family when I was younger we were lucky enough to do a lot of travelling. I loved the long drives up to Scotland and had my eyes glued to the window to watch the scenery go by. I love exploring new countries too, America has so much to offer and are excited to be heading back there next year. Wether it's only a 2 hour drive or a night on a plane it's the excitement of somewhere new and new locations to take photographs of!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Everything! After over 220 weddings Chris and I couldn't wish to be doing anything else. Having got married ourselves we know how important those photographs are, it's such an amazing pleasure to give couples memories that they can treasure for generations. There are so many aspects to wedding photography, you have to be good at low light situations, details, portraits, landscapes, couple shots, posing, and most of all, all on a tight time limit! Not any other job has all these aspects and I guess that's what I thrive on, trying to make sure I get the best possible outcome to all those situations at every single wedding and going to each one not knowing what to expect. It's also the amazing feedback we get from our couples, they are the reason we do what we do and when you get an amazing letter or e-mail it really does make your day. Being able to do all of that and work hard to achieve our dreams with my husband by my side 24/7 is just the icing on the cake!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I think it's cliche to say there is nothing that I dislike about our job but it's pretty hard to think of anything! I guess it would be the fact that there is still so much rivalry between photographs which gets in the way of what truly matters. We all are privileged to do such an important and amazing job and I guess it would be great if everyone put their ego's to one side!

—What will be the future of photography?

—No idea really, probably having 10 photographers at once or something!

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—The unique way every photographer sees a moment differently.

—How do you handle criticism?

—As best as I can, I always make sure that when ever it happens to do everything in my power to correct and understand the situation.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—There will always be trends in wedding photography, and I have always made sure to stay away from them all! I've always believed that spending too long looking into other photographers work or wedding trends will confuse and change your own vision.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—That they fit in with their day, if they want a relaxed, chilled wedding then find a photographer that will shoot to suit their day and spend hours setting up shots.
I think one of the most important things is that you get along, we are such a large part of the day, to us the relationship between us and the couple is the most important thing.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Overstepping the mark in the ceremony. Everyone's heard those stories of photographers knocking over the registrar or annoying the vicar and it's really not worth it. There are so many angles to look for that disrupting the ceremony for a shot is simply not acceptable!

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—The things going on in the background, at the same time when I have my eye on the couple I always have my eye on what's going on around me!

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—If you've managed to capture the atmosphere of the moment, with emotion and from a perspective that makes you feel imersed in the moment.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—Obama.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Anyone!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nope!

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Erika and Lanny Mann would be awesome! I've always loved Jonas Peterson so I would have to say him too.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I try hard not to worry as worrying doesn't change the outcome to anything!

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Marrying Chris.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Pikachu, because it's cute and crazy! (this is what Chris said when I asked him!)

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My parents. My dad has always been a wildlife artist and my mum is an amazing writer. Since I was a child they've always worked so hard to make sure me and my sister had the best childhood. They believe so much in their work and don't compromise it for anything. They never give up and always follow their dreams. They are the most hard-working, loving people in the world.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Having a happy family, friends, pets and a home.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Early on in the business I believed too many sales callers!

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Camera, not sure I need a reason for that!

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—I'm not really a gadgety person!

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Every shoot I do I make sure I either mentally note down or write down what I could have improved on or things to rememeber for next time.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—I'd have to say Chris (my husband). We've shot together for over 220 weddings and he is just the best photographer I know. We have such different ways of shooting and ways of seeing everything and that's why its so great to see his take on something!

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—That it would be what I would end up doing forever! And that exposure is just opinion.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to capture the wedding day and the people we shoot in the best light and also with atmosphere. It's not so much about saying anything it's just about making sure their story is being told through my photographs. I want whoever looks at those photographs after to get a true reflection of them as a couple and also of what it was like to be there.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The couples we photograph! The amazing feedback we get and just the ambition to leave as many couples with awesome wedding photography as possible!

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Neither! They always encouraged us to do what makes us happy, whatever it was, and to me that was the best advice they could have given.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I'm not sure, I always believe that everything that you've done – mistake or not – has got you where you are today... so nothing!

—What about life on other planets?

—Definitely!

—Who are your heroes?

—My parents!

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People that complain about something but don't do anything to change it.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Go on walks, go to the gym and cuddle my cats!

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—I'm usually quite shy I guess!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I know I have put everything I have into a photography and it shows.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—No.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I'd like to think so.

—Where would you like to live?

—Somehwere in the Dales in Yorkshire, not too far from where we do now!

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—I agreed to be pulled along on a skateboard by a rope atached to a car... that was pretty stupid! No injuries though and the car was going quite slow.. but still. What is was like to be at Uni!

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course!

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—A woman owns a Parrot that keeps on swearing so she takes it to the Vet to ask what to do about it. The Vet says to put the Parrot in the freezer for 5 minutes and that should stop the swearing. So the woman goes home and puts the Parrot in the freezer and after 5 minutes goes and takes it out, the Parrot is relieved to be out of the freezer and says "I'm so sorry I will never swear again... but what did the chicken do ? " -- I know its bad isn't it!!!!!!!

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both! I love all animals, if we had a bigger house we would have a zoo!

—Who or what do you hate?

—I don't really like the word hate but I don't like TV Soaps!

—The best thing in life is:

—Love.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Seeing other people not enjoying what they do.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—Nope!

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—To be more confident.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I think everyone would say the same, end all the suffering and war.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Never stop believing it's possible.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Hi! We are all weird...

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Sci-fi.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—more photograph editing!