Heroes

No not the TV programme (although I really enjoyed that!) and perhaps 'Heroes" is a little strong.
I was just sat here thinking of who had influenced me in  recent years with my photography? I am not traditionally trained photographically  so the likes of Bresson are less of of an influence - although timeless.

No  I am talking about Photographers in the wedding industry who I want to meet- who I want to read about - who I want to go to their seminars- who I would look at their images  prior to my wedding to give me inspiration.
I dont think there are any major surprises to my list- its just MY list.

I have to start with YERVANT I simply adore his work. Watching and listening to him in his seminars make you realise that you still have a long way to go to reach  the dizzy heights but he also shows you that it really can be done. I remember him doing a photo shoot in Warrington of all places and  thought -Well I do that and I do that but then I looked at his finished images and went WOW. It made me look at the obvious more closely, made me aware of the possibilities of what you could do with an image once you had it in the bag.
JOE BUISSINK again another master whose style is totally different  to the relaxed shooting of Yervant Joe seems to like the Ninja approach (as he calls it) Regardless the results are fantastic.

(photo of YERVANT; DAVID BARRY; JOE BUISSINK)

A few years ago I did 3 weddings for people who currently live in Australia, but were getting married back here in the Uk. (Very Flattering considering the quality of Aussie photographers) However one of the brides came along for chat to discuss the wedding day  and most brides bring some notes or clippings from 'Your wedding" mag.or something similar - but this bride brought an Australian magazine. I say Magazine  it was more like an ultimate guide to the Masters of Wedding Photography.
 I was 'gobsmaked when I saw this edition I promptly nicked it from her and said she couldn't have it back.  I still use it and a later issue to this day for inspiration.

It features greats such as XSIGHT with JERRY GHIONIS and RYAN SCHREMBRI  - MARCUS BELL at STUDIO IMPRESSIONS  and ROB HEYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY and DAVID OLIVER fantastic photographers with fantastic images. If you get the chance to get a copy it is well worth it. As I said I nicked the first copy called 'THE MASTERS OF BRIDAL COUTURE & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY" I bought online another issue entitled "THE MASTERS OF WEDDINGS (from studio magazines) - (no I am not connected or paid by them in any way!)  In terms of a bridal magazine they are simply Stunning.
More recently my inspiration comes from JASMINE STAR - Fresh and fast only being doing it for 4 years so it proves it can be done but she makes me laugh with her tweets and her blogs. She really should write a novel she is a natural. Her work is simple and clean and fresh and you feel like you already know her. She makes ME feel comfortable. Brilliant. One not to miss is Jeff Ascough a brilliant photographer with a distinctive style, and he is based very near to me!! check out his website at http://www.jeffascough.com/

Well there we have it some of the worlds greatest (sorry if I missed you-it was just my list thats all).
If you have not seen any of their work and I doubt that, then google them- Twitter them or go to their Facebook pages  You will find a wealth of inspiration.