So today for our interview with a fellow photographer colleague, I have managed to get Michele Agostinis, to find time to answer some interview questions for me!

Michele, a Venice native and accomplished photojournalist and wedding photographer, has dedicated years to exploring diverse opportunities, such as creating a moving exhibition on child labor in Latin America and capturing the lives of Kenyans in an exhibition titled "People from the True Continent." While splitting his time between Venice and Vienna, Michele finds endless inspiration in his hometown's captivating scenes, ranging from the tranquility of the lagoon at dusk to the vibrant energy of the Carnivale. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he also leads photography workshops primarily in Italy and Austria.

Thank you Michele for your time!

So Michele could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into photography.. and specifically into wedding photography?  I see you did travel to different countries before settling in Venice.

My interest in photography goes hand in hand with my interest in people and cultures.

I started my career in 2002 documenting child labour in Latin America for 12 months, culminating in a travelling exhibition, and documenting the lives of Kenyans in an exhibition called "People from the True Continent".

Did you always want to be a photographer?  How did your studies and experiences help you in the photography world?  What inspired you to venture into photography?

No, it just happened. I studied economics and my thesis was about "International law on child labour". After university I did a photo reportage on child labour in South America and after that trip I decided to become a photographer.

I would personally describe your photography style as documentary and fun. How would you define your artistic vision and style in your wedding photography?

I have 20 years of experience and I am always looking to make something modern, nicer and different. My style is just the result of my experience.

What books / resources or training did you find more useful at the beginning of your photographic career that helped you prepare for today?

I worked as a photojournalist for the newspaper "Il Gazzettino" for 8 years. I did from 3 to 10 photo shoots a day.

We all agree that photography is not about equipment, though professional equipment helps.  Can you tell us what is currently in your photography bag when preparing for a wedding (flashes, triggers, tripods, other useful accessories)?  Do you have different setups for different occasions or do you always shoot with the same set of cameras and lenses?

I use different lenses for different situations. Mostly I use a 24-70mm, 17-35mm and 50mm. Flash only when needed. I decide each time which lens to take.

I know this is a hard question, but let's try... from all the wedding / photoshoot images you took, which is your favourite image and why?

My favourite, of course, is the photo that was the winner of the Austrian Wedding Award 2022 for the best solo portrait.

Which is the photo which took you the most time and effort to take?  

The solo portrait that won the Austrian Wedding Award.

What was one of your ahha moments in your photography career and experience?  

When I was helping a bride fix her shoes during her make-up. There were a lot of people in the room, but everyone was nervous, so I did it.

How do you approach a wedding day? (mentally, preparation wise, etc)

I go to the gym and do yoga all year round.

How do you manage destination weddings when compared to other weddings you shoot? 

I change a lot of locations, which is nice and challenging for me. I just go to the locations a few hours before the wedding or the day before.

How much does post-production play a role in your photography?

Not much, I prefer to keep the photos "natural".

What are the typical challenges you find as a wedding photographer?

There are so many important moments on a wedding day and it is always a challenge to keep the level of my photography high.

What advice would you give to new photographers to improve quickly and effectively?  What advice would you give to the more experienced ones?

Learn to make things that are not interesting, interesting! You will make beautiful things look more beautiful.

To the more experienced ones: never stop learning.

What are your future goals as a photographer?  Do you have any long term plans?

I would like to produce a book and an exhibition about Peru.

Thank you Michele for your time! Be sure to check his work on https://www.micheleagostinis.com/