Wedding Photographer Hamburg Kirill Brusilovsky Photodesign shoots a wedding at Wedding Barn Essex, Germany

Tell us a little about yourself??

I was born in Moscow, but lived already more than half of my life in Germany.
I started my career initially as a designer in visual communication about two decades ago. I have been taking pictures since childhood and remember well the feeling of a darkroom and developing films and prints by myself, at that time it was just fun and I did not think that I would become a professional photographer.

In Russia the photo films one could buy were miserable, with ugly, desaturated colors. Kodak film with its lively and crispy colors was something one could only dream of. I guess, that’s why I am not on a vintage trip, which is so popular nowadays. I like vivid, lively colors.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

I am an extrovert, curious person, who likes to ask many questions. I guess some like it and some don’t :) I guess, judging on how often I talk about my wedding photography work, many might describe me as a freak.

Tell us a little bit about the wedding day?

I was very excited about this wedding because it was my first (but hopefully not the last one) in the UK. I was very warmly welcomed by the couple, their friends and family. The weather was at its best and there was a great mood, especially in the evening when the live band has playing.

Unfortunately I got ill already on my way to England and by the end of the day had a high fever. Of course it did not prevent me from doing my job till the end, but after it I had to spend several days in bed.

How did you get into wedding photography?

I got married in 2006. At that time I knew little about weddings, so I decided to visit a few friends weddings just to get an idea. I had already been professionally photographing at that time, so I decided to take a camera with me.

Since the very beginning I had pleasure shooting weddings, so the idea of doing it seriously came quite quick. Actually, my wife had it first :)

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I have been shooting weddings since 2006.

Can you share how you've made your wedding photography business a success? Any mistakes you made along the way?

Initially my primary business was design and the main reason for going into photography was for fun and searching for other ways to express creativity, not money. I guess I just managed to attracted clients who managed to find my work.

Since I didn't have much thought in the beginning, I guess I have made a mistake with my domain name, which is very long and not international enough, which is a disadvantage since I do have many international clients and am photographing also outside of Germany. However I have decided to stick to the domain, because it has become a kind of a trend and does well on Google. Never change some thing that works ;-)

Few years after I started, wedding photography has become a serious business for me. Before studying visual communication I have studied advertising and some knowledge of marketing has helped my business a lot to stand out of the crowd and simply to survive. I guess the biggest mistake many my colleagues make is ignoring the importance of marketing.

What do you think a bride or groom should be looking for and not looking for in terms of wedding photography packages?

First thing, brides and grooms should take a closer look at the pictures. All these weird award-winning pictures are just a hook to attract attention. But normally, you'd want more than just one-two really state-of-the-art pictures.

You'd expect a story, well captured, both technically and creatively. So, when you are interested in a photographer, try to see as many of his pictures as possible, a complete wedding and ask yourself if you would be happy with it if you were a couple.

Second, I think personal (or at least a video) contact to the photographer prior to the wedding is important. You have to make sure if 'the chemistry' between you is good. Take an advantage of the in-depth consultation, which most photographers would offer for free prior to the booking, then you will be able to better understand your priorities.

How do you advertise yourself and what for you has really worked?

Web and social media are my most important communication channels. For me it works better than print and fairs.

Why do you think people hire you?

I guess, because in my work they can see that I am passionate about it.

How many weddings do you average per year?

Around two dozen in average.

Whose wedding would you love to shoot?

Never thought about it this way. I love shooting every single wedding.

If you were asked to shoot a destination wedding, where would you hope it would be?

I’d love to come to the UK again :) I’d also love to shoot some exotic traditional wedding.

What equipment do you have for a typical wedding day?

I must admit, I like to carry quite a lot of equipment with me just in case.
Most of the time I work with two Canon 5d Mk III bodies, several radio controlled flashes and mostly fast lenses: 16-35/2,8 L, 70-200/2,8 L and 85/1,2 L, but also carry a 45 mm TS-E, Fish Eye and 50/1,4 Sigma Art with me, which I use time to time.

What is the most challenging thing about a wedding.