Company Name: Martin Makowski Photography
Interview with: Martin Makowski
Location / Coverage: Nottingham / UK/ Destinations
How did the business get started and who works at Martin Makowski Photography?
I have always had a huge interest in photography. It all seriously started when I bought my first digital SLR seven years ago, and like every keen photographer I was photographing anything and everything. I was eager to improve my skills, and gained the photography knowledge from every available source; books, magazines, the internet and, most importantly, hard work and practice. Every time I saw a great photo it was nagging me how it was taken; I wanted to learn how to do it myself.
Soon after I moved into photographing people and it didn’t take me long to start shooting weddings, first for family and friends then as semi-professional photographer; I still had my daily job at that time. Photography really started taking over and the more I did it the more I loved it.
I left my job five years ago and started working for myself, trading under my name as Martin Makowski Photography. It is a one-man business and I work on my own.
Had you always wanted to be a photographer?
Originally I wanted to be a waste collector, then astronaut, pilot, sailor and many more. Then I was thinking of becoming a psychologist. Fortunately I didn’t become any of the mentioned.
After Construction College and A levels I started working in professional kitchens, first as a pot washer then I built my way up to a head chef role. Photography was always there and I always enjoyed looking at the world around me through the viewfinder.
Finally, I left my job to become a photographer; I have no regrets at all.
Can you remember how old you were when you took your first picture? What was it of?
My father was a keen photographer and there was always a camera near me. It would be hard to remember the very first photo I took, but one I remember well was of Smurfs on television. It did not turn out well at all.
Which areas of the UK do you cover?
I am based in Nottingham and most of weddings I photograph are in the Midlands. I am always willing to travel and never say no to a wedding far from home.
What do you feel sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
I photograph weddings in a pure documentary way with no intervention from me at all; I never direct, pose or try to create something. I carefully observe throughout the day and I aim to capture the true atmosphere of the wedding. Emotions, interactions, people in general.
Real people, real emotions, real wedding.
How would you describe your photography style?
A very honest storytelling approach. It is documentary wedding photography, also called reportage or photojournalism. I fully respect the documentary way of photographing weddings and I don’t use these names as fashionable words. The rules are simple: no posing, no directing and no faking at all. It is about capturing the emotional essence and atmosphere of the day.
People that come across my work simply call it very natural.
What packages do you offer and what are your rates?
I believe the wedding story should be told in full. There is one package that covers a full day from morning preparations till evening fun on dance floor, and it costs £950.
What is the best thing about your job?
Every wedding is different. There is no routine to it.
Do you have a specialist area of photography?
I must say, wedding photography is definitely my thing.
Who/what are your influences?
On a personal level I must mention my wife Gosia; she is a big motivator for me. I am very critical about what I do and I would have probably quit photography if she wasn’t convincing me that I am not that bad at it.
When it comes to inspiration there are many great photographers that have huge influence on me. Two names I have to mention are Kevin Mullins and Mark Wallis. These two photographers and their work got me to understand what wedding photography is really about. It was a big turning point when I first saw their images.
Do you have a favourite picture that you have taken (If you can choose!)?
This one…
What is your top tip for choosing a wedding photographer?
Make sure you pick the right photographer for your needs. There are a few different wedding photography styles and many interpretations. The industry is very saturated now and not everybody with a ‘nice camera’ can take a good photo. If the price is very low that’s probably for a reason.
Do good research, speak to your potential photographer and make sure he or she knows the score.
Random question… Where does your surname Makowski originate from?
I was born and bred in Poland hence the very typical Polish surname ending with –ski. I left the motherland 10 years ago.
Where can people find out more about Martin Makowski Photography?
Best place to be up to date with what I’m up to is my website www.makowskiphotography.co.uk.
It’s easy to find me on Facebook and Twitter. I’m a very friendly guy so anyone can just contact me to say hello.
