Photographer Anton Yulikov

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Singapore, Singapore? :)

—I always say that each couple will find its own best photographer. There is a best photographer neither in Saint Petersburg nor in Singapore. There is only Your Master, chosen by your heart according to his style and creativity. At my master-classes, 12 people are taking pictures of the same setting, made by me, at the same time. They are taking pictures standing really close to each other – shoulder to shoulder, so to say. They are all in the same circumstances of light and time. Often they even use the same cameras. With modern equipment everyone has high-quality pictures, but the artistic characteristics of all the photographs are different. Everyone chooses his/her own composition of the scene. That is why it is very important to choose a photographer as a picture in the gallery.

—Are you photogenic?

—I am too shy to answer this question honestly) Let the viewers decide)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—My grandfather was a photographer. Developing films with him was an extremely inspiring activity. So, I can say with confidence that my passion for photography started when I was a child. Since 18 years old I have been actively demanded as a wedding photographer. I was getting my higher education in several areas at the same time back then. ---
Did I choose the type of photography? I think that people feel everything themselves and you become demanded exactly in that area, which is closer to your heart.

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

—When you take pictures at the wedding, the client receives a thousand of technically good beautiful pictures. However, only 30 of them usually have something special! Magic – that is the most important thing in photography.

—Do you love traveling?

—raveling is my passion. Travelling really charges you with inspiration for wedding photography. As a travel photographer I work in such countries as India, Burma, Tibet, Italy, Iceland, France and some African countries. Every year I organize trips to the most interesting and beautifully places on Earth where photographers can upgrade there level, take breathtaking photos that would definitely become a remarkable part of their portfolio and get some energy to create beautiful things.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I like the feeling of responsibility. Shootings can be very difficult and you have to be experienced in all types of photography. When you are going to take pictures at the wedding, it is always a challenge to yourself! There is only one day and you have no chance to shoot again, you just don't have the right to fail.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There is one dangerous moment in the work of a wedding photographer, which I like a lot. When a photographer gets a certain level of proficiency, the feedbacks of the clients are always positive. It might cause vanity, which will stop you from further development. There is always an opportunity to grow and become better. I always come back upset from a shooting. I always have a feeling that I could have done more. You must always improve and work on yourself. It's a never-ending process.

—What will be the future of photography?

—It will transform into art. True masters will be valued highly. And the «basic» pictures will be taken by drones with artificial intelligence. Machines will never defeat human beings.

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

—Wedding is a special day overall. And to be a part of this magic is the most valuable thing in wedding photography

—How do you handle criticism?

—12 years ago, when I started my career, it was painful for me to hear any criticism. Right now, if it's a constructive criticism – it's a fuel for the development of my skills.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—When you don't follow the trends, it's easier to predict them.

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

—Choose with your heart! Try to see a person behind his/her portfolio.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—To look at the taken pictures for too long instead of shooting.

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

—A whole world of magic wedding moments.

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

—he experience of a photographer. Technical part of the picture. And talent, of course. By the way, I believe that you can develop it from year to year.

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

—For me, it's Dalai Lama

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I want to keep taking pictures of beautiful weddings all around the world. Adventurous ethno-travel wedding is one of the most interesting areas in recent years, to my mind. There is an opportunity not only to take pictures, but also to feel the culture. I really like the weddings where love has united the representatives of two completely different cultures. And one respectfully penetrated into the family traditions of another.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—There are no taboos in wedding photography. However, I am quite conservative in general)

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I don't know

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I worry a lot about the preservation of the whole shooting before I give it to the client. So I make many copies.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The first wedding shooting. I took pictures of the wedding ceremony in the family of a priest and I was nervous. It was 13 years ago. I couldn't understand why I was entrusted with such a responsible task.

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

—I am in love with Asian culture. So let it be the character of a movie about Kung Fu – IPman

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—God and family. Because they are the most important things in your life.

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

—I define success with a smile of my wife)

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Let there be both in my life)

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

—I called a groom by his brother's name, which confused the bride a bit)

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

—My experience taught me to be always ready for wedding shooting. It has happened many times that I had to quite my holiday and fly to a wedding shooting from there to another country.

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

—I use a tripod extremely rarely.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I try to give the photographs to the clients during a personal meeting and always note, where the couple is especially delighted and where not. It helps you understand your weak points better.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Joe Buissink's master-class impressed me a lot.

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

—You will never stop being a photographer. It becomes a part of you.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—God's beauty lies in the basis of everything. It unites everything, which is alive, and it has no boundaries or nationality.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Love to what I am doing

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Everything is harmonious in this area of my life.

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

—If I could take modern photo-equipment to the past, it would be exciting. I would surprise the whole world with the quality of digital photos.

—What about life on other planets?

—Life on other planets exists. There are definitely weddings there. And it means that they really need me there )))

—Who are your heroes?

—The main hero of my life is my wife.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—I don't respect people who treat the animals badly.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I travel with my family when I have spare time.

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

—In the era of Instagram, all your personal life is open to everyone.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I am never completely satisfied with my work.

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

—I think that every couple decides it on its own.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, definitely

—Where would you like to live?

—Where my family is.

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

—To be a photographer at my brother's wedding))

—Is there life after marriage?

—Everything starts after wedding.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—There are too many of them.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I like animals very much. Not only cats and dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I hate low-quality lenses.

—The best thing in life is:

—Love

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—To write answers for an interview)

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

—irst of all, myself. I try to be better every day.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I want to learn to take more masterpieces a minute.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I take beautiful pictures. I am sure that it makes the families stronger.

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

—Just take wedding pictures. Commitment and hard work are 99% of the talent.

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

—I would be happy to take pictures on your planet.

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

—It would be the kind of recently released movie «Crazy Rich Asians»

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—make a masterpiece of all times and nations.