After more than fifteen years in the business, UK photographer Simon Whitten of Firehorse Photography & Filming has covered more than 600 weddings on four continents. He's has been a friend of Queensberry for much of his career. Simon is strong-minded character who believes that the key to success is to find your own way and stand out from the crowd. "Don't follow the latest fads or fashions," he says, "or you will only ever be a follower, and always late to the party." We asked him a few questions about how that's reflected in his life and work…

Simon's first 'proper' camera was a gift from his grandparents when he began a higher education course in art and design. He spent a lot of time messing around in the darkroom, and this carried over at university during a combined arts degree, but then for ten years he barely touched a camera. Sixteen years ago he bought a film SLR (digital wouldn't exist as a viable professional option for a few more years), and enrolled for an evening course at the local college, mainly to use the darkroom. The tutor was a weekend wedding photographer who, during a pub chat, challenged him to have a go. "I did. I sort of enjoyed it and soon started to cover the jobs he couldn't do. I never expected to be in it for long, but it took off for me and I've never looked back."

Simon says he loves photography but it's not an obsession. "I do not feel compelled to carry a camera with me at all times and shoot everything. I don't even own a smart phone so can't anyway!"

What advice can you offer on finding your personal style and aesthetic? How long did it take you to perfect your own?
Perfect? I'm still working on it and always will be! I think I have one of sorts, but I couldn't really tell you what it is, other than my whole approach is based around shooting what I like to shoot and how — ie my client first and foremost is me. If a couple like my work and approach, and buy into it, they trust me to do more of the same. So my advice would be to be honest to yourself, and not try to please everyone. And don't follow the latest fads or fashions, or you will only ever be a follower, and always late to the party. I saw the results of a recent article featuring thirty photographers and largely could not tell their work apart. Whether that works for them or not I don't know...

When photographing a wedding etc. what do you look for? What do you hope to capture while taking photos?

A cohesive story, a whole: ie I'm not specifically focussed on 'hero' images that I can win awards with at the expense of my clients. Without scripting it too tightly in my head, but having a plan in regard to what I want to capture. Whether it's big stuff or small, I am subconsciously following a tried and tested routine that works for me, but at the same time ready to react to the stuff that just happens at every wedding unscripted. There are so many elements that can make up any story, but my overall aim is that my capture and presentation is as comprehensive as possible. And by "comprehensive" I don't mean sheer quantity for the sake of it, as that serves no purpose and can even take away. Wood for the trees and all that.

Some people believe that taking photos takes away from the moment. How do you feel about that? Do you think photography gets in the way, or do you think that it can make the moment?

I'm a firm believer that it can capture, define and preserve 'a' moment. Whether it's 'the' moment is always going to be open to debate and interpretation, but I don't think photography by professionals ever needs get in the way. People can, however, either by their inexperience or ignorance —  and in regard to the latter I'm thinking more in regard to those who simply must take a picture on their iPhone and as a result completely miss the moment. So in summary, it can be argued, and I do believe, that photographers take pictures with a purpose that can and does define moments.

What are your tips for people wanting to get into photography? If you were to start again what would you do differently?

Honestly, I would not advise anyone to begin a career in photography today. The market is too saturated, work is in decline, rates are in decline and even for those already in it, we need to work increasingly hard for even a small share. If I was to start again, yes, of course I'd do a few things differently, but only with having the benefit of the hindsight I do now.

What’s your point of difference? Why do people come to you? What makes you different from the photographer down the street?

Always a difficult one for any photographer to answer because define 'different' and just how 'different' can you be in any particular genre? Many would argue, "it's all just wedding photography and pretty much looks the same". I'd say my one USP, if I have one, is I don't slavishly follow the latest trends. In fact I deliberately try and avoid them. One thing I have done in 2015 in that regard is I have stopped looking at what other wedding photographers are doing, other than by accident or necessity, ie what is the fella down the street is doing? Respectfully, I'm not really aware or much interested. Another I suppose is attitude, which is positive in regards to what I am doing, and my clients' interests, but largely indifferent to the industry as a whole. It goes back to not trying to be all things to all people, but being on the same page as that small number of people who become clients. I think the single biggest USP you can have today is that ability to stand out in a crowd for whatever reason, just as long as you do stand out and can then hold their interest.

When people look at your photographs how do you hope people will feel?

A: It stands out on a quality basis. It makes them smile, it makes them laugh, it makes them cry or it makes them nod their head and say, "that's quite good". That has to happen with 25-30 couples per annum who then go on to use my services, and that's it, job done.

Some people find the camera intimidating – how do you make them feel comfortable?

If they are potential clients, chat with them to determine whether we will be able to overcome that. If actual clients, work with them to achieve it. But mostly it's about attracting the right fit clients in the first place, then booking them. And after that, further gaining their trust by discussion, almost always in person prior to the event. Ultimately, my approach is a pretty backed-off one, only gradually working my way into their space. I rarely have any issues with it, and neither do my clients, who usually comment after the fact how easy it was and how comfortable I made them feel.

Why should people invest in professional photography?

Simply because cameras do not a photographer make. It's who is behind the camera that makes the difference between a meaningful picture and a well-intentioned … snap. Time is unrepeatable and memories are precious. The number of people who say, "I wish..." By then it's too late.

How do you divide your time between work and play?

I keep fairly strict office hours and office space, generally working 7am-3pm weekdays, but longer during busy Summer months, or if there is a deadline looming. My office space is totally separate to our home/living space and is only used for work. Having said that, being self-employed means I can go out for a run or a bike ride during the day if I feel like it...and I do!

How does where you live affect your photography?

It does and it doesn't. I've always lived in small villages in the countryside and most of my clientele do not. I used to think that would be an issue, but it never has been, at least not one that I have felt has been an issue. Could I book more clients if I lived in a town or a city, and potential clients could just pop in for a chat? Probably, but I don't, and around 90% of my clients book without having met and, in most cases, only a brief chat by email.

Which other photographers do you love?

No one from the world of weddings! I used to have various photographers I aspired to, first locally, then regionally, then nationally and then internationally, but these days, as I said above, I've stopped looking. I might look at an organisation's awards winners or similar, and I'm part of an active forum/private members' group of around 80, but otherwise, not looking!

I do look at photography and photographers all the time however. But it's more the former than the latter, photography over photographers. There's a couple of 'oldies' and many more newbies of the instagram brigade. I won't name them — they have enough followers already! Magazine/editorial photography is a great 'influence'.

-Why does printing matter to you?

There's an argument it's only a photograph when printed, and only an image otherwise. I agree with that sentiment, but also appreciate that the way we look at imagery/photography is changing simply because technology and lifestyles have changed. However, I am a strong advocate that a significant event should be printed and therefore presented and preserved for all time in a tangible format. The way you view a picture is enormously influenced by how you view it, and in print, arguably, you take more time and therefore see more.

-Do you have any memories of going through photographs when you were younger?

Plenty. All memories are defined by what you actually remember in your head, fused with any actual imagery from the time, whether that be photographs or video. I wish I had more photographs and of my parents and grandparents. Photographs are a legacy.

-Do you print your own work/ personal memories? Why or Why not?

Yes. Every year we create a family year book for ourselves — that is myself, wife and daughter, based on holidays, trips and special events.

-Why Queensberry?

Quality and customer service levels that match my own. I first hooked up with Queensberry around 2002 I think!

To see more of Simon's work please visit his website.

The album in this post is a 12x12 Q-Book with medium layflat pages and a Japanese silk cover.