Then & Now: Thierry Joubert

Some people are born with an artistic eye and I believe Thierry Joubert is one of those people. As you look through this post, you may say to yourself, “Wow, these ‘then’ images are amazing!” Well they are. But Thierry saw his images and knew he needed to continue pushing the limits. He searched deep into his soul and he realized he needed to do something many are scared to do. He needed to shoot for himself, to be himself.

I truly believe the true test of a photographer is when they get to the point that they are happy with their work, they continue to push themselves and strive to be even better than they currently are. It’s not an easy thing to do, but Thierry shares with us how he got to where he is today.

Thierry Joubert is a destination wedding photographer based out of France. Thierry has a knack for translating the emotion he sees before his eyes, into a photograph his viewers are also able to feel. Each and every one of Thierry’s images works in and of itself to create an entire body of work that will stand the test of time.

Then

How did you learn photography?

I learned photography in 1996 at the beginning of my career in the Army where I spend 18 years of my life. I started with film photography with a Nikon and I was developing my own negatives and prints. I only photographed back then in black and white. This may be the reason why I love black and white grainy photos today. Today, I only use film for my family's pictures where they hang on the walls of our home.

Now

What year was the then picture taken in?

2012

Then

What did you do to better your photography skills?

I found myself......

I got out of the road of normalcy where everyone compares and would be another. As I like to say by sharing moments during my workshop, "Being different is simply being oneself."

The technical is important of course but it's not the key for me. Surrender to dare, to be that which one wishes to become may be the best way to exist artistically. 

I dare to use my frame when I shoot. I'm waiting for the moment, the moment to catch emotion. I forget the "rules." I do what I want to have what I love.

Presets? Is not the secret for me. Secret is not real in our jobs.

There is one thing that became more and more important for me throughout the years and that is the connection. The connection between my couples and myself. It is very important to arrive on a wedding day and to hear in your mind a little voice, "Do what you want. The couple hired you for your mind." This is maybe the key to be yourself.

Dare to be.......

Now

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new photographer to help them excel in their craft?

Be yourself from the beginning. Don't try to follow others, those who are good or bad for one person, might not be the same for you. 

Dare to take risks, artistic or in your personal and professional lives to get to where you want to be. Only those who take risks can say years later if taking the risk was good or not. 

FIIND YOUR OWN WAY.

Then

Check out more amazing images from Thierry below.

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Then & Now: Luke Hayden

Then

How did you learn photography?

I think my first real inspiration, and reason for learning photography, was seeing the unusual and really brilliant pictures my friend was taking when we were at college together. I wanted to do the same and invested in a Sony V1 Camera.

Now

What year was the then picture taken in?

The then photos were taken in 2012. I only owned a 24 & 50mm back then so I hired a 35mm lens and fell in love with that focal length.

Then

What did you do to better your photography skills?

I’ve attended a few workshops over the years to try and better my skills. I think it’s important to keep studying and learning. I try to attend at least one workshop every year. I also 2nd shoot for other photographers during wedding season. You can learn so much from doing this, as it gives you so much creative freedom to experiment and try new things.

Now

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new photographer to help them excel in their craft?

The best bit of advice I can give is just to keep shooting. The only way you’re going to get better is by practice. Shoot every day and you’ll start to learn and develop your own style.

Check out some more great images from Luke below!

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Then & Now: Amel Herzi

Amel Herzi, also known as Heaup Photography, is a fashion and nature photographer who currently resides in Amsterdam, Holland. Her style is unique, sexy and raw. Read below to find out how she became so skilled in her craft.

Then

How did you learn photography?

By picking up my camera and shooting every day. I did not attend classes. I read a lot of books. Nowadays, I watch a lot of Youtube tutorials. 

Now

What year was the then picture taken in?

That picture was taken 10 years ago, in 2005.

Now

What did you do to better your photography skills?

First of all, I taught myself how to use the correct settings on my camera. Learning how light works has helped me a lot as well.

Now

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new photographer to help them excel in their craft?

Challenge yourself to something new everyday. It's a long road, but it's a fun one. It's not the camera that makes you a great photographer, it's your skills. 

Now

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