Featured Photographer - Ralf Czogallik

Ralf lives in the town of Nederweert, Netherlands with his lovely wife, Ilona, and two kids (ages 8 and 5). He has been a full time wedding photographer since 2012 (Eppel Photography) and has spoken at the Fearless Conference in Puerto Rico and Croatia, Wedding Stories in Romania and Nine Dots in the UK.

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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Well that’s a funny story. At my day job I was an importer for Japanese Koi Carp, and I wanted to photograph these animals so we could sell them better. I sold my sea water aquarium for my first Canon camera (Rebel XTi) with a standard zoom lens. I quickly found out that I wanted more, so I bought some other gear, and before I knew it I was shooting professional motorsports all over Europe. After a while my wife asked me: “Do you really want to keep doing this? I hardly see you anymore” So I quit shooting motorsports and sold half of my gear.

Some time later, I received a phone call from someone who wanted to hire me as their wedding photographer. Out of the blue, and with some hesitation, I said yes to the job. I got paid the enormous amount of $250 for a full day of work. That was in 2008. I was still working a day job then, but soon became more interested in weddings.

After that it went really fast. I won my first award and then some more. My clients loved me for my unique style (not my own words). I attended Foundation and Two Mann Workshops, and now I am here. I still can’t believe it, I must admit!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My couples tell me that my style is artful, creative and very vivid. I love layers and crazy effects, but I also embrace the beauty and glamorous touch in my images.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN IMAGE?

I look for layers, contrasting light and shadows. There must be depth. Sometimes I just want to keep it simple. No fancy backdrops etc but just the subject. I always love to use the surroundings as a backdrop.

WHAT INSPIRES OR MOTIVATES YOU?

I try to make different images than what is expected in general. It motivates me if my couple says that they are not photogenic or can’t believe that they are good subjects.

I get inspiration from several photographers but more from their point of view than from their photography. This year I went to Bali with an amazing group of photographers (you know who you are), and it was magical. Special people with big hearts! That’s what helps me to recharge my batteries!

WHAT CHALLENGES YOU?

I have to do “my thing” everytime I shoot a wedding. People expect high-end wedding pictures, and on occasion, wedding pictures with crazy effects. I hate to screw up even the tiniest things on a wedding day even though I know that my clients won’t notice it. I am still nervous at every wedding. Can I perform?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?

That depends on the day. I think every wedding is different and sometimes I am happy that the couple portraits worked out and sometimes that I nailed that shot when everyone cries.
Generally I am very happy when the ceremony starts. I go full throttle and don’t look back. Taking no prisoners but going balls out!

OF ALL YOUR IMAGES, DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ONE?

YES! That’s a simple portrait of the bride. She was waiting in a taxi cab to go to the ceremony when she noticed a small flaw in her dress. That’s when I shot this one …

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RALF?

I love to educate and inspire people with my photography and with my humor. I have a vintage 1968 Mustang that I am working on at the moment and that helps me to relax.

TELL US ABOUT DVLOP

At first I was reserved about using presets other than my own. However, after a test run with the DVLOP presets I was impressed! They just do the job. Of course you may still have to tweak here and there, but it helped me to edit faster and deliver an even better product! So thank you DVLOP!