Though his portfolio spans portraiture, sport and commercial assignments, Canon Ambassador David Bernard thrives when photographing weddings. When documenting a couple’s special day, David sees his role as a social one as well as artistic, working to build connections with the bride and groom and their guests, to help them relax as he shoots.

Influenced by the work of Hungarian-American photojournalist Robert Capa, David likes his images to have an intimate feel, with as much of the scene as possible in focus. "Robert Capa, one of my favourite photographers, said, 'If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough,' and that's exactly my approach," explains David. "In most of my images, especially wedding photos, I would like the viewer to imagine that he or she is part of the story, as if they were in that place themselves."

Despite his inexperience, David was one of the four winners selected from the final eight. "In that moment, I knew it was time to change my career," he says. "I returned to the Czech Republic and started to do less programming and more photography. It completely changed my life."

David began as a total beginner shooting in P (Program) mode on a Canon EOS 30D, a camera he still owns, with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, and then on the Canon EOS 450D he was given for the competition. He soon realised he had a passion for photographing people, something that still drives him today.

"If you're shooting weddings or events, the main part of the job, in my view, is talking to people. You meet very interesting people, and that broadened my horizons. When I was a programmer, I was sitting behind a computer with little time to talk. Now it's 100% different, and that's what was missing when I was the IT guy. It's so much better for me – travelling around the world for clients, shooting and talking to people. It's fantastic."

In addition to shooting weddings, David's commercial work has taken him to Romania to photograph climbers for an equipment company, to Germany to shoot events for a bicycle firm and to one of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives. No two days are the same, he says. "I like working for one company one day, and then for a different company the next. That is what pushes me. I don't like working in one place or on one project. The variety helps me to expand my vision."

Interestingly, David has met his clients organically at weddings and events – and has a tactical clothing choice to ensure he's remembered. "I like red shoes," he says. "For most jobs I shoot in red shoes. It's something small, but everybody notices you."

David doesn’t travel as much for work now as he has two small children, and has shifted his focus from weddings to commercial and events work. "If you shoot 60 weddings a year, sometimes outside of the Czech Republic, you don't have a lot of free time. Family is more important for me."

Instead, he wants to focus on helping the next generation of wedding photographers. "I'd like to pass on my experience to others who are breaking into wedding photography," he says. "I want to share what I have learned in the hope that my advice will help someone make the same decision to change their job – and their life."

What advice would you give those looking to take the leap and make a career change into professional photography?

"There are many photographers out there, so find your style. Stand out with something. For example, I always wear red trainers when I am taking photos to leave an impression."


What's been the most profound lesson you've learnt from photographing people during one of the most special days of their lives?

"Knowing the right time to put the camera down and let people really enjoy the moment."


What's been the most pivotal piece of guidance you've received and from whom?

"When I competed in Canon's The Assignment competition, the chairman of the jury, photographer Sirio Magnabosco, told us: 'Surprise us, but above all surprise yourself.'"


How would you describe classic wedding photography compared to your own?

"My photos are meant to evoke memories as if they were yesterday."

"Steve Jobs said: 'Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.' I've been working as a freelancer all my life, so I know the meaning of time very well. The time you spend with your family is the best investment."

Instagram: @davidbernardcz

LinkedIn: @davidbernardcz

Website: www.davidbernard.cz