Jim Pollard is an ex professional Snowboarder (nice!) living in Wanaka, Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand – one of the most beautiful places on this planet I have to say. Jim ‘found’ his way into Wedding photography when he was looking for something fulfilling for work on while raising a family with his wife. Did we mention Florence, his white vintage Beetle? You can see a photo of her on Jim’s website. Check out (admiringly!) Jim’s photographs and read what he has to say.

1. What is life to you? What it should be?

Jeepers off to a deep start! I’m going to keep it simple. Life to me is about a series of experiences, some are good, some are bad, some make you cringe or weep and some make your heart leap with joy. The important thing is try to draw from them when you face the next one. It doesn’t always work that way, but the important thing is to keep having those experiences.      

2. When did you find your calling in photography?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been taking photo’s. Then travelling around world for a decade or 3, you can’t help but take photos. When we settled down in one spot to create a home and family, I ended up doing whatever it took to make that happen. I was pretty lost for a while, and I guess was really looking for something more fulfilling. Did I think it would be as a Wedding Photographer? Never. But it started taking shape about 5 years ago and I went full time about 2 and half years ago. Pretty fricken awesome.

3. Do you have a “second profession” or passion?

Nope it’s all about photography right now. In a past life (20s) I was a professional Snowboarder, following winters all over the world. We now live about 15 minutes from a skifield, handy.

4. What movie did you love recently?

We just watched McCullin this week, that was pretty epic.

5. Is/Are there any project(s) you wish you could do – or might do?

I’d love to spend sometime each year capturing life and landscapes on small islands, like St Helena, The Lofoten Islands, The Faroe Islands, The Chatham Islands etc etc. In my late teens I spent a long summer on the Isles of Scilly, one of the best times of my life.  

6. Is there a big difference between your personal work and commissioned work?

No I don’t think so. I’m a big believer in doing your commissioned work as if it’s personal. That way you can enjoy what you do, it’s pretty hard to fake that.

7. Do you shoot with your left or right eye?

Right, hunt with the left.

8. Are there any unseen experimental images in your attic you’d like to show us now? 

Nope, nothing experimental. I just play with stuff when I’m shooting. Sometimes it even works.

9. Who do you respect – in photography or elsewhere?

Hmmm, I think I respect anyone that’s enjoying what they’re doing and making a viable sustainable business out of it.

10. If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Why?

Er, I think things worked out ok so far. Sure there were a things I may have done differently, maybe not worked with certain people, or taken some jobs or even listened to certain people. But I think that’s how you learn what you want and how you want to do it. I’m happy thus far! 

Bonus: Do you think the gear you use affects the way you photograph? Why?

Ha yeah I guess. I’ve noticed I shoot pretty much entire weddings in landscape. I think it’s happened since I started using the Holdfast Moneymaker, it’s just that little bit more awkward shooting portrait. Also I tend to centre my subject in the frame, basically because I trust the centre focus point the most. 

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