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Mark Nixon's career reads like something you might find written about in a "You can do it too!" five-steps-to-success article in a woman's magazine.

He started out in photography just five years ago. In that time he has won the Kodak Wedding Photographer of the Year award three times and has shot covers for many of the best known Irish fashion magazines. Now one of the most popular wedding photographers in the country, Mark has a diary that gets bookings months and sometimes years in advance.

Best known for bringing the photojournalism style to weddings, we caught a few moments with Mark, to talk about his work and experiences.

Was photography your first love?
"I always loved taking pictures but my passion starting out was for music. Before I ever picked up a professional camera, I spent fifteen years as a musician - first in Los Angeles and then in Belfast, where I am originally from. But after a while of sitting in a bedsit trying to come up with songs I decided I needed to do something else. When I moved to Dublin I bought a camera, joined the Dublin Camera Club and decided I wanted to get into photography."

How did you get into specialising in weddings?
"My first photo job was with Poolbeg Press, a book publisher in Dublin. A friend of mine told me they needed someone to do a few of their book covers so I went to see them and, luckily for me, got the job. After that I was asked to do my girlfriend's sister's wedding and I suppose that was where it really all began. I then spent two years with wedding photographer Dominick Lee at Priory Studios, probably going to about 150 weddings during that time. Since then I have done about 70 weddings on my own."

How would you describe your style?
"I am an "access all areas" photographer. When people hire me for their wedding they know that what they will get is a story of their day. My shots are not all posed in a conventional way (although of course, I will do that as well) and I like to work quickly and efficiently. What I really I pride myself on is being able to tell a story with my photography."

What do you like about photographing weddings?
"For a start weddings are great because everyone is always in great form. I'm always surprised, actually, that on the day the couple is not more nervous. The people I work for are prepared for me to do the fly-on the wall stuff, to be there in the background at all times. I tell people that it doesn't matter if it rains on the day, as it actually usually means I will get good pictures of people running under showers and sheltering under brollies. Whatever happens, I love to be involved in it all and capture the details."

What's a typical working day?
"When I'm working on a wedding I really like to get there early. My day will usually start where the bride is getting ready. I take shots of her getting her hair and make-up done, and putting the final touches to herself. That is the best time to get the shot of the dress, in fact. I do it before she goes to the ceremony. I then take photos of the ceremony, before, during and after, and of friends and family arriving. I do the classic family shots just before the reception. After that I will go to the beginnings of the dinner, but leave before the speeches or dancing begins. It's a long old day but I have to say I do really enjoy it."

A few tips from Mark for getting the right wedding shots:
1. The photographer. Make sure you pick a photographer you can trust because he will make or break the whole day. It is very important to shop around and find one that suits your style. Mark suggests going to see at least three.

2. On the day. Tell your family in advance that they will be needed for photographs right after the ceremony. Also don't let the photographer drag you off to be photographed for three hours, as you will miss much of the day (and remember it is your day.)

3. When getting photographed. Relax and wait for the very last second to smile. If you wear glasses change the lenses so they are non-reflective.

4. Planning in advance Don't forget to enlist the support of the best man and your bridesmaids to help with photographs on the day. Make sure that they are aware that this is part of their duties.

For more information on Mark's work, please see the WeddingsOnline.ie "We Do" directory or check-out his website www.marknixon.com. For bookings email him at nix@eircom.net or contact him directly at Tel. (01) 855-4407.