Who's Behind the Camera? Get to Know Me

It’s very easy to follow other professionals online and never really get to know anything about them - sure, you can catch snippets of their personalities and lives through images posted on social media, but if they prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front of it (ahem, me) you probably don’t know much about them at all.?

You’re certainly under no obligation to share your personal life online, but I want to share a little bit more about me so when you see me pop up in your feed or inbox, you know who is taking up your valuable space. My amazing copywriter asked me a few questions to prompt me for this one, so that’s who’s asking the questions on your behalf! Let’s jump in.?

Where were you born, what’s your date of birth, credit card number, and pin number??

Alright, ha - ha. I’ll tell you one of those: I was born in Budapest, Hungary. I spent my childhood out in nature, cycling, playing with friends - the usual stuff! I lived there until I was 21 before moving to the UK.?My pin number is XXXX. :)

How did you first get involved with the hospitality industry??

I started my career as a waiter at an independent 5-star hotel in Budapest and then joined the Hilton as a conference waiter.

When did you first come to the UK??

I first moved to the UK in 2010, through my position with Hilton. I moved to work within the Hilton at Gatwick Airport, where I spent 5 years in various managerial roles, including Conference Assistant Manager and Duty Manager. These roles are why I find it so easy to integrate and work with hotel teams to organise shoot days.?

After that, I joined the commercial team where I started developing my photography skills and realised how much I love being behind the camera and telling stories through pictures.?

How did you become a hotel photographer??

While I was on the Hilton commercial team I threw myself into learning everything I could about photography - I took courses, trainings, followed and tried out the advice of pro photographers, and put what I was learning into practice whenever I could. After countless hours of photography on location (and litres of coffee!) I knew I’d found my niche in the industry I already knew so well. I love that hotel photography isn't limited by subject matter - I get to shoot architecture, food, hotel lifestyle, and even some landscapes (or at least cityscapes) all in a few hours.?

What’s your biggest strength as a hotel photographer??

Besides the ability to capture the story of what a guest will experience at your hotel in a photo, it’s that I know and love this industry. I picked this niche because while I left working in hotels as an employee, I enjoy the industry and I understand the inner workings. I not only know how the hotel functions (which helps with the logistics of a shoot) but what the photos need to do from a marketing perspective.?

What would you like people to know about you from a professional perspective??

I think people know I am trusted by big brands and operators, but I don’t think people know that I am brand-approved for Hilton and the other brands it owns, so that’s all Hilton hotels, Hampton by Hilton, Garden Inn, Doubletree, Curio Collection, and the other hotels in their ever-growing list. I also often have the pleasure of working with some of the Marriott (Moxy) hotels, Sofitel, Hyatt, and always enjoy working with small, boutique hotel brands, too.?

What about your life outside of work??

Outside of work? I still live close to Gatwick, I’m married, and have 2 cheeky little ones that make sure I don’t get as much sleep as I’d like! I love to travel whenever I can, though obviously that has been a little hampered in recent years.?

Quick Fire! What’s your…?

• Favourite drink: Coffee!?
• Favourite photos to take for fun: Landscapes and aerial photography (though I do sometimes get to do both for work, so I am cheating a bit!)?
• Favourite book or movie: The Hunt for Red October (both the book and the movie)
• Night owl or early bird?: Early bird
• Where do you want to travel to you haven’t yet?: Not too far away: the Alps. I love the Alps and its tiny villages (I want to go to Tirol, specifically)
• Where would you most like to go back to?: To my childhood, in the 90s! It was just such a fun time and play. I wish I was a child again…
• What unusual hobby or talent do you do/have (or wish you had)?: None, I’m just an average person and happy that way!?

Now you know a little more about me! I’d love to get to know you all a little better too - why not answer the quick fire questions in the comments section below?