Today we’re featuring one of my favorite (and oft-featured) wedding photographers: Emin Kuliyev. See above a photo gallery of some of his favorite shots. Check out the facial expressions he captures and the striking compositions — it’s impressive. For more striking photos, follow our Pinterest board of Awesome Wedding Photos.

Selecting the right wedding photographer can make all the difference. You can begin your search here.

And find below a Q&A with Emin on his advice to brides and grooms about finding the photographer for them.

1. What should brides and grooms consider as they select a photographer for their wedding?

My main advice for couples: Look at least at the two last weddings from a wedding photographer — at least 100 images from each wedding. Now you have some realistic expectations of your photographer and not just the best images from their portfolio.

2. Do you have any advice for brides and grooms regarding the wedding day and having their photos taken? (For example, what if they’re nervous, don’t think of themselves as photogenic, etc.? How is that overcome?)

When I meet with my couples before the wedding, I will sign the contract to shoot only with people who really like my images and really want to show their feelings and emotions during the wedding day.

My main secret: I don’t shoot everybody who’s willing to pay me.  I have my own filter because if I do my job only for the money, it will immediately be visible in my pictures. They will look like a fake. I must fall in love with the couple. I must have a connection.

3. Your clients seem unusually expressive. Are expressive people naturally drawn to your style of photography, or do you have a knack for getting expressions out of them? How do you do it?

My secret is to be in the right place at the right time and feel what should happen next. The second secret: Expressive people choose me because they believe that I can show what they really feel for each other. The third secret: I know many funny stories.

4. How would you describe your style of photography? How is it different than other wedding photography styles?

It’s hard to choose the right word to describe my style. Some people call it photojournalism. I think I shoot — and then choose the best from thousands of images — what I really feel about these people.

Be sure to check out the second installment of wedding party photos from Emin! Also, Emin travels, but if you prefer a local photographer, you can find one in our wedding vendors directory.

Photos by Emin Kuliyev Photography