Fotograf Erik Kruthoff

—Zuallererst - wen können Sie als besten Fotografen in Dorado, Puerto Rico nennen? :)

—I believe there is no set of criteria to judge who is "best". Different people want different things in their wedding photos and the goal is to find the best match for what you are looking for. I do know that I am good at what I do. If you like my style and vision than I am the best for you. All artists have to have at least a little bit of ego ;)

—Sind Sie fotogen?

—A mentor of mine, Magnum Photographer David Alan Harvey, once taught me how to "see myself" in my work. If you are true to your inner voice and vision, you should be able to look at a photograph and instantly tell who made it. Good photography is a collaborative effort between the photographer and the subject. So, I guess the answer is yes :)

—Wie sind sind zur Fotografiebranche gekommen?

—As a high school student I spent as much time in the dark room as possible, learning the craft of photography: Shooting, developing, and printing my own work on black and white film. My teacher identified a talent in me early on and I eventually came to make a career out of it. I couldn't ask for much more than making my passion into my job.

—Was macht Ihrer Meinung nach ein gutes Foto aus?

—It's a combination of three elements working in concert with one another: Light, composition, and moment. A good photo will elicit an emotional response from the viewer.

—Reisen Sie gern?

—Always! I am not a notch-in-the-belt type of traveler, though. I don't operate on a bucket list and instead prefer more meaningful travel and making human and cultural connections with the people and places I encounter. I enjoy a night at the pub chatting with locals over seeing a tour-bus tourist crowded monument or famous attraction.

—Was gefällt Ihnen an Ihrem Beruf am meisten?

—Capturing special moments and memories that will be looked at and enjoyed for many years to come.

—Was gefällt Ihnen an Ihrem Beruf am wenigsten?

—Not really. Even during more challenging parts, I love to come up with solutions, be flexible and try new things.

—Was ist die Zukunft der Fotografie?

—I don't think it will change too much. Sure, trends will change but no camera or gadget or software can ever replace an artist's eye.

—Was das Besondere an dem Fotografiegenre, auf das Sie sich spezialisiert haben?

—The pressure. You only have one shot at it and you never know what will be thrown your way. You have to be quick thinking and ready to adapt in any situation.

—Wie gehen Sie mit Kritik um?

—When I was younger, not well. Now that I am a bit older and have a family, I have learned the value of keeping my mouth shut and becoming a better listener.

—Gibt es irgendwelche Trends in der Fotografie?

—I think too many wedding photographers go into a wedding with their own agenda. The have a shot list that they must do every time and think about their own portfolio instead of listening to the clients wants and personalities.

—Was sollten die Kriterien für Kunden bei der Wahl eines Fotografen sein?

—Ask to see entire galleries from a recent REAL wedding. Instagram and social media only showcase the best, most over the top images and many times come from stylized shoots of models. Have a meeting with them ahead of time to get to know each other. It's important to have this relationship.

—Was ist bei Fotoaufnahmen strikt verboten?

—Anything goes for me as long as it doesn't offend or hurt anyone. You have to be able to read the crowd and understand the sensibilities of your clients.

—Welche Details werden häufig übersehen, die ein Fotograf aber erkennt?

—Often times the best picture is behind the obvious action. I stay aware and on my toes to capture these little gems whenever possible.

—Was beeinflusst den Wert eines Fotos? Welche Elemente sind wichtig?

—A good photo makes an emotional connection with the viewer.

—Welche Person verkörpert für Sie das 21. Jahrhundert am besten?

—I have no idea :/ I don't really idolize anyone in particular. I'm just trying to learn who I am and how I can contribute to this world.

—Was würden Sie gern fotografieren?

—Fun-loving adventurous couples. I have shot celebrities before and just just treat them like regular people. I don't get star struck and think of everyone as unique individuals with their own interesting story to tell.

—Gibt es für Sie in Ihrem Beruf Tabus?

—If your clients like it, it's all good.

—Mit wem würden Sie gern fotografieren?

—My favorite wedding photographers: Fer Juaristi, Emin Kuliyev, Victor Lax

—Worüber machen Sie sich Sorgen und warum?

—I try not to worry whenever possible. I think every wedding photographer is a little worried of failure. Once I get the photos on my computer and see that I did my job, that goes away.

—Was war der eindrucksvollste Moment in Ihrem Leben?

—Meeting my wife and the births of my son and daughter.

—Welche literarische Figur oder Filmfigur wären Sie gern und warum?

—Don Quixote

—Wer inspiriert Sie in Ihrem Leben und warum?

—My two kids, easily.

—Wie definieren Sie Erfolg? Wie messen Sie ihn?

—Creating meaningful art and making my clients happy. Always improving your self and honing your skills. There's no end or limit to learning.

—Gefällt es Ihnen mehr, wenn man Sie mag oder wenn Sie respektiert werden?

—Respected. I am very comfortable with who I am and how I work and want to remain true to myself.

—Was war der größte Fehler bei Ihrer Arbeit?

—Undervaluing the importance of having relationships with other industry professionals.

—Was nehmen Sie mit, wenn Sie auf Reisen gehen und warum?

—A change of clothes and my camera. What else do you need?

—Haben Sie Apparate oder Ausrüstung, die Sie lieber nicht hätten kaufen sollen? Warum?

—none.

—Wie bilden Sie sich weiter, damit Ihre Bilder noch besser werden?

—I invest a lot of time in education to further my skills and vision. I study the works of the masters throughout the history of photography. I have been lucky enough to work alongside some of them. I go to at least one workshop each year to stay fresh and inspired to create.

—Welche Arbeiten haben Sie als Fotografen am meisten beeindruckt?

—Fer Juaristi, Emin Kuliyev, Victor Lax, Sam Hurd, Ryan Brenizer, Jose Villa

—Was hätten Sie auf jeden Fall wissen müssen, als Sie mit der Fotografie begannen?

—Painting, Art History.

—Was möchten Sie mit Ihren Fotos zum Ausdruck bringen?

—A sense of shared humanity and an emotional connection.

—Was motiviert Sie weiterzumachen?

—Always improving, always searching for the perfect light and the perfect moment.

—Hätten Ihre Eltern strenger sein müssen?

—I love my parents. I wouldn't change a thing.

—Wenn Sie zurückschauen, was hätten Sie besser machen können?

—Not major in Spanish in college, lol! Everything happens for a reason though and I have no regrets.

—Was halten Sie vom Leben auf anderen Planeten?

—of course.

—Wer sind Ihre Helden?

—My mentor and teacher, David Alan Harvey. We share kindred spirits.

—Wovor haben Sie keinerlei Respekt?

—I'm not a hater and won't even go there :)

—Was tun Sie in Ihrer Freizeit?

—Enjoying life with my family, travelling, listening to music, watching films, playing sports.

—Welche Seite Ihrer Persönlichkeit bleibt dem Publikum verborgen?

—I am who I am. Don't want to be anything but me.

—Wann sind Sie mit Ihrer Arbeit in jeder Hinsicht zufrieden?

—Once I have the photos loaded into my computer and go over them for the first time and choose images for the sampler gallery to send to the couple.

—Glauben Sie an die traditionellen Rollen von Mann und Frau?

—no

—Schließen Sie schnell Freundschaft?

—yes

—Wo würden Sie gern leben?

—On an island in warm weather

—Gibt es ein Leben nach der Heirat?

—Sure.

—Haben Sie einen Lieblingswitz? Erzählen Sie ihn.

—I still remember what my grandfather told me before he kicked the bucket.He said,
"I wonder how far I can kick this bucket."

—Lieben Sie Hunde oder Katzen?

—Dogs, though I like both.

—Wen oder was hassen Sie?

—No way. I respect everyone.

—Das Beste im Leben ist:

—People, nature, and shared human experiences.

—Das Ärgerlichste im Leben ist:

—Hate and divisiveness.

—Gibt es etwas in Ihrem Umfeld, das Sie ändern möchten?

—Showing people the beauty that's all around us.

—Was würden Sie an sich selbst gern ändern?

—Maybe a few years younger? Everything hurts more now, lol!

—Was würden Sie in der Welt ändern?

—To have people see the humanity in those they disagree with.

—Haben Sie ein paar Tipps für angehende Fotografen?

—Keep improving yourself.

—Wenn Außerirdische auf der Erde ankommen und Sie sind die erste Person, die sie treffen, was sagen Sie zu ihnen?

—Have a beer!

—Angenommen Sie erhalten den Auftrag, einen Film aufzunehmen. Welches Genre würden Sie für den Film wählen?

—Drama

—Morgen werde ich...

—I will be attending an open critique at a local art gallery to get feedback on a book I am working on.