Photographers in Mexico City: wedding photography

—Whose work has influenced you most as a wedding photographer?

—Actually, I try to absorb everything I can from everyone. Wedding photography is a great place to start for amateurs. They are my biggest inspiration. They remind me what I should avoid, but sometimes they bring something new and fresh. I am not influenced by big names that found a formula and repeat themselves every time.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I have a camera in my hands since I was 9 and I am a really outgoing person, it's only natural I ended up in wedding photography.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I'm inspired by the couples I meet. Photography is a lifestyle. Much more wedding photography. I find inspiration in their stories, in the way they tell me every detail of their wedding, the venue, the guests, their families, the surprises, the fireworks! How can't I be inspired when I am allowed to be part of such an important occasion?

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—The most important thing is the story I'm telling. Everything else doesn't matter if there is no essence in a photograph. A good picture should be self-explanatory. Powerful on it's own right. Technical skills can be developed. Light, composition, correct exposure. But telling a good story comes from within, from the heart.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—There is a fine line between trying to do an outstanding photo and understanding that this important day is not a big photo-shoot. Respect the people around you, specially the bride and the groom. Have a low profile, you should not be the center of attention. Don't interrupt, ever!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—There is something great about my job. Every single day I get to work, I'm surrounded by love, happiness, big emotions. There is no other job I know of, with such a positive energy. This is the most important day for the couples I work with, I just can't get enough of that.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Professional photography needs professional gear, but, it's more about the person using that gear. There is a lot of stuff out there I would love to own, but buying the best tennis racket won't make you Roger Federer, will it?

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—There is an important rule in every job: Master your craft. If you do, mistakes won't happen. I don't have control over everything, but if something unpredictable happens, I know how to handle it and avoid doing a mistake.

—What should be the criteria for a bride and a groom to choose their wedding photographer?

—My personal thought? Like his/her work, of course. But most importantly, have a connection. Feel comfortable with him/her. Ask every single question you need to know. Between the couple and the photographer there is a lens. If something's off, the lens will capture that.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I can't make everyone love my work. I know that. I don't work for the critics, I work for my couples. My efforts are all about them loving the way I captured their memories.

—What things that common people don't usually see can a wedding photographer notice?

—It's all about the emotions. It's about predicting what will happen. Photography is about freezing a moment. This moment can last a minute or it can last less than a second. The more I can catch this moments, the better I feel about my work.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Job-wise, I tend to do at least 3 checklists the day prior to the wedding. I have had dreams about forgetting something at the studio! Hopefully, it never happened though.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Again. Taking pictures is my lifestyle, so whether in my personal life or at work, it is all tied up together. This is what makes me happy.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Taking pictures! Hearing opinions, trying new things, attending conferences, being humble, being proud, thinking more, speaking less.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—The least of non-work stuff the better. There is a lot of gear involved in photography, and those airlines are getting greedy!

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—-So an Irish enters a pub...
-I'm Irish.
-And the Irish wins the joke!Ok, I have to improve my joke skills I know.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Challenges, always trying to better, always different, but always full of this happy and lovely energy I love so much.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Again, it is all about the story. Technical aspects are important, but they are worthless if a story can't be told.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I try to keep myself away from that feeling, but if something, unfair treatment for animals and elderly.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never. I do feel happy when I know I did a good work. But being better the next time is more important.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—1 person symboling almost 8 billion? I'm not quite sure I am prepared for answering that...

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Nothing to say. That is why photography is so powerful, it expresses itself without words.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—Not much, life is too complex to try to change things around me, better start with myself.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—I do believe. But I also believe in the non-traditional roles, if that makes any sense.

—Can you give a few tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out?

—Don't try to get great pictures. Try to get to know the people you are working with.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Even those who don't have respect for life or well being, deserve my full respect.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Nothing. It is what it is. I rather do I what I have to do to be a better person.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Being myself. Trying to be better every time as a person and a professional.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—That learning is a process, I could have avoided a lot of frustration.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Wow, didn't see that coming. I would love to be 5 inches taller :)

—What about life on other planets?

—We are too small in this planet to even get a grasp of that.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—Always there, always evolving, always getting better.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—A lot. My only trend is: Be better than last time.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—If you know how to handle it, you can have both.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Finish eating and realising there was avocado...

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Actually, I have had the chance to do it, so...

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—I wake up at 3:00 am to take over the fridge.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Taking pictures! I love the movies as well.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—Not at all. I take pictures of everything.

—Are you photogenic?

—I rather make my clients look photogenic!

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would've enjoyed my grandparents more.

—The best thing in life is:

—Life itself! and cuddling with a puppy.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I like to think I turned out fine :)

—Where would you like to live?

—I am happy where I currently live.

—Is there life after marriage?

—What? It is just when life starts!

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Get caught while skinny-dipping.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Your wedding! Also, laundry...

—What do you like least about your profession?

—When the wedding day is over.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both, but I own two dogs.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Happy, outgoing couples.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Nah, I rather be myself.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When mom died :(

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—you look funky!

—Who are your heroes?

—Mom and dad

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Emotions

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Always!

—Do you make friends easily?

—Always!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—No