Wedding photographers in Dallas

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

—Second Shoot a lot or better yet, assist and observe photographers that you respect in your area. When you get comfortable enough, remember to slow down the pace of the timeline in your head.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—I hope to see the future of wedding photography move back into print again. I find it sad that photos live on USB & CDs today. When I walk into a wedding, I LOVE to see photos that the parents of the couple put up in a collection of when they were kids or pictures of their parents getting married. I get to glimpse into their past and it's an amazing sensation. I'm afraid in 50 years, we might not see those photos because people will forget about the USBs or CDs...and that will be sad for me.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—I like to think of myself as being a risky shooter. Which means I like to go for angles and captures that are extremely creative....however during the union, I feel that is the only time I'll sit back and capture from afar with a long distance lens. I want to let the couple feel each others love without the distraction of my camera.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I wish my wallet was a bit fatter! But otherwise, I'm always in a constant journey of self-improvement. This path has been good to me, so other than getting to my goals faster, I'm happy at the direction and pace I'm going in.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I love shooting with other passionate, enthusiastic photographers that push me creatively. I also love to shoot with subjects that are comfortable with me that allow me to delve into my experiments with the camera.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never. I'm still searching for that perfect wedding. Perhaps that's why people keep telling me that my work is amazing? Because I want my next wedding to be better than the last!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love meeting new people – every couple I meet is unique and different and I want to be able to bring out that uniqueness about them every time I capture a photo of them.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I'm not necessarily an animal lover, but I never want to see them without a home or harmed. That really saddens me. You can tell a lot by how someone treats an animal.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—I love wedding photography because the people around me want me to take their pictures. To capture their intimate moments, their little moments that turn out to be the biggest part of their day. Letting me into a piece of their big day is a lot of trust so I love being able to turn that day into a piece of art in a way they would've never imagined.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Less...if I could tell my parents one thing, I'd ask them to trust that with all the mistakes I will make, each mistake was a lesson to be learned and that I'd be okay.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—A friend asked me to help him shoot a wedding with him so I helped...the challenge of crafting the perfect angle, lighting, emotion and making sure I get it just right for client is a great feeling. And when I see their response afterwards, it reminds me why I love being a wedding photographer!

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

—The symbol of the 21st century will be the ones that love unconditionally and treat people well no matter where their position on the social or economical ladder.

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

—Off the top of my head, Ben Chrisman, Jerry Ghonis and Roberto Valenzuela have such amazing body of works – I hope to learn from them one day when I can afford their workshops.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The fact that there's a new story to be told everyday, a new angle to be found, a new client in love...have I mentioned how much I love being a photographer?

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—The only trend I care about in wedding photography are the trends that are classic and timeless. I stay away from fads because I want photos to be meaningful for generations.

—Do you believe that you replicate the soul of the person you are shooting?

—Whole-heartedly, yes. That's why I think it's important that a photographer connects with their clients. If not, it's best to find another photographer.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My Father. For how hard he worked for his family. He's my hero. Sadly I didn't realize this as a child, but I appreciate him so much more as an adult.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course! I've seen too many of my friends that only fall deeper in love. I can't imagine life after marriage to be an end, but only a new beginning.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No, I love photography of all kinds. By learning how to photograph different subjects, you can improve your wedding photography as well, indirectly.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The moment I realized I loved photography and wanted to pursue it full time and didn't let the corporate money control me anymore.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—....a bicycle ride, edit photos while listening to music, grab a drink with friends and hopefully talk to a new client as well ;)

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Degenerates that only want to see society burn. Also the close-minded that hold back society from advancing. And politicians!

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

—Those smiles you'd thought you'd never see from your Mom & Dad that never expressed approval of your significant other...

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

—Thinking I've done an incredible job and that there was nothing left to learn. That's the worse mindset to have.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The business side isn't fun at all...but the sacrifice is worth it to work with people that love my photography.

—Do you develop friendships easily?

—Yes. I enjoy hearing everyone's story! So many different paths people take in life, I find it all intriguing.

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

—I'd like to change people that are hateful and angry and show them that being happy isn't such a terrible thing.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Again, to show people that they are in control of their happiness and to lessen the anger and hate in the world.

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

—I make sure my photos tell a story with each frame. Why take a picture if it does not tell a story?

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

—I did as a youth. As I grow wiser, not so much. Women are just as, if not more capable than men.

—Are you photogenic?

—Of course I am! But probably not and that's why I'm behind the camera and not in front of it ;)

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Not many gadgets I regret purchasing. I purchase items that I use on a regular basis so...no.

—Who are your heroes?

—The un-sung heroes – the Dads, Moms, teachers, police officers, the soldiers fighting for us....

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

—Take your time when composing an image...even though it's fast paced, slow down your shot.

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

—I'd have quit my job much earlier and pursued a full-time photography career much earlier.

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

—I define success by the cumulative little moments that make me smile everyday.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I look through my old photos...every photo has a lesson that can be learned.

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

—I'll shake their hands and take them out for a tasty alcoholic beverage.

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

—Capturing movement and emotion tells the best stories...

—The best thing in life is:

—...the fact that you are in control of your happiness.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Everyone that wants me to be their photographer.

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

—Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke. He never gave up.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Too many hateful questions in this interview!

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

—My camera. Without my camera, I'd be lost.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want my photos to be vibrant with life.

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

—Hmm...maybe I don't want them to see it? :)

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I enjoy cycling, racing cars and eating!

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

—Make sure your personalities fit!

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I'd travel every day if I could!

—What about life on other planets?

—I can't wait to meet them!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—...when I spill my coffee!

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

—A racing flick for sure.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Positivity always wins.

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

—Too many to remember ;)

—Where would you like to live?

—Quebec City or Denver.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Nothing to see here...

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Why worry?

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Both.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nah.