Photographers in New York: wedding photography portfolios

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

—All the moments that often create wedding mood, all small and big feelings, smile and sadness, excitement and expectations are sometimes unseen by people but here the photographer comes.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Every shooting for my is individual and I am doing my best when shooting as I would shoot for my own album.
I want to make photographs worth to be reviewed again and again though decades that is what I am saying.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I glad to meet openhearted and happy people who value unique and beautiful moments in their lives thus who like photography and appreciate it.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—A lot! Travelling take the third place in my hobbies after photography, my wife and the guitar somewhere between them:)

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

—The most important component is a moment! As one beautiful photographer said there was no perfect picture but moment!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Communication! That is so important for you to feel comfortable and free in front of my camera.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The eyes full of tears and happiness of people grateful to me for the shooting.

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

—Groom and bride have to fell in love with photographer's portfolio.

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

—I would have to say that Ben & Erin Chrisman have influenced me the most – they've also influenced me to look beyond just wedding photography. Also Huy Nguyen has been instrumental in helping me evolve my skills with the Foundation Workshop which was an amazing personal experience for me.

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—That's a pandora's box. I think we'll likely see a fusion between video and photography – to a certain degree, we are already there. There are a few photographers recording moments in 4K and grabbing those stills so we know that there is a paradigm shift on the horizon. It'll be interesting once we hit 8K video capability in which a videographer/photographer can grab 33 megapixel stills. In the distant future, I see cameras becoming more like virtual reality goggles or Google glasses, turning reality into an augmented reality in which everyone will be able to record experiences and allow others to relive those experiences in the first person. If you think the present is bad with smart phones, the future may be even bleaker for our profession with these devices which are just around the corner.

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

—Moments trump (for a lack of a better word) everything. When I say moments, I'm speaking in the context of emotions conveyed among people. Having said that, for a photograph to be truly awesome, light and composition have to draw the viewer to that moment. Color can also enhance the quality of a photo or it can serve as a distraction.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I wouldn't be enjoying the growing success that I'm having now without constructive criticism. The last thing I want to be is complacent and I need a good kick in the pants from respected peers to improve upon what I'm doing.

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

—That I don't have to own so much gear to be a great photographer. I'm amazed by how much my Latin American photographer friends achieve with a minimum amount of gear.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I try to take at least one or two workshops per year. Also having a close cadre of friends who are also great photographers helps tremendously.

—Who are your heroes?

—Photography heroes: Dan Winters, Alex Webb, and Steve McCurry. My real life heroes are ones who anonymously help others in need.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—During a wedding, I would say laziness and acting bored (example, browsing on the iPhone). There's always something to shoot.

—What about life on other planets?

—I think that would be more of an appropriate question for a Neil deGrasse Tyson or Michio Kaku. You should read their books.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—Prior to becoming a wedding photographer, I worked in finance for 14 years. In 2011, my team and I got laid off from a high paying Wall Street job and I decided to do something else entirely – something creative, something that made me feel alive again. A year later, I met the photographers who inspired my view of wedding photography – Ryan Brenizer and Ben & Erin Chrisman. I also attended Foundation Workshops in 2014 and was blessed to have been mentored by Citlalli Rico and Daniel Aguilar. I owe those guys the growing success that I'm enjoying today.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Oh God, where do I start? We're all guilty of following trends to a certain degree. Anyone now can make a dramatic/artistic portrait, but I think the best photos are moments that are taken without any filters or photographic gimmickry (prisms, shiny crystals, colored gels, etc). The best photos in my opinion are ones that poignantly capture raw emotions and decisive moments without any aids.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—It's not what I want to say is what I want you to feel. If my photos make you feel something then I've done my job.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—Wedding photography contains many different subsets of photography genres – photojournalism, details, and portraiture to name a few. They're all very hard to get good at and you can never master them.

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

—Success is being at peace with yourself, it's immeasurable, but I know haven't come close to attaining.

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

—It's largely a matter of personal taste but I will argue that the photographer has to be someone who's good with people – after all this is a people business.

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

—Don't do it for the money because it won't be fun for several years if money is your motive.

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

—It takes a long time to develop an eye for composition, light, and moments. Most great shots don't happen by accident.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—As a wedding photographer, worrying is the norm. There's always something to worry about.

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

—Maybe a character with a super power – like flying, time travel, or teleportation.

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

—I definitely bring fewer lenses but I bring more back up drives – just in case.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Just about anyone who wants to bare their soul to me in front of the camera.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I love meeting people and photographing poignant moments in their lives.

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

—Bringing a Godox 360 type light instead of bringing my Profoto B1.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I believe stealing photos should be a treated as a serious crime.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I got married and when my children were born – both of them.

—Is there life after marriage?

—I wouldn't know, I enjoy the life I'm living being married.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Just about any National Geographic or Magnum photographer.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—A reality TV show star decides to run for president and...

—Are you photogenic?

—At least my wife thinks so. That's all that matters.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—My family. I love taking pictures of them everyday.

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

—Too many to mention, I wouldn't know where to start.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I don't have the energy or time to hate anyone.

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—Climate change, terrorism, global unrest, etc etc

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife and children inspire me to work harder.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—...something that will make someone happy!

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People who have no respect for others.

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

—"Greetings, I am the leader of earth."

—Are you fond of travelling?

—Absolutely, that's what I live for!

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I'm asian, I'll let you decide. :)

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

—Light, composition, and emotion.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I have a dog, but I prefer cats.

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

—Spend less on equipment. :)

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

—That's a loaded question.

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

—Not valuing what I do.

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

—A psychological thriller

—Do you make friends easily?

—I'd like to think so.

—Where would you like to live?

—On a tropical island.

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

—Don't get me started.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—The admin work.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Take photos. :)

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

—Definitely not!

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—My impatience.

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

—Elon Musk

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Ignorance

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never

—The best thing in life is:

—Love

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—No