Photographer Chris Neacsu

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in San Jose, United States? :)

—Need to ask? My wife:) Now, in all seriousness, my wife and I are a team and we have both built Chris |N| Creative from the ground up. We have met 19 years ago, started dating 3 years later and that's also when we started doing photography together. 10 years ago we got married

—Are you photogenic?

—Of course! Perfect. But I'd rather keep all that handsomeness (is that a word?) behind the camera. My clients look much better in pictures.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—Majored in photojournalism in college and worked for several newspapers in Europe. Then slowly transitioned to portrait photography and wedding photography and because we loved it so much, we decided to focus on it.

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

—Talking about engagement and wedding photography, I think people's genuine emotions are the most attractive part of it. Yes, the right light, the composition, sure, but seeing the little moments, the tears, the smiles, and being able to capture them, raw, unposed...

—Do you love traveling?

—Love it and I'm also a bit of a world citizen if I may say so. Lived in several countries back in the day, before we moved to the US. Some of the places I've traveled to and photographed captured my heart forever (France, Italy, Spain, some of the Greek Islands to name a few).

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Watching people in love and happy going through the most important day in their life as a couple is one of the main reasons why we do wedding photography.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—We only take on a limited number of events per year. When we have to say no to a couple, I hate that.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I have a vivid imagination. Whatever's in store, I'm excited about it.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—Oh, so many things. Definitely not starting with the price, although we clearly understand brides and grooms work with budgets. But making a decision solely based on which photographer is cheaper is a mistake. How you gel with the photographer is crucial (imagine being stuck on your wedding day with someone you can't stand), obviously experience and portfolio, style. Oh, yes, reviews as well. Very important.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—The small things. A smile, a squeeze of a hand, an embrace. The emotions. The reactions.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—My daughter, in a few years. She's only 7 now but already seems interested in what mom and dad do, so I'd love to one day have her join us.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Can I have 2? The birth of our daughter. The day my wife and I got married.

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

—Doing what you love and doing it to the best of your abilities. Being surrounded by the people you love. Being a good person. Very important!

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I'm a storyteller. Whether you look at only one picture from a wedding or browse an entire album, I'm telling the couple's story. Their love story.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Loving what I do. The love for my craft. The sincere thank yous from our clients.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Oh, yes! I'm super relaxed and friendly, a bit of a chatterbox and I'm genuinely interested in other people. Their stories, their lives. Not that I'm nosy or anything:)

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Cats. And Dogs. And turtles, squirrels, horses, tarantulas, parrots. Huge animal person here.

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

—Better your craft, keep shooting, keep improving. But only do it if you really love it. Otherwise, it'll come off as forced in your photos, your relationships with your clients and you won't be happy before long. And remember, everyone started as someone else's assistant or second shooter. Just keep at it!