Photographer Erik Kruthoff

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Dorado, Puerto Rico? :)

—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 ;)

—Are you photogenic?

—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 :)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—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.

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

—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.

—Do you love traveling?

—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.

—What do you like most about your profession?

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

—What do you like least about your profession?

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

—What will be the future of photography?

—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.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—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.

—How do you handle criticism?

—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.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—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.

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

—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.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—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.

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

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

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

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

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

—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.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—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.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

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

—Who would you like to shoot with?

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

—What do you worry about, and why?

—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.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

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

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

—Don Quixote

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My two kids, easily.

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

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

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

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

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

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

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

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

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

—none.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—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.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

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

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

—Painting, Art History.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—A sense of shared humanity and an emotional connection.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

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

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

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

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

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

—What about life on other planets?

—of course.

—Who are your heroes?

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

—Who do you have no respect for?

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

—What do you do in your spare time?

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

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

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

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—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.

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

—no

—Do you make friends easily?

—yes

—Where would you like to live?

—On an island in warm weather

—Is there life after marriage?

—Sure.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

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

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs, though I like both.

—Who or what do you hate?

—No way. I respect everyone.

—The best thing in life is:

—People, nature, and shared human experiences.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Hate and divisiveness.

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

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

—What would you like to change in yourself?

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

—What would you like to change in the world?

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

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

—Keep improving yourself.

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

—Have a beer!

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

—Drama

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

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