Photographer Laura Otoya

—Are you photogenic?

—Only whenever I'm not faking my smile ;)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I had always loved taking photos as a hobby but had no real knowledge on the subject. I was working at Citibank in one of those "dream jobs" that everyone wants only when they don't have it... I couldn't sleep, I dreamed with workflow diagrams (REALLY!) and I felt I just needed an escape. I bought my first semipro camera and registered into La Salle College. I took two courses and was just hooked, but never thought of pursuing photography as a career. After two years I met Gustavo (my fiancé and business partner) and since we both loved photography we took our cameras everywhere. Our friends began telling us that we took awesome photos and we should think about making it more than a hobby. We began investigating and went to a few weddings as second shooters until we felt ready to take on the responsibility on our own. We are both currently full time wedding photographers!

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

—Moment, emotion, light and composition.

—Do you love traveling?

—I absolutely love to travel and hope to be able to see and photograph the world!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Every wedding implies an emotional surge that renews me. I absolutely enjoy getting to know every client, helping and providing any assessment they may need, before and during their wedding day. We have made quite a few new friends thanks to this profession!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There is way to much envy and nasty competition only based on pricing. Thankfully we have met a few collegues that share our view of being more human and friendly than competitive.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Brides and grooms who previously made the mistake of thinking "I have a friend who owns a professional camera" or "My uncle Bob will take care of the photos" or "I found a photographer who is INCREDIBLY cheaper than you" or even "my friend who takes photos for National Geographic offered to take my photos at no charge" are now alarming their own friends and suggesting they should invest in a profesional and experienced wedding photographer. Clients are beginning to realize that investing millions in flowers it not worth it if you don't at least have good photos to remember them by. So... the future? I'd say its just bound to be brighter every day!

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

—The emotional component in the atmosphere that you can feel, capture and relive. As well as the amount of detail and effort that you know was put into making the day perfect... and knowing that you (or us in my case) are the ones responsible for making the couple and their family and friends be able to remember even more than what they were actually able to see.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I try to receive it in a constructive way in order to improve. I would actually enjoy receiving more constructive criticism from colleagues.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—I think there are several trends (some in fashion, others not so much) regarding the way you approach a wedding and there are also trends in the way images are edited and post-processed. None better than others, just different.

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

—I believe they should just love their style and approach on weddings and feel connected and confident about their choice. If there is any reason to doubt, rethink.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Hmm... chewing gum? Wearing high heels? I don't know I guess anything that would be uncomfortable for your clients, their guests or even yourself.

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

—I would say the actions (emotional connection and complicity) between the bride and groom and the actions and reactions of the guests to whatever is going on. Practice makes us better observers in time.

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

—I believe in wedding photography there is value only when the photo is actually valuable for someone. The emotional component in the photo can make it even more valuable, and to some viewers, more or even less beautiful. You may have taken a photo that is your favorite of all times, but if the bride and groom divorce, the photo will have no value whatsoever to them and will loose sense even for you. You may take a regular portrait of the groom with his grandmother and then find out that grandma passed a few months after... that photo is invaluable to him and very valuable to you, but may be of no value to others. So elements? I guess the main one would be love.

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

—There's still more than 80 years left in the century lets give it more time ;)

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Happy and enamoured brides and grooms.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Nothing that I would consider a taboo comes to mind at the moment.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—There are a few renown wedding photographers that I would love to learn from and see, but I believe I already shoot with my favorite person in the world.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I think I worry about the future that is meant to the following generations. I just see hatred, destruction and evil everywhere.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Hmmm first thing that comes to mind was my engagement, it was at night on Charles Bridge in Prague with the view the Prague Castle. Totally surprising, romantic and impressive!

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

—Captain Planet. I would just love to have the power to "bring pollution down to zero".

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My fiancé and my family. They are motors in my life and I want to always see them happy.

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

—Being able to live happily, peacefully and freely. Finding the joy in everything you do (specially for a living), and enjoying both the simple and the complex.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Liked. I'd say most people that like you will respect you anyway. If respect is only a manifestation of hypocrisy, in the long run you inspire nothing.

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

—Hmm... I once sent an album off for printing and when I received it I realized that the bride had a black smudge on her cheek in the photo of the kiss. I went to look at the original photo and when I zoomed in I discovered that the black smudge was actually a huge mosquito. Of course I had to send it back and pay for the correction. I now zoom in to anything that I'm not so sure is a mole.

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

—A very good smartphone. It holds all important information, allows you to use GPS applications, access the internet, communicate with loved ones and take (good-enough) daytime photos and video. I've never had to travel without additionally taking my camera but it ends up being "too much" when all you need is a selfie or a fellow tourist that can actually take a photo that is in focus.

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

—While you learn what is truly important you spend on things you think you need. I would totally take back a few backdrops that I bought expecting to have extra time during the week to do lots of newborn photography. Whenever I need a backdrop I use different alternatives anyway.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—"Practice makes the master” and I do feel I learn more with every wedding we shoot. However we try to find time to do at least one professional workshop every year, read and investigate ways to improve and perfect technical knowledge, follow and analyze photos taken by other colleges (not only weddings), take online courses and watch good movies.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Susan Stripling.

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

—No matter how much effort you put into a photo or how much heart you involve in making the image the best, "beauty still is in the eye of the beholder". You just can't suffer or take it personal if in the end it doesn't even make the photo album.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I just want my images to speak for themselves.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The value that so many clients give to our work and the fact that the value of many of them will increase even more during time. Reading the testimonial section in our blog is a permanent motivation!

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They did their best and surely made mistakes like every parent, but bottom line is I always felt loved. I think they should have been just like they were because that's what has made me the person I am today.

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

—I would have spent less on the unnecessary and more on experiences and travel.

—What about life on other planets?

—Seriously? NASA will surely answer this one better than I can.

—Who are your heroes?

—I have considered my father my hero for as long as I can remember. Total admiration <3

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People who treat you like crap just because they think they are in a "higher" place than you are.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I try to spend more quality time with my friends and family. If there is singing involved, better yet!

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

—Depends on the public... I am very sensitive but I don't show it much. A few wedding vows and speeches have made me cry in "public" recently.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Whenever we receive a call or message from the bride and groom expressing how happy they are with their photos.

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

—I was born in a very traditional household but believe roles have changed for justifiable reasons.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I consider myself a friendly person but I am not very good at being in contact with everybody. I've always hated spending hours on the phone (not even as a teenager that I actually tried). My true friends know they can count on me and I'm always there even if we don't see or speak to each other often.

—Where would you like to live?

—A retirement in the Rosario Islands in Cartagena would be a dream come true. In the meantime I prefer to be someplace where I can travel for both work and pleasure easily. Bogotá is ideal in this case.

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

—Go Bungee Jumping off a 130 meter viaduct near Cajamarca, Colombia.

—Is there life after marriage?

—If I didn't think so I wouldn't be getting married!

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I am so bad at jokes I can never remember any.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both!!

—Who or what do you hate?

—Hypocrisy and superficiality.

—The best thing in life is:

—Having enough reasons to smile and laugh often.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—When you just feel 24 hour days aren't enough and there is nothing you can do about it.

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

—Nope, just go with the flow.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would be a little less stubborn and a little more wild.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Lack of love, indifference, injustice, misery, envy and resentment.

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

—Start off as second shooters while you truly learn the dynamic of wedding photography... and don't just do it for the money.

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

—I'd probably just stare (or hide) and be totally incapable of communication. Unless they look like ET.

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

—Drama – hopefully taking place in an inspiring city like Prague.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Tomorrow is saturday... take a wild guess!?