Photographer Hiram Trillo

—Are you photogenic?

—Nope...that's why I try to stand behind the camera :)

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I have been in photography for a while, but took the leap to wedding photography after being terribly disappointed with out own wedding imagery.

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

—Emotion! An image without soul and feeling is an empty image.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes! I am lucky enough to be able to travel all over the world capturing memories for other.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The range of people I get to meet, and the love displayed across cultures.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Traveling without my family! Now that I am a father it's tough leaving my family for days. But I have an amazing wife that is my rock and cheerleader.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I don't know and that is what I love about it. Having to discover myself and push myself each wedding is an amazing feeling and hope that I keep pushing forward.

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

—You have one shot! That is it! I love capturing moments as they happen and don't recreate any, so I have one shot.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I think well. You have to, no one is perfect and the only way to keep learning and pushing yourself is by listening and paying attention. There will always be "hater" and people that will try to pull you down. Just keep your head up and your client happy.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, there are always trends and they change all the time. I try not to follow them because most trends die out. I focus on giving my clients timeless pieces with the next generation in mind. I want their children and grandchildren to cherish the images as much as they do.

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

—You must click! You have to have chemistry. Not every client is your client and when you figure that out you will develop amazing client relationships and long time friends.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—It's free game with me, I want to see the crazy side of my clients. That's when i know they trust me completely.

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

—That's a tough one. I have seen many things in my career so far but try to document everything. The behind the scenes before the bride and groom step up to the altar are some of my favorite moments

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

—To me is emotion! Like I mentioned before an images must have feeling and soul.

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

—I have no idea. There are a ton of inspirational people around the world, selecting only one would be a disgrace.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Everything!

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Drugs! It's the only thing that I really don't care to be around.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Robert Capa, James Nachtwey, Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon, Arturo Ghergo, Gregory Crewdson...

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Before every wedding I tell myself "You are capturing the most important day of two peoples' lives...don't screw up"

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—The day I got married, followed by the birth of my kids.

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

—Batman! Because I am a comic book geek and Batman has always been one of my favorites.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My wife and kids. They are the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing before i go to sleep. They keep me on my toes!

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

—If you are happy and can keep your head up you are successful. Seeing my kids grow up and having my family be proud of not only who I am but who they are as people.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected. I rather have someone dislike me because I was honest with them, than being liked because I wasn't.

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

—I accidentally formatted a full card thinking it was an old cart. Realized it in time and just put it away and recovered about 98% of images...phew!

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

—Camera, favorite lenses, speed lights, and the stuffed animal my kids send with me. A flash will always be with me because you never know when you need to create your own light.

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

—At the beginning I had nothing but gadgets and regretted it every time. Now I have only what I need.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Practice and doing personal projects in different situations.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Again, way to many amazing photographers to mention and that I have personally come across. Talent is everywhere!

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

—How to take a good photo

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want to show my subjects as they are, simple and beautiful.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—My clients! They are an incredible source of inspiration.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—They did an amazing job as parents. I would not change a thing about them.

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

—Not a thing. Every decision I made has brought me to where I am. I would not take a chance of changing anything.

—What about life on other planets?

—I hope there is. It would be selfish of us to think we are the only planet with life. That is just lonely!

—Who are your heroes?

—The people that wake up everyday to do what they can to survive day after day. The men and women who do everything possible to make sure their children have a better life and the people that risk their safety for others as cliche as that sounds.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—I am no one to judge. But anyone who disrespects my family or people I care about.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I don't have much but when ever I can I love playing futbol(soccer), rock climbing, and I'm a closet magician.

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

—I own a company (Trillo & Son Leather Co.)and make leather camera straps for professional photographers. (Shameless plug)

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Never

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

—Nope, any gender can do it as good as the other.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I think so.

—Where would you like to live?

—Not sure. I love traveling, but it's always good to come home to Texas.

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

—I don't have one :) no regrets.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course! I think a new life begins, and it's amazing.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—I love jokes. Here is a cheesy but have really thought about doing it...-I changed my name on Facebook to "No One" so when I see stupid post I can click like and it will say "No One likes this"

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs. We have two, and I am allergic to cats.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Hate is a very strong and over used word. I don't hate anyone but don't like ignorant people.

—The best thing in life is:

—Life itself. Work to live, don't live to work. Enjoy the world around you, who know how long we will have it.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Mosquitoes

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

—Hate

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—to many things, but most are physical and doable so I'm working on them.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Hate

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

—Educate yourself! Make sure you know what your getting into and give it your all. Remember that you are capturing the most important day in a couples life :)

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

—E.T. phone home

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

—This is my weak point...I'm a cinephile so I would direct anything. I don't have favorite movies. I actually have a list of top film is each category sooooo...

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Mow the lawn