Shout out!

I’ve had the technical school training. I’ve shot on my own. I’ve read books on photography. I’ve read blogs/websites/magazines about photography. With all this under my belt I’ve come to one conclusion: that the best way to learn is to study actual photographers. There is just something about seeing the work of others, reading their thoughts, and just trying my hardest to squeeze any information out of a wedding photographer’s website that makes my mind work in a very productive way. So in this post I want to share some of the best wedding photographers I’ve found out there. Check them out, and be amazed!

Jasmine Star
I’m sorry everyone else, but she’s easily my favorite. From how open and honest her blog is about her work and life to the amazing photographs, Jasmine does it all. She’s a constant source of inspiration.

Mike Colon
Finally, someone who isn’t afraid of grain! His style just caught my eye so fast I knew I wanted to follow his work and pick up a few things. So many of his images just have this classic quality that makes me feel like the wedding somehow fell through a time warp and really took place decades ago. I half expect to see Frank Sinatra in the background. But of course, it doesn’t happen, all I get is beautiful shot after beautiful shot. (oh no!)

Dane Sanders
Let me get this out of the way: his photographs are just beautiful. There, it’s said, it’s the truth, and it’s done. What Dane does better then anyone (for me anyways) is display an ability to anticipate, adapt, and fully explore new ways to do business as a photographer. His book, Fast Track Photographer, was one of the most eye opening books I’ve ever read. If anyone reading this wants to start any kind of photography business I highly recommend it. If you’re looking to start a wedding photography business it’s 100% essential!

The Becker
The Becker has an eye that can’t be denied. The vast majority of his images look like they belong in a magazine, like they were carefully crafted in the perfect studio setting. But they weren’t, this is just how good he is.

Ed Pingol
What can I say about Ed Pingol? Personally, he’s the model for what modern wedding photography can be. He is a master of creative angles and has had more “how the hell did he do that?!” shots then anyone else I have ever seen. Check him out!

Welcome, to both of us

Hello Internet!

This is a safe place for me. This is a place for me to tell you about the journey I will now take. I suppose, as with most good stories, I’ll start from the beginning:

My name is Angel Lopez. I earned in a degree in photography from Sacramento State University in 2006. At the time I had a vague idea of the life I wanted to live and while I could not put into words what I wanted to do I knew that it involved photography. Since graduating I’ve started working for the state while working on my craft. To be perfectly honest, I have a lot of reservations about starting a photography business. While I have had some amazing moments meeting people and being a part of their amazing wedding day I can’t help but think of all the possible downfalls. Sure, it’s a risk, especially in this economy. There are long hours whenever someone starts their own business. In addition, while I did very well in the photography program during college I neglected to take anything in the way of business so there is an entire world of information for me to learn on my own. But then I think of the best moments. Of being there on that special day. Of seeing the joy captured forever in a single image. I think of being pushed as far as my creative mind will take me to perform in front of people knowing that the pressure is on. I think of all these things and feel energized and inspired.

So, with that in mind, here I am. I have seen too many people give up their dreams in my lifetime. I will not become one of them. I will plan this out and do my best to prepare for this journey. I will call on my friends, some of them amazing photographers themselves, for inspiration and guidance. I will also reach out to local photographers who inspire me in the hopes that I can meet some amazing new people along the way. I will do my best through all of this and push myself further then I’ve ever had to before. This is how dreams become reality. Wish me luck.