This week’s we catch up with two photographers. Beauty and wedding photographer Roberto Valenzuela talks about working experimentally. Then we join Bob Davis for some practical shooting and business advice.

NOTE The first interview was recorded with a bit of audio interference.

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Roberto Valenzuela

Roberto Valenzuela is a photographer based in Beverly Hills, CA. He developed his unique teaching style by following the same practice regimen he developed as a professional concert classical guitarist and educator.

Roberto believes that it is not talent but deliberate practice that is at the core of skill and achievement. He has traveled to every corner of the world motivating photographers to practice and break down the various elements of photography in order to master them through goal setting, self-training, and constant dedication.

Roberto serves as a judge for photographic print competitions in Europe, Mexico, South America, and the most prestigious International photography competitions held in the United States through the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) in Las Vegas, NV.

  • How Roberto became a photographer?
  • Why he really loves being a wedding photographer
  • What is Beauty photography?
  • Where does Roberto find his clients?
  • The challenges and rewards of beauty photography
  • How to not memorize poses, but create energy.
  • Developing the language of what you want the photo to say
  • When do the subjects get to see the images being made?
  • How much preproduction goes into a shoot?
  • Practical advice about what he wish he knew starting out.
  • Where can you find out more about Roberto?

Bob Davis

Bob Davis is a Canon Explorers of Light. He is also a member of the Wescott Top Pro Elite, a group of talented photographers from around the world comprised for photographic education and inspiration.

His passion for photography began back in high school where he was the editor of his newspaper. He then went on to Columbia College and was named College Photographer of the Year. He worked for the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper for 14 years and covered countless events, such as presidential elections and Michael Jordan’s entire career with the Chicago Bulls.

Levi and Bob talk about:

  • Lighting techniques
  • Using modifiers
  • Being creative with anything
  • Bobs journey as a photographer
  • How he approaches a shoot.
  • Advice on allowing others tell their story
  • Having respect for those you are working with
  • Being a working dad
  • How he came into business with his wife Dawn?
  • Keeping the business side consistent
  • Word of mouth or word of mouse
  • How he approaches teaching lighting
  • Where to find more information