Roberto Valenzuela of www.robertovalenzuela.com has dedicated himself to the art of wedding photography and to becoming a master of the craft for over a decade. At the start of his career, after having photographed one wedding, Roberto priced himself so high that his experience never came into question.
Roberto is based in Beverly Hills, California, but travels anywhere in the world to shoot weddings. In fact, as this interview was recorded, he was driving to Arizona to deliver a workshop and I'll be seeing him in Melbourne Australia in a couple weeks time.
This guys resume is incredible!
- Sponsored by Canon USA
- Top selling author in Amazon for photography books
- Before photography, he had a 10 years career as a classical guitarist.
- He has a degrees in Economics, Marketing, and International Business.
- He was also a High School Economics and Finance teacher
- He's been named one of the ten most influential photographers and educators in the world
The list could go on and on…
Here’s some of what we cover:
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
People really responded to how passionate I was about photography and they wanted to hire somebody who felt that way more so than somebody who was technically good – Roberto Valenzuela
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Ian or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
Your clients deserve a performance, not a practice session – Roberto Valenzuela
It is inevitable that you are going to copy somebody – Roberto Valenzuela
I consider a wedding or a portrait shoot a performance, like a guitar performance – Roberto Valenzuela
You only live once so you have to take a chance – Roberto Valenzuela
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Picture Perfect Practice – Roberto Valenzuela's Workshops
Roberto Valenzuela on Periscope
Roberto Valenzuela on Instagram
Roberto Valenzuela on Facebook
Episode 012: Jerry Ghionis – Cooking Up Wedding Photography Success, Don’t Get Caught in the Fire
Episode 077: Yervant – It’s Time to Get Serious About Your Photography Business
WPPI: Wedding Photography Association
Picture Perfect Lighting: An Innovative Lighting System for Photographing People
Equipment:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
Profoto 24 In. OCF Beauty Dish
Chimera Octa 2 Collapsible Beauty Dish
Thank you!
Thanks again for listening to the show and thanks to Roberto for coming on and experimenting with a new and different format for this photography podcast.
I priced myself so high that my experience never came into question – Roberto Valenzuela
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and photography!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
This new extra format is an absolute winner!
I loved this interview, what Roberto had to say was so damn inspiring. His photography is utterly gorgeous, and it was incredible to hear how he started at that first bridal fair – balls of steel, wow! His attitude to training, learning and practice was a real eye opener too.
Cheers!
Thanks man!
Haha, agreed and perfectly put… “balls of steel”
I was lucky enough to attend one of Roberto’s classes late last week – he is one talented photographer!
I’m almost all caught up with the podcasts – now the lightening rod of Roberto Valenzuela – practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice – the very best takeaway! But not just for my technical work but for writing copy, editing and pretty much anything.
Roberto, thank you so much for the interview with Andrew – so much goodness you’ve shared.
Kicking myself I didn’t go to the class in Melbourne (to meet both you & Andrew!!)
Did Roberto make you feel as guilty as he did me! 🙂
Yeah mate, bummed we couldn’t meet up. Next time for sure – hopefully I’ll be down for the APPA’s later in the year.
I don’t know quite why, Andrew, but this interview style did seem to win me over, but I can barely tell the difference. I really enjoyed Roberto’s story and I got a lot out of it, probably in terms of inspiration. I’ve just finished listening to it a second time, and that’s rarely something I do. I guess I should say, keep it up with these ones!! 🙂 And I’ll be sure to look further into Roberto’s work. The 30 mins of practice is such a stupidly simple idea. I live with a flute player that plays for hours a day, 5 days a week, and here I am screwing around with LR presets, never picking up my camera unless it’s a shoot day. That one smacked me in the face.
Thanks for this Ep.
Great to read your comments Glen – thank you!
I guess the difference is in my head if it’s not coming through in the audio. I can be more relaxed with my questioning without going on a serious dig for something actionable for listens to implement in their business. If that comes up, great, if not, the conversation can flow in any direction.
You definitely weren’t the only one to cop a smack in the face with Roberto’s comments about practicing but the way you put it is the best I’ve heard – “here I am screwing around with LR presets, never picking up my camera unless it’s a shoot day” – LOVE this!
Andrew,
I’m sure I share this with many others, but your podcasts are amazing enough, then you have a crazy idea of this Xperiment and find the perfect compliment to your standard programming. Every single podcast you’ve done, and I’ve heard them all and some multiple times, offer valuable insight if one chooses to listen and implement what’s been shared. Keep these Xperiments rolling. The loose format allowing to shift subject and dig deep rounds out the exceptional Hellmich delivery experience. Well done.
This interview with Roberto hit me light a bolt of lightning. What a powerhouse.
Roberto: Sir, you are a master. Thank you for sharing.
Ed… Thanks mate for your kind words. They truly are very much appreciated.
Lots more coming your way and already in the pipeline. Great to have you listening!