Josef Samuel Photography

Normally we would meet at my photo studio and get to know each other. Sometimes my clients don't live in town so we might do a skype or phone chat although I always prefer face to face meetings :) That would allow me to answer any question they might have regarding their wedding/event and how best to prepare for it, as far as photography is concerned. For wedding clients, I love to give ideas and suggestions as I've been to a lot of weddings :) I can also help brides and grooms with the planning of the timelines as well as locations for photos in the South Bend/Notre Dame area.

I believe an art like photography is learned primarily in the field, outside the classroom. It's a creative medium. Photographers are distinguished not so much by what camera they use or which school they went to, but more so because how creative they are and how their pictures inspire and/or capture their subject. Like riding a bike, this is learned by going out and doing it. Realizing this is the first step and I've been doing it for several years.

Yes, please see www.josesamuel.com/information. 

Shortly after graduating from college I started my company in 2008, photographing weddings. I first picked up the camera while studying in college and was the photographer for the yearbook. Now I'm privileged to travel to various places around the world doing what I love.

I've been privileged to work with amazing folks, from brides and grooms, to executives, to some celebrities, etc. What a person does for work doesn't define them, in the end people are simply people regardless of whether you're the president of a country or a simple farmer in a developing nation. So I've met and worked with people in my travels who are in a wide range of fields and backgrounds and it's been a really great experience.

I do a lot of traveling, so this would be more of a personal story. When I was in Turkey I was able to speak and interact with Syrian refugees to learn more about Islam, ISIS, and the situation there. It was definitely interesting and exciting to learn first and second hand on these topics instead relying on the news, since we only get a small picture from the main stream media. To really learn, you almost need to go and meet and speak with people face to face. It's an amazing experience.

For clients booking photographers, make sure what you see is what you get. Sometimes a photographer's portfolio is specially edited photos that may not reflect what you're going to get. This is a primary reason why I don't do extensive or over the top editing on my photos but try to provide clean, sharp photos because what you see in my portfolio is the same style that you would get.

Second, make sure they have professional equipment. A real pro wouldn't settle nor compromise the results with subpar equipment. This would include a good selection of pro-level lenses, lighting, and multiple camera bodies.

Third, doing an engagement session is a great way to get to know each other and find that rhythm so that when the wedding day comes, you're used to working together. It's also a good way to practice various poses, see what works and what doesn't, and it's just overall a good idea.

See previous question.