Atelier Otayza

First and foremost, open communication and listening is key from beginning to end so you will find me to be approachable and available. My services will be a good match for you if you're looking for someone that will make you feel at ease, provide gentle direction, and exceed artistic expectations in the final images.

Once we connect, we will have a creative meeting, followed by an exchange of ideas and samples, accompanied by a conceptual direction of the shoot, right through to proposed locations, until everything is coordinated and confirmed for the big day. You can expect the same level of attention while your photos are being processed and delivered, culminating in unsurpassed follow-up service.

Aside from university and art school, I have 20 years of working experience in commercial photography, skillfully and artistically capturing images in a detailed manner.  Many projects involved working closely with art directors and marketing experts to gain an insightful perspective on the entire creative process.

In the beginning, I mastered film and processing, manual medium format cameras, and the early stages of digital photography, which allowed my creative vision to evolve over the years through a deepened understanding of light and composition resulting in stunning imagery. 

Branching out from a commercial photography base, my work benefits from an artistic eye for sophisticated elegance. Composition and lighting are tools for highlighting a mood and story. Visual communication is my specialty and your finished piece will be one that will not need any written explanation.

Please contact me for pricing as my quotes are based on the scope of the project.

My father was awarded and recognized as a pioneer in advertising and I grew up surrounded by a world of visual communications. Visual artistic talent runs in our family.  It has always been given great recognition for those among us no matter what form of the arts we were inclined to practice.

It was no surprise when I was handed a medium format camera as a teenager and sent to cover my first wedding for one of the family advertising agency's best clients! From that point on, I never looked back unless it was through my camera lens.

My creative approach has been shaped by the top names in the industry for global brands. After years of production managers inadvertently disclosing their secrets as to what works during photo shoots, I offer that experience and knowledge to benefit my own client base. I am the one to choose when your project requires flawless visual storytelling.

My projects range from design to final piece for local artists and lifetime events as well as producing images for international companies such as Pepsico Inc, Rubbermaid, Panasonic, John Casablancas, Daewoo Motor Corp., Subway, New Zealand Milk Products, Philips, Nestle, AT&T, Telefonica of Spain, Ace Home Center, Sony Entertainment Television, Ebel International, Young & Rubicam, Mayo FCB Advertising, Centro Euro RSCG, BBDO, and Publicis.

Recently, I was hired to cover the American Bee Association Conference in Myrtle Beach, NC. This opportunity lasted several days over a variety of venues stretching from morning workshops to evening break out sessions. While the varied locations, natural lighting issues, and long days were challenges, the added benefit of contributing images to a world wide awareness of the important role bees play in our environment and future is still overwhelming. It is fulfilling when my work can be used for the greater good. 

Make sure that the pro is open to hearing your ideas and has an understanding of the aspects that you require to bring your vision to life. When you speak with them, notice if you feel relaxed and comfortable. Find out exactly how many shots you'll receive after everything is said and done. You could ask how much editing is included and how long the turn around time runs.

It's important to value the craft of photography, even in this age where everyone has a camera. Surely, considering hiring a pro is a sign of the importance of images needed. The art of composition, lighting, and framing often results from years of trial and error. Consider your budget ahead of time and keep an open mind when you find the right match for your project.

You'll want to be certain of the end use of the images and communicate that to the pro. Let him/her know if any or all images are candid, if any are to be used in a specific format/size/orientation, or if space is needed around a subject for text, etc. It would be a good idea to make a shot list.

The pro will guide you through the creative process and probably ask you many questions such as number of locations, outfit changes, and more.