April 24, 2017

Meet David Negrete of David Negrete Photography in Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Negrete.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out helping a local political campaign as a volunteer. During this time, the candidate needed photos and a photographer was hired to take picture of the candidate. We spent around 20 minutes of which a total of 40 images were taken. I was handed the bill and was able to see the amount charged to the campaign. Mind you, this was 17 years ago to the date and I saw the total was $250. I saw the final edits and thought to myself, I could be a photographer. As a hobby I would take pictures, and my family have had businesses in Mexico selling photographic supplies or photography for weddings and special events. Slowly, I gathered camera, flash, lenses and film and on my own began to take note of how the exposure of an image was dependent on shutter speed, ISO of film and the Iris. I furthered my knowledge of photography as I took courses at Cal State Los Angeles along with my Major in Communications/Marketing attaining a B.A. Having been in involved politics, I was asked to join a presidential campaign in Iowa for the 2008 elections. I was given the task to wear many hats, of one of them was photographer shadowing the candidate Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Since then I have been able to expand on my experiences and further my quest to provide a service of photography and capture those moments that will forever be cherished and looked on.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I started my business I pulled permits and licenses and felt a rush of accomplishment, but that was soon brief, reality set in and I had to put things to the back burner. Having a business is not easy, especially in a setting in which many individuals were out doing the same thing as I. It was here that I questioned my own self, but realized that I had to keep up with the Jones’ and flow with the need for innovation. My old Canon SLR, had to be a Canon DSLR, and with that meant new techniques. I reached out to workshops and online classes that covered what I needed to upgrade in equipment as well as knowledge. I even took a part time position working for nonprofit work-source center. I was able to hold up the fort and managed to reach out to modeling ports on line and made myself available for their needs. I started out low balling myself, but was able to market myself with just my presence of mind to customer service; many models have come to me for their head shots, portraits and fashion portfolios.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about David Negrete Photography – what should we know?
My business is simple, there are no bells and whistles, no dog and pony show. Only attention to detail and customer service. I have had many clients thank me for working with them for just listening to their needs. As a photography business, I am proud of the images I have taken for my clients. As such, I have been able to handle the smallest requests by clients. From a headshot to weddings, both large and small, and even a Quinceñera and the high school prom pictures for high school seniors.

I am proud to say my clients come from an array of diversity culturally and more. As a fluent Spanish speaker, my reach encompasses many families who need pictures of their family and friends and gatherings.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a small list of people that have helped in more ways than one that have made me continue with my dream. the first is my mother, she inspired in me to continue the path in spite of obstacles. Being a photographer herself, she would always say that persistence pays off.

The other is Ken Marcus, who had time from his busy schedule to critique some of my work when I started. His words continue to echo to this day.

Gina Cervantes, my girlfriend who has been the driving force and has helped me in so many ways.

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