Community Highlights: Meet Omar Lopez of Omar Lopez Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Lopez

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up I’ve always had an affinity for the creative – music, video, photography. I was in awe when my friend received the Lego Studios set as a gift. He’d make short stop motion movies, which inspired me to shoot with our home camera all the time. I navigated the settings and options to learn as much as I could with that JVC camcorder. I tried to get behind the camera as much as possible. We would periodically upgrade our point and shoot cameras over the years. Each time, I made sure to learn as much as I could about the camera’s settings and options

I never thought of myself as a photographer – because that’s for the really creative people – but that’s exactly who I was. I spent a couple years making announcement videos at my church – actually, they were more like short films with announcements in their dialog – and then I turned the Canon DSLR camera setting from video to photo. Everything changed from there. The settings were similar but the approach was different. I logged hundreds of YouTube hours and started shooting as much as I could.

Friends would ask for holiday photos and I shot for little to nothing. All that experience really supported the photographer I am today. My first wedding was a backyard wedding. A couple from church had a short engagement and asked me to capture. Nothing serious but this was a monumental moment in their life and they were trusting me with it. I took the opportunity and the results were incredible. I was nervous but the experience proved to be invaluable.

I spent the next five or so years shooting a bit sporadically. A few weddings here and there with lots of holiday and family shoots in between. I realized how much I loved shooting photos but lacked the consistent work to really harness my craft. It took the pandemic and tons of business YouTube content to inspire me to quit my job and pursue this full time. I turned in my 30 day notice December of 2022 and started 2023 as a full time photographer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I had many discussions with friends and other freelancers who told me that it’s not a slam dunk from the start. One friend even told me to expect at least 3-6 months of pushing through before you see any real traction. It turned out to be more than that but it’s been worth the effort. I turned to YouTube and courses from very successful photographers. I shot as much as I could and never wanted to turn a job. Earlier this year I enrolled in photography course. A special shoutout to Nathan Chanski, whose course and group provided invaluable skills and filled gaps in my business knowledge. It really changed everything for me. I was booking weddings and shoots left and right. My business is still developing and growing but my family is so thankful I kept pushing. During that same period I started dating my then girlfriend. As you can imagine, that added some load to my life and I had to find a new rhythm. Especially since we wanted to get married within the next year.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Omar Lopez Photography?
I run a wedding photography business. That’s what I specialize in but I also shoot engagement and family sessions, as well as events. I try to keep my photography centered around the special moments in life. I have a thing for people and joy. Sessions with couples and families differ from weddings. Like any session, there is a time constraint. With couples and family sessions, we’re able to focus more on the people involved rather than an event at large. It creates for beautiful and unique moments you can freeze in time that you can’t get anywhere else. What makes me unique is my ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable. I think my style reflects that. My goal is to affirm my clients before we start. I’m not there to capture who they’re not. I generally give vague prompts and allow them to be present in the moment without any fluff. I guide my clients subtly so they can express their true personalities. Love is universal so there is a warmth I’m looking for, but it looks different for everyone. That’s what I go after each time. People often are blown away when I deliver their photos. It usually goes something like, “that’s me? no way! We love them!” It makes what I do worth the time spent in front of the computer; even when I’m fixated on the most minute detail. I can’t believe I get to do what I do. I love people and I love capturing them.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporter of my business has been my wife – literally my biggest fan! She counters my moments of doubt with words like, “Babe. If I didn’t think you were good I would tell you to pursue another career. Your work is amazing”. She comes with me on most shoots and has become an avid second shooter. I really can’t say that I’d be doing this today if it wasn’t for her. She adds such a spark of joy to my clients and helps make every session so easy. That’s not to take away from my presence or ability, but she’s a resource I’m so grateful for. I am beyond grateful for platforms like YouTube and the many resources available. Nathan Chanski, Eric Floberg, John Branch IV, and Katelyn James have all been people I’ve looked up to! Their content has both inspired and equipped me to perform at a high level. Photographers never stop learning and growing. I’m constantly looking to learn more.

My current goal is to shoot more than 25 weddings next year. If you’ve never had a family photoshoot before or want to capture a session with your husband or wife, I’m here for you! Feel free to contact me for more information—I’d love to hear your story and capture your next special moment!

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $2400
• Sessions start at $425

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omarlopezphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarlopez.photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omarlopez.photos