One on One with - Jose Villa

Prophotohub & Jose Villa...

josevillaphoto

josevillaworkshops

B-Day September-15

1) PPH: Where is home ?? JV: Home is the Danish Capital of America, Solvang, California.
I was born in a small town out side of Guadalajara, Mexico. And at the age of 5 my parents
settled in Solvang, where I make it my home today.

2) PPH: How long have you been shooting ?? JV: Well, I went to Brooks Institute of Photography
in Santa Barbara, CA in 1998 right after high school. I graduated 3 year later with a BA in
2001. I then started photographing kids and slowly transitioned to weddings. So I guess that
makes it 7 years professionally, but 10 years ago was when I picked up my first camera. I
had no idea what to do with it.. but I had it..

3) PPH: What  camera gear do you use / and what's your favorite
lens ?? JV: I shoot 100% fuji film! LOVE it!! it proved amazing color tones, nothing like it! I use
a contax medium format, and 2, 35 mm Canon 1v's. I try not to use flash at all, but have to
in most reception cases. My favorite lens is the 16-35 for my Canons , and the 80 2.0 on
my Contax.

4) PPH:

Do you have a memorable wedding photography moment ?? JV: Many, but my favorite
was being beachside on a small Island in belize when a huge tropical storm came in and all the table cloths and centerpieces blew into the ocean. The Bride and Groom were totally fine with it, they are scuba divers
and very into the water.. They laughed and m

oved the reception indoors.5) PPH: First car? Today's car? What do you want in the future ?? JV: My first car was a 1984
Honda Accord. My car today is the LR3 Land Rover.

6) PPH: Is there anyone else in the "biz" you enjoy shooting with? JV: I really haven't had the
time to shoot with another photographer, but if i could I would shoot with my good friend
Jesh de Rox, with his permission of course.
why? I would love to see how he communicates with his subject. The connection between
him and them is what I really want to enjoy.
who would you like to shoot with ?? Jesh de Rox

7) PPH: Where would you like to shoot that you haven't yet ??JV: I would love to shoot a
wedding in India, or Peru..

8) PPH: Where would be your dream " desti " location ??JV: Spain

9) PPH: What good tips can you give to a photographer starting off ? JV: Be true to your self
and your feelings. Don't let anyone tell you what you should be doing in photography.
Do what is within you.. you will enjoy that better, you will find YOURSELF, and not emulate
someone else. Would you want to be YOU. When we see your photo we can all say you
did that.. your signature.. At least that was my goal in starting out.

10) PPH: What is the one approach / step that took your studio to? JV: I wanted to be free
of other peoples suggestions. So I did what I loved and what felt right to me and that
helped shape my style I enjoy and my clients love me for.

where it is today ?? I believe it's a noticeable look in wedding photography that stands
out in todays highly competative wedding market.

PPH: In your words any great projects / workshop / seminars / dvds /
in the works ?? JV: Well I have workshops that I offer through out the year, where I share
my love for Fine Art Wedding photography. I share what has worked for me and what
has gotten me so much amazing attention in todays wedding Industry, which we all
knows changes very fast. I try not to use ant actions that another photographer made
because no action on an images means no dating .. meaning the images is timeless
with out textures and funky colors.. Im not saying I don't like that, Im just saying I
choose not to do that..