e had the good fortune of connecting with Estevan Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Estevan, what do you attribute your success to?
Original…Creating a signature style took a few years to develop. I love that there are many photographers I am inspired by. All their different styles and approaches inspired me to create mine. It is such an amazing feeling when you’ve approved your own photos. I think of each session as a story and my job is to document it through photographs. I try to capture the nature of it…from lighting, environment to posing. My clients inquire about my work and hire me because of “my” work. If there are hundreds of photographers with the same look, they are most likely going to hire the less expensive one instead of choosing specifically “you”.

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While working in the design industry (from landscape to hospitality), is where I would say “my taste” or “eye” was developed. I began photographing my jobs with a basic point and shoot camera, but it was there where I was inspired to learn the essentials of photography. I’ve always been amazed by sunsets, landscapes and architecture. I quickly developed a passion for shooting landscapes and the urban side of Phoenix. From there I went to portraits and weddings. For my portrait and wedding work, I am aware that my work is not the most commercial…but I am convinced that I’m there to capture the moment and try to keep it as natural as I can. Wedding photography is a huge industry and especially in Arizona. I’ve learned not to see our industry as competition but community. I can’t photograph everyone, and I can’t beat every price.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Arizona is beautiful and fun! Would take them to have coffee at my favorite local spots like Futuro Coffee, Lux Central and Lola Coffee. Breakfast at Matt’s, lunch at Postino Central, dinner at Clever Koi and late night tacos at La Hacienda taco truck. Check out some live music at The Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom, Valley Bar and Rebel Lounge. Would need to take a trip up north to the Antelope Canyons, Horseshoe Bend, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife…She is my biggest support and has always motivated me to do “me”. Her words of affirmation are one of the reasons I do what I do. I completely trust her constructive criticism even when we disagree. Don’t think I can choose a favorite photographer but Pablo Beglez’s work truly inspires me. Have been following his work for years and love his work. Looking to attend one of his workshops in the near future (ya pronto tío). Last but not least, I’m thankful for my clients. For their trust and the opportunity of capturing their special moments.

Website: www.photodeurban.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photodeurban/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/estevan-medina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotoDeUrban