Otto Rascon Photography - Classical Inspiration with a Photojournalistic Twist

Collages.net recently had the chance to speak with Otto Rascon of Otto Rascon Photography in Chicago, IL about his studio.

How did you get into the photography business?
The first wedding I photographed was my dad’s, which was about five years ago. However, I had been taking pictures for fun and photographing my family for years. I really started learning how to use the camera after my dad asked me to photograph his wedding in Mexico. After shooting his wedding, I began feeling that photography was something special that I enjoyed doing and that could make other people happy. So, I decided to pursue it full time.

Otto Rascon

When did you start shooting?
There has been a camera in my hand since high school, but I officially started my business about three years ago.

How would you describe your style?
I would say that my style is more of a mix of the classical/traditional approach with a little bit of photojournalism. It’s kind of an infusion of different approaches with elements of traditional lighting and posing.

Do you have any influences?
David Ziser has been very influential for me. I actually was able to meet him this year, which was an incredible experience. I really enjoy his sense of lighting and composition. It makes his brides and grooms look and feel important. I really like that.

What do you love to shoot?
I love shooting weddings and family portraits. Ideally, I’d like to be known as a family photographer: shoot a client’s wedding, maternity portraits, baby portraits, and then family portraits.

What gear do you use?
I use all Nikon gear. I shoot with D700 and D300 bodies and I use three lenses: the 80-200mm f/2.8, a 50mm f/1.4, and a wide angle 12-24mm f/4 lens.

Do you have a favorite lens?
I would have to say my favorite lens is my 50mm f/1.4. I love the result I get when I shoot the lens at f/2.0. I get that great limited depth of field that allows me to focus on a single area of the frame, while making everything else blur out.

In terms of your style and what you shoot, what inspires you?
I get inspiration from various sources. I graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago with a degree in graphic design. In school, I was heavily influenced by the artists of the Renaissance and ancient Greek statues. I also find inspiration from other shooters that have more experience than I do, such as David Ziser, Joe McNally, and Zack Arias. The meaning of family and the closeness of family also inspire me. For weddings, I try to shoot with the bride’s future in mind. I think about what the bride will appreciate 20-30 years from now, not just what she will love right now. I’m inspired to shoot for what bride will like down the line – something that is timeless.

Do you use Facebook or other social networking sites?
I do use Facebook and Twitter. It helps me to get the word out when I shoot events and more importantly, lets people know that I exist. After a wedding, I’ll get the slideshow up by Monday, upload photos to Facebook and tag each person in the photos.

Have you found that Facebook has benefited your business?
Definitely. Facebook is a strong lead generator for my studio and creates some buzz.

What is your favorite part of the wedding day and why?
I really like the moments when the bride and groom are getting ready. They are usually so nervous, which allows me to calm them down and let them know it’s going to be okay. It’s exciting for me too because I don’t know what the day is going to be like. I used to dread these moments because I didn’t know how things were going to turn out, but I see it as a challenge now. It’s become very rewarding for me.

Do you have a favorite venue or location where you love to shoot?
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle Illinois is a beautiful place to shoot because it provides gorgeous backgrounds. I recently shot a wedding at the University Club in Chicago, which was an absolutely breathtaking venue.

What was the best business decision you’ve made this year?
It would be attending a workshop taught by Dane Sanders. Attending the workshop helped me learn about what kind of business I want to run. It helped me learn more about how to run a successful studio and market myself, instead of how to shoot.

Do you ever run promotions or specials for your clients?
I haven’t run an official promotion yet, but I love to surprise my clients with a gift when they’re not expecting it. I’ll typically send clients an additional print in their package that they didn’t order, which they see as a gift from me.

When people leave your studio, what impression do you want them to leave with?
I want my clients to feel that I took care of them and that I was able to fulfill my promises without them having to worry about their day. It’s important for them to feel that they are being taken care of and satisfied with their experience.

What is your favorite Collages.net product or service and why?
The flush mount albums are my favorite. They are so beautiful and when my clients see them, they are wowed by them. I recently delivered a 60 page album to one of my clients, which she loved. It’s so nice to give my client a great product that is stored and packaged so nicely.

We would like to thank Otto for sharing this information about his studio! Let us know who you would like us to interview by contacting customerservice@collages.net. Who knows, you could be next.