ALMetro360

hit me and my pursuit for the perfect photo led me to acquire more cameras and gear. I later started doing freelance work shoot- ing everything from photojournalism to portraits. I can remember all the work I had seen by other local photogra- phers and wishing that someday I would be able to create images that were that good. From the first time I had the opportunity to sit in on a shoot with Elbert Wimberly and see up close how a por- trait session was done to the time I spent admiring the work of one of the photographers that I always looked upon as being a true Master of the art Jim Pappanastos, whose images graced the walls in Eastdale Mall for years. One day I met another photographer (Eugene Bates) who shared an interest in opening a studio so we both decided to do just that. I didmostly portraits and he primarily shot mostly weddings. At that time, I never would have thought I would ever shoot weddings but decided to give it a try. I soon found that shooting weddings was quite rewarding and something that I enjoyed doing. That was probably the moment I felt that this is something that I could make a living in at some point. In early 2000 I opened my studio and went full time in photography. ALM: What, if any, is your specialty? What do you like to photo- graph the most? DF: My specialty is quite literally photography. Though that might sound a bit vague it was not unusual for photographers to shoot all types of jobs. When I went full time, I opened a studio specializing in senior portraits. Then, in 2001 I was asked to do weddings again and decided that I would give it another try. That was the time when wedding photojournalism was extremely pop- ular, so I decided that was the style I wanted to offer. I loved it! Weddings soon became my specialty and I spent the better part of my career as a wedding photographer later adding video and photo booths. I now divide my time shooting weddings and senior por- traits but mostly commercial photography and events. As for what I like to photograph the most, there is not an answer I can think of. Having been a professional photographer for so long it is difficult to imagine any one thing that stands out. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph some remarkably interesting and influential people and events over the years. When I look at some of the photos in my portfolio, I find satisfaction in all types of work I have done. If I had to choose it would probably be any photo that defines a moment or tells a story. My passion for the artform of photography often takes me back to something that I shot years ago that. When I look at it to- day, I get a sense of knowing that I captured a little piece of history. To truly answer that I think I would have to tap into my inner amateur photographer and look at some of my work over the years. ALM: How long have you been shooting for Montgomery Living/ River Region Living/ AL Metro 360? DF: I did some assignments for Montgomery Living maybe 15 years ago. I have had some brides in the wedding issues and one cover for a wedding issue. I have done some assignments for the magazine on and off. Most recently I have done work monthly for ALMetro360 for about a year now. ALM: What other passions do you have? DF: I enjoy golfing, fishing, playing tennis, wood working, con- struction, music, trivia and anything else that keeps me doing something. At the top of my list is always the time my wife and I get to spend with our two sons and our family. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter JUNE/JULY 2020 23 e J.D ecutiv Ex . W DE LA ON-CAM ONLIN Schedule GREE PUS E & ALL 20 F Y NO FOR APPL 20! W edu/ wla faulkner (334) 604 A MON 2W AMPUS ON-C DURING ONLINE ejd ecutiv ex -7600 TH EEKENDS THEWEEK, ome Montg . . AL ,ry h – on your sc WA LEARN L . edule SEEK JUSTIC . E.