Digital Wedding Forum - Wedding photography's home on the web.

Location - South Florida
Business Name - Riccis Valladares Photography
Years in Business - 4
Number of Posts - 757
Website - www.riccisvalladares.com
Blog - www.riccisvalladares.com/blog

DWF - Let's start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.

RICCIS- I was born in Cuba and spent there my early childhood. I currently reside in Boca Raton, Florida with my wife Ryhaan, our son Enzo and dog Zoe.

As long as I can remember, art has always played a big part of my life. While I dabbled in painting and sculpture, I remember having the most fun playing with some of my dad's old Russian cameras (Lubitels, Kievs) as a little boy.

DWF - How did you become a wedding photographer?

RICCIS - I love to observe people and liken the human expression to that of a fascinating landscape that changes rapidly as the sun sets. That passion and the encouragement of friends and family after seeing some of my personal work pushed me to give wedding photography a try...

I haven't looked back since.

DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?

RICCIS - Life... I strive to get inspired by anyone and anything around me.

DWF- If we were getting married why would we book you? What makes you unique?

RICCIS - I have an aversion to aggressive sales techniques. There are so many amazing and talented photographers out there that I will be lying to a prospective client if I express to them that there is anything about me or my style that makes me unique over anyone else. The only things I want a couple to understand is my passion for the work I do and how blessed I feel for having the opportunity to tell the story of their wedding day.

DWF- If you had to pick a favorite "Tool of the Trade" what would it be? and why?

RICCIS - I'm 98% digital when I document weddings, but my tools of choice for weddings are my rangefinders (Leica M7s and M8s) and my toy cameras (a bunch of Holgas and Dianas). I love their lightweight and simplicity. I shoot a roll or two of 35mm B&W and a few rolls of 120 B&W with my Holgas per wedding.

DWF - Care to share your favorite photograph? and tell us a bit about it?

RICCIS - I knew I was going to love this image before even seeing it... The bride was pretty stressed out and decided to relax herself by smoking a cigarette (she had quit smoking since getting engaged). I love the multiple layers throughout the scene, bridesmaids pouring champagne in the background, the final dress adjustments being made, the "really late" girl on the right just now getting her hair ready and the little doll that belongs to the bride's daughter...a complete sense of urgency that sharply contrasts with the bride's relaxed and somewhat careless posture.

This was the result of challenging myself to look for an alternative to the usual bride coming into church image.

The bride and groom gave in to my craziness and agreed to see each other on top of the ledge of their balcony suite... After seeing this image, my wife recommended me to get more liability insurance ;-)

DWF - How about some final words to live by?

RICCIS - Always keep an open mind since every person and/or experience that touches our lives helps shape who we are as individuals and artists.