We’re excited to share this artist feature with wedding photographer Joe Sanfilippo of 434 Photo, out of Orlando, Florida. You can find Joe online via his website and Instagram.
How long have you been a photographer? What got you started?
I have been a professional photographer for 15 years. I started to shoot professionally after I got married. I loved the experience that I had with my wedding photographer on my wedding day and it inspired me to start shooting professionally. I actually worked with my wedding photographer as a second shooter for a little while shortly after my wedding. I probably wouldn’t be doing this today if I never met my wedding photographer! I photographed weddings in Long Island and NYC for several years and recently relocated to the Orlando, FL area where I know specialize in HS senior portraits and Elopements.
What’s In Your Gear Bag?
I like to keep it light and simple. Switching to Mirrorless has lightened the load quite a bit from the DSLR’s I shot with previously. I carry 2 Canon R6 bodies, a Canon RF 50mm 1.2L, Sigma 35mm 1.4, and a Canon RF 85mm 2.0. For lighting, I carry 2 Godox V1 flashes and godox triggers, a cheap 60″ Umbrella, and a lightstand. Sometimes, I will bring an Angler 20″ fastbox as well.
How did you establish and define your shooting and editing style?
I would say it was through a LOT of trial and error and experimenting throughout the years. I still feel like my style is always a work in progress, or better yet – evolving. I feel that the subject or the location can call for a different editing or shooting technique.
How do you differentiate yourself from the photographer down the street?
I have had clients tell me after a shoot that it felt more like they were being photographed by an old friend instead of a photographer. I have also been told that they forgot they were being photographed. I feel that is what sets me apart! I strive to make my clients as comfortable as possible in front of the lens and build lasting relationships with my clients on a personal level. I am still friends with some of my past clients today.
Who are some of your favorite photographers?
Susan Stripling and Ryan Brenizer have been two of my favorite photographers for a long time. I have always admired their wedding photography!
What advice would you give someone wanting to learn how to edit in Lightroom?
To someone just learning lightroom, my advice is to start fiddling with sliders and see how they behave and how they change the photo. Don’t rely on presets to be a one and done solution to your editing. And from an organizational standpoint, I recommend creating a seperate lightroom catalog for each job instead of one giant catalog for everything!
How has the Visual Flow Preset system changed your workflow?
I primarily use Modern and Pastel presets from Visual Flow and I love the way it handles the color profile for the Canon r6. I also use the retouching toolkit – this has saved me hours of photoshop work from skin retouching to dodging and burning. I wouldn’t want to work in Lightroom without these tools ever again.
More Images: Before and After
Check out these side-by-side before and after images (including some of the photos from this article) as edited by Joe Sanfilippo using Visual Flow Presets.
How to Find Joe Sanfilippo Online:
Website: http://www.434photo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/434photos/
