Sam Hassas. I've shot with him a few times and hung out more times. Great guy, great teacher and isn't afraid to tell you how it is without making you feel bad/defensive.
Ron (friscoron) - he's invited my wife and I to a few gatherings, and though things haven't panned out yet, I'm sure we'll get to shoot together someday.
1- Steve Tinetti. Steve has been a dear friend and a GREAT mentor to me. Much of my basic development as a pro came from his comments and constructive insights on my work. I have had the privilege of shooting with him a few times and I've always had a blast. Big props to you, Steve-O!
2- BGP1 - Brian Gross. I met Brian at a SF FM shootout almost 4 years ago. He's been my second shooter for a while and he ALWAYS brings what I want: superb images that compliment my style. He's a smart guy, an awesome photographer and a great friend. And his daughter Chloe is so cute I want to adopt her.
Maurice Ramirez…was privileged to 2nd with him. he taught me what quality photography is. i now go into a wedding completely fearless with calm and grace.
I'm cheating and I don't care. There are so many people here who have either been influnces, teachers, collaborators, or just good friends. I'm leaving a LOT of people out here. For each person I mention, I could easily add 5 more. This is off the top of my head...
Steve Tinetti - Gotta start with the guy who puts up with all of us. Just think about all the different personalities that pass through here. He handles them all flawlessly. This place wouldn't be what it is without him...
Tony Hoffer - I probably wouldn't be shooting weddings if not for Tony. Meeting and getting spend some time with him just reinforces something he always says: Good photographers are even better people. I can't think of any one person here who has done more for the careers of others.
Diane (mineymole) - I swear we were separated at birth. Yeah, she's a short white chick and I'm a tallish black dude but none of that matters. Truly a great friend.
Jeff Mosier - Coolest dude ever. I can't recall meeting a more sincere and genuine person.
Tom Wang - I love this guy! If you haven't hung with The Wang, you have no idea what you're missing.
Inku - Open, honest, and one of the greatest sharest of information around.
Rich Lavigne - A guy who adds so much to this community and is always there when you need help. Definitely someone I'm glad to call a friend.
Brian Hatton - Unassuming, down to earth, and one of the funniest guys around. He's also one of the most helpful.
Alessandro - When it comes to people I haven't met in person that I really want to meet, Ale's at the top of my list. We've spoken on the phone countless times (and no less than 30 mins each time).
Sam Hassas - He'd be #2 on that list. He's shared and helped so much over the years. We've never spoken but I still consider him a friend.
Grits - I love grits...both of them. Such a quirky, funny, giving person. Think of another Red Sox fan you can say that about. There are none.
Joshua Gull - I'm not sure words can describe how nice Josh is. Just a genuinely great guy...
Doug Treiber - A great inspiration. Not only for his photography, but for his approach to life in general. Always pushing, always helping, always real...
Todd Reichman - Don't let his online persona fool you. This guy is real. Articulate, funny, and just a great oerson to be around. I owe so much to him from a business standpoint, but that pales in comparison to the friend he's become.
Chuck Anerino - Straight up, honest, and though provoking. No one has started more threads that make me sit and think about what I'm doing, how I approach it, and how to see things better than Chuck.
Brian (BK) - Every time he posts it brings a smile to my face. Another friend I have yet to meet but hope to someday.
Evan Baines - One of the smartest people I've ever met and also one of the most sincere. He ranks right there with Tony when it comes to helping people here. It may not show up in my images, but Evan has influenced my mental approach to wedding photography more than anyone else. WWBD is something I ask myself on a constant basis...
Sergio Mottola - So humble, so talented, and wise beyond his years. Meeting him in person was definitely a highlight. I would let my daughter marry him. That says a lot...
Everyone here, for the most part, has a great sense of humor, doesn't take themselves too seriously, but also takes their job and career very seriously. I admire that. Plus, people are willing to, typically, offer actual critiques and not just shove off with some "Great images!" post. I know in my own work I really, really value critiques from other professionals, and that means a lot to me.
...maybe that means I should start posting more of my own work around here. Hmmmm...
Right back at you Mark (Ziffle3). Can't say enough about this guy. When I was at my worst he traveled 4 hours and stepped up to the plate and hit a couple home runs and one double for me. I threw the double in cause he will get the big head if I had said all home runs!
And then there are waaaay to many other members who threw the years I have learned bits and pieces from. Just little nuggets along the way to help improve. If you post regularly on here I have probably benefited from you in someway. Thanks!
I'm going to double down on Mark (Ziffle3) as well. Dude went out of the way to take the train into Taipei from another town to buy my family dinner and then shoot a fun, impromptu portrait session of us in the city. And I'd never met the guy until that day! Although it felt like we'd been friends for years. I suspect that quality goes a long ways with winning clients. And I am NEVER on the other side of the lens... it was cool seeing and experiencing it from the clients' perspective. Mark is a talented photographer intent on improving and growing. But more impressive than that to me is his commitment to his family... that's what I really identify with.
And since everyone is breaking the rules with more than one shout out - I'm also going to give major kudos to Mark Martinez (martinezphoto). I have not met a more driven individual... driven to succeed in a career he loves. The dude is intelligent as hell and I have no doubt he could succeed in any number of endeavors... endeavors that are far easier to succeed in than wedding photography. It's very motivating for me to see Mark's commitment to wedding photography, and to see him chase down his dream.
Allesandro, funny as heck, oftentimes has insightful views on polarizing issues (I've even seen him change his mind!!) even though he's a crazy liberal (my wife's words when I mentioned I wanted to meet up with him in Florida: "Hmmm, Alessandro... Isn't he that crazy liberal").
I'm not going to list all the people that inspire me here, of which there are quite a few (though it's not the photography aspect that usually inspires me...).
