Dear Younger Tony,

My photographic path was far from resembling a straight line these past 40 years. It was more like driving the famous Lombard Street in San Francisco with its extreme twists and turns. Seldom did things go smooth and straight, but I followed my instincts and went for it! In my 40-year career, I have photographed some of the most recognized faces, including three U.S. presidents, world leaders at the UN, fashion models, celebrities, NASA astronauts and more. Remember the following:

Lesson #1: Go out of your way to place the word “quality” in every single thing you do. There are so many people that leave clients unfulfilled or fail to deliver on their promises. Don’t be that person.

Creating a Wedding Photography Experience That Truly Caters to Your Couples

Lesson #2: A true education in photography and light is critical. Studying with the top professionals of the day has made a difference I cannot deny. 

An Unconventional Start to Becoming Six-Figure Wedding Photographers

Lesson #3: Never lower the value of your price; it is not the answer to your client’s economic situation. It will be terribly difficult to bring your rates back up after that, if not  impossible.  

Lesson #4: Work harder than anyone else but also have a little fun, connect with like-minded people, laugh often, drink a little wine and never stop looking at life from your own unique perspective that no one else possesses.