Damon Tucci

No one knows their way around the wedding business quite like Damon Tucci. Having shot over 2,500 wedding events in his illustrious career, Damon has revolutionized the industry. His technique of using fashion poses mixed with documentary style shots has been adopted around the globe. For over 15 years Damon has shown us how breaking with tradition brings a fresh and welcome perspective.

Damon uses Zenfolio’s impressive and easy to use proofing system for all of his clients. He feels that the elegant display of images always makes a great first impression and helps to boost sales. Offering many of the products available from the Zenfolio partner labs, his clients always receive his beautiful images printed to perfection.
Damon uses Zenfolio to add client proofing and ordering to his main portfolio website.

Where were you born and raised? Where have you settled?

Florida mostly, but I am a bit addicted to traveling the world; budget permitting.

What type of photography do you shoot most often? What type of photography are you most passionate about shooting?

WEDDINGS, but I love MANY genres – I was trained originally as an underwater cinematographer and lately I have been having fun with my go pro HD – it's an underwater camera that is mounted to my surfboard. Luv it!

Also I have been having fun with off camera flash/dramatic lighting. I am loving the RadioPopper system.

How long have you been a shutter releaser? What led you to this profession?

My Dad is an attorney, but he also had a serious photography addiction and I grew up with a sweet darkroom in our house.

How has Zenfolio helped your business?

How hasn't Zenfolio help my business is the real question. I used to cringe if clients had to see the online gallery for their photos as a first impression. The fact is (back in the day) they were sooooo lo-res (I think because the companies were worried about people stealing the images) that they looked awful. We even posted a disclaimer stating the images looked better than they appeared. It was awful. Zenfolio's galleries are opposite of that, they are awesome. I sell more and they make me proud. Plus, they are easy in every sense of the word.

MAC or PC?

Duh? MAC!

Do you have brand loyalty for Canon, Nikon or something completely different?

Again, duh? NIKON! I hope they are reading this, because seriously Nikon has been the backbone of my entire career.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Not to be difficult, but the most honest answer I can give is swirl.

Are your photography skills self-taught or were you classically trained?

I am classically trained as a cinematographer. That is what I went to school for, but that being said, self-taught people constantly blow me away. Plus, I am continuously reaching out to learn more every day. It is refreshing to see each photographer's unique perspectives. I do think eventually we must all study the basics and also constantly strive to continue our education to keep it fresh.

What advice would you give a new photographer just starting out?

Embrace your craft by investing your resources in education. Annual conventions like PPA and WPPI are over flowing with knowledge. If you can't go to the national conventions, then look for regional learning platforms like AfterDark Education or the association sponsored road shows which are more budget friendly. Oh, and spend your money and time wisely!

What was your first published work?

It was a photo of an alligator for Florida wildlife magazine.

What inspires you as a photographer? Or who?

I like David LaChapelle, Fashion photography magazines, cinema and renaissance art.

What are your thoughts on using social networking sites to market your photography business?

I think it is smart and a necessity, but I am thankful that I am not the person who has to keep it up in our business.

Would you say you are a dog person or a cat person? Bird person?

Not to offend anyone, hands down DOG ONLY. Big ups to my dog Zeke.

What is the very first camera you ever owned?

Nikon FE

If you could only eat one food the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Good Sushi made by a Japanese person

What piece of equipment or doohickey do you have with you on every shoot?

My brain

Do you have any final words of wisdom on being a first class shooter?

Exceed Expectations! And as a side note surround yourself with people that are passionate about the craft of photography and can fill in your gaps.