We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emil Gasparian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Emil, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my family. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family, demonstrating the importance of dedication, perseverance, and integrity. Their example taught me the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from achieving goals through consistent effort.
Additionally, my passion for photography drives my work ethic. When you truly love what you do, it becomes easier to put in the long hours and overcome challenges. The joy of capturing meaningful moments and the appreciation from clients motivate me to continually strive for excellence.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I specialize in wedding and portrait photography, including maternity and family sessions, capturing the authentic emotions and unique stories that define these significant life moments. What excites me most about my work is the ability to preserve these fleeting moments, creating timeless images that clients can cherish forever. Each session is an opportunity to connect with people, understand their stories, and translate them into beautiful visual narratives.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a new series of photography workshops aimed at aspiring photographers. These workshops will cover various aspects of photography, from technical skills to creative techniques, and provide hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Additionally, I’m expanding my services to include destination weddings, offering clients the chance to capture their special day in stunning locations around the world. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and new services as I continue to grow and evolve my brand.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail. Perseverance allowed me to push through challenges and stay committed to my craft, even when the path wasn’t easy. Adaptability helped me navigate the ever-changing landscape of the photography industry and stay current with new technologies and trends. A keen eye for detail has been crucial in capturing the perfect moments and creating images that resonate with clients.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to first cultivate perseverance by setting clear goals and staying focused on them, regardless of obstacles. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and keep moving forward. Second, develop adaptability by staying open to new ideas, continually learning, and being willing to pivot when necessary. Keep up with industry trends, attend workshops, and engage with the photography community. Finally, hone your eye for detail by practicing regularly, studying the work of other photographers, and paying attention to the small elements that make a big difference in your photos. Consistent practice and a commitment to improvement will help you refine these essential skills.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Currently, one of the challenges I am facing is balancing the creative and business aspects of my photography career. As my client base grows and new opportunities arise, managing the increased administrative tasks, marketing efforts, and client communications while still dedicating ample time to the creative process can be quite demanding. Finding this balance is crucial to ensuring that the quality of my work remains high and that I continue to enjoy and be inspired by my craft.
To address this, I am exploring ways to streamline my workflow and considering the possibility of hiring an assistant or outsourcing certain tasks. This would allow me to focus more on the creative side of photography, ensuring that I continue to produce work that resonates with my clients and stays true to my artistic vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gasparianfoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gasparianfoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GasparianFOTO/
- Twitter: https://x.com/gasparianfoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gasparian-photography-pasadena



Image Credits
All pictures taken by Gasparian FOTO
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
