Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Torres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi David , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Being 49 and starting my photography journey later in life taught me a lot about risk and purpose. I’ve always believed that whatever I do should have meaning, and that I should truly enjoy it. My journey began with an old DSLR my step-daughter gave me when I decided to start a commercial photography business. As soon as I picked up that camera, I dove deep into learning — tutorials, guides, and everything I could find. That curiosity led me into lighting, street photography, portrait work, architectural and food photography, and much more.
I also discovered along the way that learning with ADHD can be challenging. But instead of allowing that — or my age — to become excuses, I treated them as obstacles to overcome. Earlier in life, I studied computer science mainly to prove that I could graduate, even though I had little passion for it and never truly worked in that field. Photography, however, was different — it was something I’d always been curious about and finally chose to pursue.
So, I’d say my ability to take risks developed from accepting challenges, staying committed despite distractions, and staying true to what I’m genuinely passionate about. Life will always test how real your passion is — and I’ve learned to lean into that instead of stepping away from it.
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’m a commercial photographer, and my work focuses primarily on real estate, branding, and product photography. What excites me most is helping people and businesses tell their stories visually — whether that means showcasing a property at its best, elevating a brand, or creating images that make products stand out. Every project lets me combine creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving, which keeps the work fresh and meaningful.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many local businesses and organizations, including Taylor Morrison, Lennar, Medellin Burger, Muzzarella Pizza, Starbucks, Forteza Realty, La Rosa Realty, Kite Realty, and many more. My work has ranged from real estate and marketing imagery to full branding sessions designed to help businesses present themselves confidently and consistently across their platforms.
My journey into photography began later in life, and that perspective has become one of my greatest strengths. I didn’t stumble into this career — I chose it intentionally, invested in learning, and committed to growing professionally. That mindset carries into every project: I value purpose, communication, and making sure my clients feel supported throughout the process.
Today, I’m continuing to expand my services, including drone photography, video walkthroughs, and digital products for newer photographers and small business owners. I’m passionate about building long-term relationships, delivering work that makes a difference for my clients, and constantly evolving as both an artist and entrepreneur.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Persistence and resilience
Starting later in life meant I had to push past doubts, comparison, and moments where progress felt slow. Persistence helped me stay committed even when results didn’t come right away.
Advice: Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Set small goals, keep showing up, and allow yourself to learn through mistakes. Growth comes from consistency, not perfection.
2. Curiosity and continuous learning
Photography opened up entire worlds — lighting, composition, editing, business, client communication, and more. I stayed curious and never stopped studying, experimenting, and asking questions.
Advice: Invest in learning, whether through online resources, mentors, workshops, or simple trial and error. Stay humble enough to always be a student, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
3. Relationship-building and communication
Photography isn’t just about cameras — it’s about people. Building trust with clients, understanding their needs, and delivering results that support their goals has been essential.
Advice: Practice listening as much as you practice shooting. Communicate clearly, deliver on time, and treat every client as a long-term partner, not just a transaction.
Ultimately, these qualities worked together. Persistence kept me moving forward, curiosity helped me improve, and strong relationships opened doors. For anyone just starting out, focus on building habits around learning, consistency, and genuine connection — they’ll carry you further than any single piece of equipment ever will.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Family and friends have been incredibly important in my journey — not because they are responsible for my success, but because they’ve supported me while still challenging me to grow. I’ve learned that real growth doesn’t come from constant praise. It comes from honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. When the people around you are willing to tell you the truth, it pushes you to improve, set new goals, and step outside your comfort zone.
I’ve also benefited tremendously from collaboration. Working alongside other photographers and videographers has shown me that we are always both students and teachers. I try to stay open — sometimes being the driver, and other times being the passenger. I love learning from others, and I’m equally happy to share tips and lessons I’ve gained through trial and error.
Ultimately, learning is a cycle: you try, you fall, and you learn to get back up. The most meaningful things we leave behind are our memories and the knowledge we pass on to others. And in photography, that idea becomes especially powerful — because we get to freeze moments in time through images and video, preserving stories that people can return to for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schumann-photography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schumann_photography1?igsh=MWtnM245YWM4Z2V2aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BA41Kg4NY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
