Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John Arcara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi John, 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 & the style of the way our little family of photographers work comes directly from my Dad. My dad was a photographer & DJ and taught me from an early age to earn what I get. I started as a professional wedding photographer with him shooting weddings and portraits in 1983, I was 13 and he said if I can ask for 20 bucks for the movies, I can carry camera cases & load film. Today, together with my wife Lovina we are instilling that same work ethic in our daughters. We have 3 daughters, 2 of which are professional photographers & have been since they were 13. Molly is now 18 & Lilly is 15 and they both have multiple paying jobs already. Once Lucy is of age, she will work too, It’s something that younger generations have a hard time grasping, nothing is handed to you, it’s all earned.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
John Arcara Photography is a second generation photography studio, so the craft is in our DNA. We’ve seen it all, and know that when a couple is comfortable, that’s when they shine. Our playful and contemporary style through photojournalistic images, gives you that space to breathe. We subtly direct rather than suggest awkward poses. The editorial, cinematic feel for the photographs is the way you would shoot a Hollywood movie. They let you be the star you’re supposed to be on your big day. We love fashion, and weddings and we adore photographing people. Whether it’s at a wedding or having fun with Street Photography. We shoot FILM & digital since our love for the perfect image runs so deep.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
3 qualities I believe in any business starting out are drive, perseverance and backbone. People will say no, people will try to bring you down, some are jealous, it’s not a nice & kind world out there & no matter what they tell you, the professional communities are not really there to help you, they are all opportunistic and out for themselves so you & you alone have to watch out for yourself. You have to wake up each day & much grind and no matter what mood you are in, you must perform for your client. I have photographed weddings on my worst days and still had to create happiness & perfection. Digital formats have made us all speed up & just take a spray & pray attitude, but, slow down & enjoy the therapy of crafting a fine images and the beauty that it comes out to be.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A couple books that have lead me to where I am today are The Holy Bible and the Art of War. If I have ever had a question, God has had the answer & no matter how long it takes, I always feel taken care of. If God says it’s time to be aggressive then we have the Art of War which spells out strategies for your entire life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnarcara.com
- Instagram: @johnarcaraphotography
- Facebook: @JohnArcaraPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnArcaraPhotography
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