We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thomas Basaluos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Thomas, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Ever since I can remember, my father has been a profound source of inspiration for me, especially when it comes to taking risks and seizing opportunities. His journey began in a small village in Egypt, where he often gazed at planes flying overhead, dreaming of where they might be going and what it would feel like to soar above the clouds. As a child, he would get excited at the sight of a plane, chasing it until it disappeared from view. This dream of travel and adventure stayed with him throughout his life.
His first opportunity to travel came with a trip to Cyprus, but it was met with unexpected challenges. He was detained and sent back due to issues with his paperwork. For many, this might have been a discouraging setback, but for my father, it was just another obstacle to overcome. He believed that no obstacle could stomp out his dreams. He kept his eyes on the horizon, waiting for the next chance.
That chance came with a photography event in Dubai. This time, he succeeded, and his dream of traveling became a reality. However, his biggest dream was to come to the United States. He applied six times to come to the States and was denied each time. Yet, every six months, he would try again, undeterred by previous rejections. Finally, he succeeded and came to Nevada for a photography event.
Arriving in the U.S. presented new challenges, such as the language barrier and finding work. He started working at a gas station and a liquor store, far from the photography career he aspired to. But he never lost sight of his vision. My father believed deeply in three pillars: having faith in God, setting a goal, and taking steps towards that goal. He always told me that the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who doesn’t is the ability to overcome the element of fear and take risks.
He eventually achieved his dream, becoming a photographer and starting his own travel agency. His journey from a village in Egypt to a successful entrepreneur in the U.S. taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of taking risks.
Inspired by his story, I embraced these lessons in my own life and career. Transforming my passion for photography into a full-fledged business was daunting, especially in a competitive industry. But every time I faced uncertainty, I remembered my father’s stories. His relentless pursuit of his dreams, despite numerous obstacles, gave me the courage to push forward.
My father’s example taught me that taking risks isn’t about being reckless; it’s about being strategic and seeing the potential for growth and success. He continues to inspire me every day, showing me that with courage and perseverance, risks can lead to incredible opportunities. Through his experiences, I’ve learned that the greatest rewards often come from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. It’s a lesson that has profoundly shaped my career and one that I carry with me in every decision I make.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
What I love most about wedding photography is the uniqueness of every love story. Each couple has their own journey, filled with personal moments, challenges, and triumphs. Capturing these unique stories and translating them into beautiful, meaningful images is incredibly rewarding.
Every couple is different however it always revolves around understanding and connecting with my couples. From our first meeting to the wedding day, my priority is to make them feel comfortable and valued. I take the time to learn about their story, their personalities, and what makes their relationship unique. This personal connection allows me to capture their true essence in my photographs.
I believe that a wedding is not just an event; it’s a significant milestone in a couple’s journey. My photography style focuses on natural, candid moments that highlight the beauty of spontaneous expressions. This blend of artistry and authenticity in the story telling ensures that each photo tells a story filled with genuine emotions.
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?
What really sets my work apart is the emphasis on respect, love, and good service. My father always told me, “Respect, love, and good service are key. Don’t lie to people; if you do, you might win once, but never again.” This philosophy has guided me throughout my career. Respecting clients means valuing their time, privacy, and individuality. Showing them love means genuinely caring about their story and their special day. Providing good service is about being there for them, from the initial consultation to the final delivery of photos, making sure they feel valued and understood.
Creating a memorable experience starts long before the wedding day. It’s about building a genuine connection with the couple who have trusted you with one of the biggest days of their lives. From our initial meeting to the wedding day, I focus on understanding their vision and making them feel comfortable and valued. This ensures that the entire experience is enjoyable and memorable.
Standing out is also crucial. I believe in being unique not just through my photography, but in the way I interact and communicate with my clients. Whether it’s the way I dress, the way I talk, or how I conduct myself, I aim to leave a lasting impression. Respecting and loving people, no matter who they are, gives you value as a human being and shows that you genuinely care about them.
I often hear from clients how much they appreciate feeling at ease during our shoots and how I manage to capture their true selves. They value the personal attention and care I put into every session, as well as the quality and artistry of the final images. The feedback I receive highlights the seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish, underscoring my professionalism and attention to detail.
Being part of these special moments and capturing the love stories of so many couples is incredibly rewarding.
For those starting their journey in photography, my advice is to prioritize building genuine relationships with your clients. Understand their stories and let that connection guide your work. Spend time developing your artistic vision, finding and refining a style that is uniquely yours. And most importantly, commit to excellence in everything you do. Strive to deliver the best possible results and never stop learning and improving.
I am grateful for the trust and support I receive. Each wedding and each story I capture is a testament to the beauty and complexity of Love. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey and to create lasting memories they will cherish forever.
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?
Let’s skip this one
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasbasaluos
Image Credits
Thomas Basaluos
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