Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi David , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Honestly, I don’t think I ever have. Because I believe imposter syndrome is synonymous with being in a creative field. I’m of the opinion that feeling like an imposter pushes you to deliver your best and motivates you to do better next time.
Even now that I’m booking higher end clients due to my recent rebranding to The Drunk Wedding Photographer in early 2023, I feel seconds away from the cover being blown and exposed as an imposter.
Because the day I’m not nervous to walk into a wedding with complete strangers and not feel like an imposter, that will be the day to move on to something else. Until that day hopefully never arrives (knock on wood), I will gladly accept imposter syndrome any day of the week.
And we are all familiar with the old saying, “fake it till you make it.” Which I completely disagree with, because that suggests you are aware you’re an imposter and are not delivering your best. At least not planning to until you actually “make it.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is David Cruz, The Drunk Wedding Photographer. Born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, and I’m an analog 35mm film wedding photographer based in Los Angeles, California.
As a film wedding photographer, I believe there is an inherent beauty of being able to say that I am not for everyone.
Because my off-the-rails, but often quiet personality does not fit the fast-paced, pretentious often aggressive sales driven wedding industry with no intent in doing so, as the industry often overlooks the beauty of simplicity.
Instead, my minimalist approach best suits couples who value the elegance of an intimate, non-traditional small wedding with a low guest count, not those who see photography as just another checkbox to mark off on their extravagant wedding planning checklist.
While many see my unconventional approach being too simplistic, as I spend my limited time at weddings creating wholesome photos of newlywed couples with their friends and family and not on overly complicated epic poses or time-consuming magazine layout details, I do not create photos to garner the attention of magazine editors or awards.
I create photos Grandma will be happy to print and proudly showcase in her home.
Because I believe that creating something by hand is an expression of knowledge and that beauty can be found in ordinary everyday mundane things, a testament to the power of human creativity.
I believe in clients writing their own vows, I believe in sharing life’s simple moments over tacos and Mezcal cocktails at wedding reception dinners.
Because, in the end, life is about the experiences we share and the memories we create with those around us, regardless of how insignificant they may seem to others.
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?
I don’t know about three. But one quality, if we can even call it that, is to stay hungry, both in the literal and figurative sense.
In other words, stay ambitious, always look forward to something, set both short- and long-term goals for yourself. Compare yourself to others, but know you won’t quite reach the stars, but at least land on the moon or even the space station who knows.
Be competitive, have rivals.
I completely disagree with the notion of community over competition. I mean really, who believes that? Certainly not the big players in town as Walmart, Target, Apple, Netflix, Coke, Pepsi etc. You think they’re about community!?
No sir. It’s cutthroat out there.
And that faster you realize that the quicker you’ll get ahead. At the very least, save yourself from needless disappointment from others.
Look, I’m not saying don’t build a community far from it, but at the end of day, you are running a business, and no one is there to help when you need it most. Because the only person you can depend on, is you.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Giving birth to me. We can start and finish with that, no?
But for cereal, there are several things my parents have done to help me be where I am today.
From my Mom buying my first Nikon film camera in 2005 to my Dad buying my first digital camera and computer in 2003. Even recently, my Mom pitching in half for a new computer.
However, by far THE most significant was in the early months of you know what in 2020, I moved back in with them and that alone allowed me to focus on my brand rather than splitting my time with a real job and school, preventing my brand to go into autopilot again.
And even though my parents and family don’t fully understand what I do, they support me none the less. And that’s something many don’t even have. Family support. All one could ever ask for.
And with that if you, or if you know someone getting married soon, check out my socials below. See ya there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedrunkweddingphotographer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrunkweddingphotographer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedrunkweddingphotographer
Image Credits
