Derek L.

Average rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews

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Derek began his professional photography career as a headshot/portrait photographer in his mid-twenties in Miami for actor and models. Wanting to add other genres, he began reading photography magazines and books (no internet in those days) to learn more. He realized that if he was able to understand and conquer lighting technique there was no type of photography he could not do. He continued studying, attending workshops and taking online classes once the internet was popular. He is completely self-taught. He studied not only the physics an techniques of photography and lighting, but also became an expert in the post-production process of picture editing (It was a lot better than smelling like ammonia from developing pictures in a darkroom).

With time, training and experience, he became quite adept in other areas of photography: architecture, food, lifestyle, nature, products, portraits, hotels & resorts, hospitality and even video. He is living proof that once lighting is mastered, one he can shoot anything. He loves photography and never gets tired or bored of shooting and learning even though he’s been been behind the camera for over 30 years.

Featured as one of the Best photographers in Miami

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. | Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. | Olympus 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5

Portrait

Family

Real Estate

Product

Food

Travel

Other

More about Derek L....

What do you love about your job?

I love to be out in the field…I love working a team environment. I’m not a loner and I get anxious working in an office for too long. Photography allows me to be out and about and there is always a human element involved in most shoots: clients, Art Directors, models, crew, etc. I also love the variety of assignments…never a boring day. Every shoot is different. Many times adding new challenges and rewards. No time to be bored. I love the art of photography and being with people all working toward the same goal.

What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?

I've done a few types of photography shoots on a consistent basis: portraits/headshots, family, food & drink, hospitality, lifestyle, real estate, and product.

I make these shoots special because I will usually have my hand in the entire process from beginning to end such as casting the models, hiring the wardrobe & makeup artists, location scouting, scheduling, hiring crew, pre and post-production, image selection, client relationship building, etc. I love all these aspects of the biz!

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

I don't submit my images to contests or shows for awards. I had a magazine write about my photography once. Not big on self-promotion.

A fun fact about this photographer

When I'm not behind a camera, I'm in front of it. I have been an actor/model in Miami for 20 years. I've been in hundreds of commercials, one Suer Bowl commercial, many TV shows; my picture has been on billboards all over the world and on buses too; I currently have two shows on South Florida PBS that hopefully will go national very soon.