Dan Ituarte Photography

I generally have questions about the specific photography they want done, the number of people, the location and if it is indoor or outdoor work. I also discuss specifics needs. If it is something that I have done before I send samples to preview. I always work with a simple contract to ensure that the terms are clear between me and the customer. I include location of the photo shoot, price, time and contact information. I have a lot of photography gear, and the more information that I have about customer needs, the better I can prepare myself and the equipment to meet those needs. I have specialized gear for headshots, and products. And, I have equipment for events and portable studios for photographing large groups and families. For modeling I like to have my camera tethered to a laptop computer so that I can be certain that I am getting good images.

My two professional goals in life were to be a marine biologist and a photographer since I was 19 years old. I pursued both careers. I was highly influenced by the photographic works of famous photographers such as Robert Capa, Margaret Bourke-White, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Annie Leibovitz, and many of the F-64 photographers who gave direction to American photographers and made it an accepted art form. I bought my first Nikon camera in 1981 and started taking classes in 1988. I immediately began winning photography contests. By 1990 I was doing freelance portrait and landscape photography. I love creating new images and exploring the world with my camera. I also love experimenting with Photoshop and making my images pop. I love working with clients and making beautiful images and memories for them to share with family and friends.

I was often asked to do photo jobs by people who saw my portfolio. I decided to take on an part-time job working for a small franchise company that processed film and did limited studio work. It was run by a retired couple who decided to do this business without any background in photography. As a result, the management was poor, employee turnover was high, and the company was barely surviving. Shortly after leaving the company I was asked to photograph couples at several Christmas parties. I had such success that I decided to buy my own lights and start my own business. My business began to grow, however I was still working as a full time marine biologist. By the time I retired, film had been replaced by digital imagery and I was fully immersed in the digital world. I expanded my business and continued to work part-time as a self-employed photographer. I have been doing that now for 12 years and I have been doing photography for over 30 years.

I try to keep my prices low and reasonable. But, I don't cut corners on the work. I'm a perfectionist and I want my clients to love their photographs. I always hear my Dad's voice in the back of my mind saying, "do it right or don't do it at all." Some photographers shoot jpeg images and do as little correction as possible. I shoot raw files that require processing and allow for maximum correction. I take color profiles at the start of each photo project to make sure that skin tones and colors are correct. I select the best images from a photo shoot and process each one for maximum quality. I also pose my clients whenever possible for the best outcome. Being a good director is part of being a good photographer.

I can do online consultation if requested. I also have a website where people can view my work and discuss it with me. I create photo galleries for each photo shoot where images can be viewed, downloaded or printed.

I am double vaccinated and have received a booster shot for Covid-19. I follow CDC guidelines for masking and cleaning.