Passion. It’s an important ingredient for a successful photographer, and we know it when we see it. Learning the business of photography is arguably more important for a wedding photographer that learning how to take better photographs.

For me personally, I enjoy the business side of my practice, and I enjoy sharing this information with other photographers. But sharing information on how to be a successful wedding photographer is much different than giving a workshop or class on how a camera works. The individual that chooses to take a photography class about photographic technique and equipment can review the instructor’s portfolio to help them in their decision-making process as to whether or not they will pay tuition. The individual who is looking to educate themselves about how to better run their business should first make a point of knowing the history of the individual sharing the information.

I’ve always been a photographer. It has been, and always will be, my only source of income. I completed my first photography class in 1986. With a camera in my hand, I graduated high school in 1988, and decided that when I graduated college, I would be able to photograph any assignment given to me.

From 1988 – 1990 I studied Art History and emersed myself in commercial photography at Salem State College, just outside of Boston. In the Summer of 1990, my family gave me the opportuinty to study photography in Florence, Italy. While I was unaware of it at the time, it was at this point that my photographic style first began to develop and take shape.

Returning to the U.S. in 1991, I continued my education in Arizona at Northern Arizona University with Dr. Jene Balzar. With the university only a few miles from the edge of The Grand Canyon, I
dove deeply into landscape photography. I graduated from NAU in 1993 with a BFA, with an emphasis in photography and a minor in business.

After graduating I found myself working for a few different photography studios in Phoenix, really just paying my dues photographing proms, schools, and Little League sports teams.

My big break came in 1996 when I returned to Houston. I was so very fortunate to find myself emplyed by what many photographers consider to be one of the finest portrait studios in the country. The education I received while at Gittings far surpassed everything I had learned up to that point.

After Gittings I opened my own photography lab. It was a boutique really. I was a technician turned business owner overnight, and because I did not have the business skills needed to run a successful business, I failed over and over.

Armed with an Imacon Scanner and a few computers, I set out as a custom digital retoucher. I would scan film from professional portrait photographers such as Alvin Gee, Alexanders, Carol Andrews, and Kay Marvins to name a few, and I would digitally enhance their images to perfection. These digital files were then delivered to their lab of choice, who then in turn would print their work and ship the final portrait back to the photographer’s studio. For seven years I retouched amazing portraiture, until I decided to open my own studio.

I eventually did open my own photography studio, Solaris Studios Inc., applying everyting I had learned along the way. Viewing my artwork today, you can see all of my past influences. The combination of landscape photography with a slight commercial feel is evident in my wedding photography.

Since I have opened my studio, I have found myself in different parts of the world photographing my clients including, Banff, Munich, Versailles, Paris, Venice and Las Vegas

I’m sharing this history with you because it’s my personal opinion that your decision on who you learn from should be decided by other factors than just price alone. Education, quality, experience, aptitude and passion are also very important factors to consider.

Thank you for your patronage!

Respectfully,
Aric Hoek BFA, CPP, Author
The Master of Shadows ®
Professional Photographer
Solaris