men·tor
?men?tôr,?men?t?r/
noun
1. an experienced and trusted adviser.
verb
2. to act as a mentor to (someone); train
When Konstantin and I first met at an Advertising Agency (Formerly Rapp Collins) he was the retoucher and I was his computer guy. We quickly developed a strong relationship and with everything else in our lives the conversations always seem to start with cars. At Rapp we had a car club of sort and took over a row of parking spots on the 4th floor of the garage. There was Konstantin with his Porsche, Milton (Lotus), Erik (Evo), Desmond and I (Subies). As I got to know Konstantin better I realize he had a wealth of knowledge more than cars. There was the antique road show voice in his head and it would spit all sorts of facts and info I never knew existed. Besides all the antique facts he is actually a brilliant photographer and that’s how our relationship grew into mentor and mentee. When I first picked up a camera there was a lot of guidance I received from Konstantin. A lot of buyer beware and getting to know your camera. However, as I progressed going down the path of being a professional that turned into questions and finding out what motivates me. Criticisms were tough and excuses were not acceptable but it was to understand that the ideas you develop is stronger than knowing how to use a camera.
Sharp photos alone was not enough and was challenged with “Why did you take this photo?” to “What story does your photo tell?”
That challenge took me to a different level of photography that I didn’t think was possible. I owe a lot of my success to this man; my mentor but he will never accept it. He would say, “I earned it myself” and “I deserve all the accolades.”
That’s what makes Konstantin special so when he reached out to me and said he was getting married and wanted me to capture his most important day with Johanna. I immediately responded with, “When?” and “Consider it done.”
It is my honor and privilege to share the photos from his wedding to everyone. Hope you enjoy!
Client: Konstantin + Johanna
Ceremony Venue: Santa Barbara Courthouse
Reception Venue: Stella Mare’s
Photographers: Tram and Alex Wong
