Today we’d like to introduce you to David Choe.
Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I first picked up a camera that belonged to my parents and shot random things without thinking about exposure, composition, lighting, or posing. All I could think about was how it made me feel at the time when I pressed the shutter button and how that particular moment in time was captured by my own hands. I remember looking at the photos wondering why most of them turned out overexposed or blurry, so I took it upon myself to learn how to take better pictures. I saved up enough money to buy my own DSLR camera so that I could experiment with camera settings in various lighting conditions concentrating mostly on landscapes and portraits of friends or family. I uploaded some of these pictures to Facebook and I guess people thought they were decent because a friend of mine who was getting married asked me if I could take their wedding photos. Completely taken aback by this request, I nervously accepted the job. I implemented everything I had learned about photography and felt sick to my stomach the whole time because I knew I only had one shot to do it right. Within minutes of delivering the photos, the couple uploaded their pictures on social media. Apparently, they loved the way the photos turned out and other people started to message me about taking their wedding photos as well. Due to the number of requests I was receiving throughout the year, I decided to tackle wedding photography full-time because I was working an 8-5 corporate job during the week while shooting weddings on the weekends. Today, I am proud to say that I do what I love to do and have never looked back.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. When I first started to get serious about photography, I was a broke college kid and had little money to buy any camera gear. Digital cameras were fairly new to the market and film was expensive to just burn through. I had to be resourceful by lurking on eBay and Craigslist for deals when I finally bought my first DSLR camera, and I still do this because buying camera equipment can rack up costs very quickly. Also, when I was researching how to become a better photographer, YouTube wasn’t a reliable resource like it is now where you can learn how to do just about anything by watching a tutorial video. I’ve also struggled with finding my own voice and style throughout the years, but I feel like my work has become more cohesive as a whole now. I am constantly overcoming new challenges that arise, but I know that working through them will allow me to provide a service and product that I can be proud of at the end of the day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Choe Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in wedding photography, but I also love to take creative portraits. I’m proud of being able to connect to people that I would not have met if it weren’t for my photography business. I am still in contact with some of my previous clients because after they get married, they want me to take their maternity photos and then photos of their family so I end up becoming a part of their lives for a long time. Doing photography as a business has made me realize that it’s not all about how great you are at taking pictures, it’s about how you conduct your business while genuinely caring about the people you are working with. The overall experience I am able to provide sets me apart from others because I truly try to get to know my clients when they book me so I fully understand how I can bring their vision to life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been very fortunate to have my wife, Calli, by my side while I was transitioning to venture out on my own business. Without her, I honestly would not be able to do what I do. She has been my assistant, second shooter, accountant, and cheerleader since day one. I’ve also been blessed with people who are willing to put their trust in me to capture moments of their lives when they could have chosen one of the many talented photographers that are in my area.
Pricing:
- Headshot – $75
- Graduation – $150
- Engagement – $250
- Boudoir – $300
- Wedding packages start at $1,500
Contact Info:
- Address: 112 Tamara Ct
Athens, GA 30606 - Website: www.choephotography.com
- Phone: 706-386-7322
- Email: davidxchoe@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choesenone
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoePhotography
Image Credit:
Cedar Belle Indigo (@cedarbelleindigo), Karlie Moss (@karliechickmoss), Amanda Brown (@amandabrrownn), Fre (@immuzikation), Rachel (@lastdiscointown), Sarah (@lilredsarah), Claire Ruf (@claireruf19), Justin Hardigree (@justin.hardigree), Kelly Caudell (@k3lcaudell), Emily Galloway (@em_gallows)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
