Interview: Carlos André Viana, Photographer

Hello,

It’s time for another interview, this time with a photographer who hails from Portugal. Carlos André Viana is a professional photographer with several years as an amateur and then professional in the areas of weddings, commercial products, architecture, sports, and artistic events, as well as image edition and desktop publishing in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe InDesign.

You can find Carlos André Viana here:

Uncovering the Artistic Vision of Carlos André Viana: A Photographer’s Journey

Hi Carlos, how long have you been working as a photographer now?

HI 🙂 Since 2012.

What inspired you to become a photographer? What were your first steps?

I purchased a point-and-shoot camera for fun and vacations around 2006, but after a while and with my wife’s encouragement, I developed a real interest in this area. My first DSLR was the D50, and during my professional formation, I upgraded to the amazing D90, the first DSLR with video.

Are you a professional or an amateur photographer?

I’m a professional photographer, certified by the Associaço de Fotógrafos Profissionais and the Federation of European Photographers, specializing in the areas of events, weddings, portraits, and interior-exterior architecture. I got a degree in professional photography from Oficina da Imagem in 2012. obtained certification by the Professional Photographers Association in that same year, plus two honorable mentions and the best end-of-course project award.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Probably travel, music, and corporate events. I love photojournalism, so I’m more comfortable in these areas. I also like photographing objects, from small to big, like architecture.

What kit do you shoot with?

Nikon D750 and D7200
Nikon 85mm f1.4
Nikon 50mm f1.4
Nikon 24-120mm f4
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
Samyang 12mm f2.8
Tamron 16-300mm (my travel companion)

How would you define your photographic style?

Photo-journalism. I love to capture sporadic reactions: people laughing, crying, interacting… And I really hate to make people pose for photos.

Which editing software do you usually use?

Lightroom (99%), Photoshop (1%)

John Wanamaker said: Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is, I do not know which half. Do you gain your clients by advertising or in another way?

I get some clients through advertising or by keeping my Facebook and Instagram accounts updated.

How does your typical working day look like? What do you do when you are not working? How many hours/days per week are you working? What do you do in your free time?

I never have a typical day. It depends on my current assignments or plans. I’m with my family when I’m not working or just reading, bicycling, photographing for fun, or hiking.

What would you do differently if you would start again?

I probably would have started sooner. LOL!

A professional photographer is also an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have many things in common. They read a lot. What about you? What are your favorite books?

Most of the books I read are drama, espionage, thrillers, and other fiction books from authors like

David Baldacci
Daniel Silva
John Grisham
Tom Clancy

and others. I have enough reality in my life 🙂

What was the best advice you have ever received as a photographer? Do you have any advice for other photographers?

I give exactly the same advice I got from other photographers: read a lot of technical books and watch tutorials. Never think that you know all about photography or even your own camera. You are only fooling yourself. Never underestimate this area by offering your services at low prices. You are jeopardizing the future of this marvelous profession.