Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Manzano.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bob. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, my first try at photography came by default. My dad bought a camera finding he could not operate properly so at the age of nine years old, my dad gave me the camera saying learn it. I did not know what I had to learn so checked the camera out to see what it did. Read the film guide and set the settings I saw on top of the camera found the lock for the film and placed the film in.
Took many shots until stopped winding. My dad took it to develop and found out it was all black. I did not understand what had happened and he was very upset. The clerk then looked at the film and said may I look at the camera so he did asking me to load the film as I did before. As the clerk watched, he saw I did not anchor the film properly so I learned something new. Went and took more photos this time the negatives had photos in them. The photos were OK but not great for my second try. My dad was not so angry but said I could have better. The clerk felt sorry for me so he started giving me the film at no charge to practice. I got better as the years went by and became my fraternity’s photographer in college. I then was asked to join the Jaycees them picking up dues and took the photos for the Ms Corpus Christi and Ms. Padre Island contests. Left photography when I got married but took all my kid’s photos as they grew up. When at Texas Instruments as a Manufacturing Engineer took photos of my travels throughout the world. Then in 2001, met George Miller who had a website called usexposed.com where we photographed restaurant opening, bar openings and events around Dallas. He was the only sight taking social pictures of the going ons in Dallas at that time. This is how I became an event photographer in Dallas to this day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At first was not much of a problem taking photos at events since I was the only one there. But, many other local photographers saw what I was doing then some started showing up at my events. This got worse as when I started putting my photos on Facebook. Then photographers were following me wanting to get in on my events, even cut throating our price. Most of these photographer earned their living in photography but I had a day job so not too concerned. I found out that most of these photographers shot in auto setting as one can tell by their constant shooting as digital tries to find contrast to adjust to get the photo. She of these photographers call themselves professionals when they cannot even control light. I am known as “One Shot Bob” as I only need one shot to get the photo unlike other professional photographers. So, if I need a second shot, it is because someone went to sleep on me. Photographers are now becoming a dime a dozen with their iPhones and Android phones. Technology is moving very fast even a six years old takes good photos with their cell phones. I know because have seen my granddaughters photos…damn she is already having a good eye for it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bob Manzano Photography – what should we know?
I do mostly event photography and private parties. Am known as “One Shot Bob” and have integrity by not photographing someone in a compromised situation unlike some local photographers who try to get that “priceless shot” to sell. I do not charge ridiculous prices and do a lot charity pro bono to give back for my blessings in photography.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients are my mentors, supporters, cheerleaders and friends who have gotten me to this level of success by asking me back and advertising by word of mouth to the public.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.digitalfotocafe.com
- Phone: 214-289-7627
- Email: bobmanzano@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @bobmanzanophotographer
- Facebook: facebook.com/bob.manzano
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