Meet Ruben Parra | Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruben Parra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruben, what is the most important factor behind your success?
don’t think there’s a single specific factor. What is true is that apart from the experience and all the effort, one thing that characterizes me is that I am systematic. I do things in order, with attention to detail and emotion.
I think the excitement behind this job is one of the most important aspects. It is being able to connect with what you want to photograph. No technique surpasses the value of emotion and connection with people.
The most important lesson is the value of the present. My work reminds me of the brief and, at the same time, the eternal of the moment. It’s the closest thing to magic I know. My camera is my time machine.
It’s my way of leaving footprints for myself and others.
My inspiration is always people.
Before I want to take a perfect picture, I strive to meet people and see their stories to tell it from the photos.
.. What’s in front of my lens, whether it’s a landscape or a couple, gives me a breath of inspiration to go to the next step and convey to others the story I can see.
Of course, there are always setbacks like everything else, but when you’re at your best, all of that is diluted, and the images that will be memories are created later.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Have you noticed that very few people can listen? I think it’s professional, that makes me different.
I can mimic myself enough to make every wedding different so that it is not about me but for them.
I can’t help but repeat that I greatly value the trust of the bride and groom who invite you to document their story, knowing that there is no second chance to capture that memorable day in their lives.
My family and their love are what give everything sense. Their unconditional support gets you grounded.
There’s no secret or unique formula I’ve brought so far. The same as everyone who does their job, effort, perseverance, and execution discipline. I will add an extra dose of Willpower that comes from the sense of urgency of our limited time on earth.
it wasn’t easy, being a photographer is a lot like being an entrepreneur. It’s like jumping into the uncertain, and there’s nothing for sure. Although… if I had to mention a stroke of luck, it would be to have found this passion outside my profession (I am an engineer).
It was fortuitous, a friend invited me to take her wedding photos, and I understood that I needed to study photography and that I wanted to do that for many more years.

I learned to adapt.
I adapted to new cultures, to new ways of communicating—even new ways to get married.
Today, when everything is more intimate, when we can’t get together as we would like, I still find a way to take photos and connect with others. I even created a Youtube channel!

If I could leave a lesson, it would be to value the present and pursue what you dream of. And if you don’t have a dream, then work on what you love; if you still don’t have one yet, work harder. Dreams will come later.
I found almost by chance a trade-in which I can exploit some of my strengths, but I could have done anything else and would do it with the same strength and energy.
As Picasso said: “When inspiration comes, let me find myself working.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
South Beach is a place filled with a huge number of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment centers. If you like parties then a selection of clubs are at your disposal.
Coral Gables “The City Beautiful” is known for its tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions and historical landmarks such as the world-famous Biltmore Hotel. Within Coral Gables, one finds the shopping and dining paradise of the “Miracle Mile,” the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and many other attractions and restaurants.
Calle 8, Wynwood colorful sceneries with a lot of bar and fun activities.
Lincoln Road It’s known for a huge number of open-air restaurants, a large cinema, as well as renovated symphony hall and art galleries. Every Sunday a farmer’s market works there
Art Deco District is the historic destination of Miami, where more than 960 buildings and structures are officially recognized as national monuments of the United States, as well as architectural monuments of world importance.
Brickell district with skyscrapers and near Downtown Miami with unique views cityscapes.
Vizcaya Museum captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have profound gratitude for all my family, Claudia, Santiago, Samuel, Saul & Andres, clients, their families, colleagues, and last but not least, God who granted me the wisdom to know the game I’m playing and how to play it well and for all the challenges that are ahead of me because undoubtedly will make me a better person.

Website: www.rubenparra.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rubenparrastudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenparrastudio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rubenparra

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rubenparrastudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC52IyxakaCUATJTCDSocUyA