I first met Mike Colon when he photographed Usher’s wedding for me a few years ago. After reaching out to the ‘one and only’ Joe Buissink and discovering his unavailability, he told me that Mike was at the top of his recommendation list and that was good enough for me. I confirmed Mike at about 2:30am on the morning of the wedding with instructions to make a 6:30am flight in order to arrive on time. After a hectic morning, he arrived calm, cool, reassuring and ready to go to work. However, my lasting memories are the spirit of the man that showed up to shoot this critically important client. Now with years of friendship under our belt, I am still in awe and impressed with his inner man. I know that his personal conviction and acknowledgement of his enormous responsibility will never allow him to show up in the wrong state of mind. You see, his gifts and his calling outweighs whatever may be in disarray in his private world. Mike Colon wears his heart on his sleeve and shoots from the soul – a quality that is admirable but also scarce. Mike shot 4 of the 6 episodes of I Do Over and blessed our couples with incredible memories. With this year coming to an end, I’ve finally been able to slow down a bit and had a chance to chat with Mike to discuss some of the qualities that can only be found in a person whose life is called for greatness!
This is still my favorite image of Usher and Tameka. The love that Mike captured in this moment cannot be denied!
DV: What was the most memorable experience of working with our couples on I Do Over?
Mike: I loved the idea that I was documenting memories that would wash away all of the disappointment and devastation that each couple experienced with their first wedding. I too believe that everyone deserves a second chance and it was an honor to be placed in the process of redemption that these couples experienced.
The best shots are the ones that couples never see coming!
DV: Reality TV has created so many television opportunities for vendors but I am a firm believer that every opportunity is not a good opportunity. Why did you accept the call from I Do Over?
Mike: When I realized the concept of the show I knew I had to be a part of it! The fact that we would be working to replace ruined wedding memories for couples with new and beautiful memories made me so excited to be shooting these weddings. Not to mention, anything Diann Valentine is involved with is a no-brainer for me!
The love captured in this image shines through all the fun they are enjoying on this Ferris wheel!
DV: There is so much more to creating an artistic photograph than just point, focus and shoot. When I look at your work, I’m convinced that you bring your soul with you on a job. So tell us, what inspires you the most?
Mike: Thank you Diann! I always pour my soul into every opportunity to document a moment in time. I’m inspired by the love that is shared between a bride and groom. It is so lovely to watch two people make the greatest commitment in their lives and I’m humbled and lucky to be chosen to capture it all. When I’m at a wedding, I work hard to focus, clear my head and stay clear of any distractions that may cause me to miss a moment that can never be re-created. I’m so blessed to have such a meaningful career where my life’s work is appreciated and treasured for generations.
This woman’s eyes…says it all!
DV: We saw some pretty devastating disasters while shooting I DO Over. What do you suggest a bride can do to avoid her own photography disaster?
Mike: Hiring an expert photographer who specializes in weddings will significantly decrease the possibility of any photographic disasters. Even more importantly, brides should be certain they are communicating their desires and expressing their expectations, goals, and schedule with their photographer before the wedding day. Every photographer should conduct a pre-wedding interview with the bride and groom to thoroughly discuss everything from lighting and timing of ceremony to which photos are most important to the couple. Photo expectations forced on the couple by their parents could also pose significant problems and create unnecessary stress on the wedding day. Parents should be brought into the conversation during the planning stages if necessary in order to get everyone on the same page. Planning and communicating with your photographer before the wedding day will practically eliminate your chances of any photography pitfalls on your wedding day.
This image shows how much trust they had in Mike Colon!
DV: If you could shoot a photo shoot with 5 people – dead or alive – who would it be and why?
Mike: Easy… my wife and four kids because they are so beautiful and they stop my heart every time I see them! I do photo-shoots with them all the time, but I can never get enough!
Love is expressed in so many simple ways…nothing beats hand holding!
DV: Love has always been my biggest source of inspiration for expressing myself creatively, as a family man – what does love do for you?
Mike: Love is what got me hooked on shooting weddings. I’ve photographed many people, places, and things, but nothing compares to photographing people who are in love. Everything good comes from love. God is love.
Love is simple and this image shows everything that she really wants!
DV: What’s next for Mike Colón?
Mike: After a very busy year, I am most looking forward to celebrating the holidays with my family. Next year brings many new opportunities to educate and share my gifts with our industry through my exclusive workshops, photographing a big celebrity wedding and taking advantage of each new day to be a better photographer, a better professional and a better man!
For more information and to check out some of Mike Colon’s gift, please visit his website at www.mikecolon.com!
So do tell – what is your favorite image that Mike Colon captured? Please join the Diann Valentine family and share it with us all!
Keep spreading the love,
