The Foundation of David Martin Jr Photography
David Martin Jr Photography is a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2015 by California native David Martin Jr. In 2018, he combined forces with the love of his life, Colombian native Lina Suarez taking the business to new heights. We think of ourselves like the couples we photograph, two people who found love within each other seeking a better life together. We believe that true love has no limitations, and we are a test to that because our’s stretches across two continents. Everyone has their own story and we are always eager to find out about the history of the new couples we meet. We believe this lays the foundation for our client connection and serves as the inspiration that brings out the best in our work.
We have always been artists at heart, but instead of paintbrushes, we use cameras to paint pictures. We have photographed weddings and engagements throughout the United States in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, and Atlanta. We have also taken our talents overseas to countries such as Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Our style of photography is inspired by movie thrillers and romance novels. We like to capture the type of photographs that if someone looked through your wedding album they would feel that a story was being told. The details of the story lie in all of the emotions and special moments of your wedding day. We use a combination of natural light and off-camera flash, candid and professional posing to capture the best possible images.
We know how important of a decision it is when choosing your photographer and we pride ourselves on our client experience, making the transition from beginning to end as smooth as possible. Our goal is to bring the bride and groom’s vision to life, savoring the memory of their wedding day, through creative and dynamic imagery; a story that can be told from generation to generation to generation.
David Martin Jr
Director of Photography
Since the first day that I could remember, I was an artist at heart. I was obsessed with comic book covers, in awe of how the imagery and stories intertwined. During my late teens, I became an avid song writer inspired to write great music. There was no better feeling than the feeling I’d get when writing a hit song. I was a part of many photoshoots as a music artist but soon became curious of what it would be like on the other side of the camera. I couldn’t stop my imagination from running wild with its endless photographic possibilities. Once I began exploring the fields of photography, I soon realized that I had the best of both worlds; one of a song writer and the other of a comic artist. Through the lens of a camera, I discovered that I could tell stories through pictures and do it with the likes of big and dynamic imagery. Post production became some kind of magic wand, bringing the photos to life with a fantasy or fairytale type of aspect.
Like writing a hit song, I get the same feeling when creating a breathtaking image. It’s one of the main reasons why I became a professional photographer. There’s nothing better to me than creating a piece of artwork out of people’s everyday life. We all have a story, and being able to tell that story in the most incredible way possible is what my photography is all about. Since I made Los Angeles my home some 12 years ago, I’ve been able to work with many walks of life, which I cherish deeply. I feel very lucky to have been able to take pictures of the tremendous families that I have connected with and I’m always looking forward to the next opportunity. Interacting with different cultures that are outside of my family heritage, through photography, is an experience that I know I can’t get anywhere else. An experience that some would give anything for. When I am able to tell the stories of my clients and do it in the way they have always dreamed of, it just brings back that feeling that I’m always in search of. In a world lost in digital files, I stay inspired to produce the kind of memories that you would want to hang on the walls in your home, set on your coffee table, place in your living room and dining areas for loved ones and friends to enjoy. The type of heirlooms that you would want to save and pass down to your family generations to come.
-David
Lina Martin
Bilingual Studio Coordinator & Photography Stylist
As a little girl, I dreamed of being a professional dancer and started in classes at the age of 5 years old. I fell in love with its art form and always felt happiest and free-spirited when moving to dance. After my teenage years, that dream began to fade away especially after going to law school and earning a law degree from the University of Colombia. I quickly began working as a civil and labor lawyer but still, that little girl was always dancing inside of me.
In 2013, I moved to the United States from my hometown Monteria, Colombia, and began practicing English. I didn’t know any English before I came to California but after two years of studying aggressively, I began to speak the language fluently. My law degree from Colombia wasn’t valid here so it was either start that path again from scratch here or do something else. I eventually met David and saw his passion for what he had started, a photography company.
I didn’t know a lot about photography at the time but was drawn to it instantly. An area that I saw that David needed help with was posing his clients. I immediately picked up on posing pretty easily because in a way it was as if I was dancing. Like dancing, there are many ways to pose and I believe what separates good from great photography is excellent posing. I soon realized that with my and David’s art ability combined together, we could offer a great experience for people and couples that wanted it.
I also began to recognize that running a great photography company is so much more than “just taking pictures”. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture but not everyone or every company can offer a great experience from the front of the house to the back. Besides excellent posing, lighting, and photography skills I learned that we had to offer our clients guidance, sound information, great communication, necessary paperwork and so much more.
I love our photography business because I get the best of both worlds. I get to be an artist; posing and working with clients to make them feel and look their best and I get to manage the studio; making sure our clients are set up for success.
-Lina
