Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Harry Acosta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Harry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

started off as a concert photographer. A fellow employee asked me to photograph her wedding. I refused, stating, I don’t want to be responsible for ruining her wedding. After some more conversations, I finally agreed. The photos turned out terrific and I realized, I should say yes to everything. Even if I’m not experienced with an event, my skills on the computer are enough to fix most anything. I agreed to every event everywhere, and quickly realized, there are some situations I cannot fix in post.

One wedding in particular had me fearful for my own life. I pulled in to the driveway to which my GPS had led me. There was a man standing in the drive, potentially dressed for a wedding and listening to Bastille on his mobile phone. I asked him if this was the right place, and he nodded and turned his back to me. I won’t go into to much detail on the location or people, but when I walked to the front door a woman I thought was the bride greeted me. Unaware I was talking to her twin, I set up my gear in the backyard.

I was early, so I also helped set up. Once the guests arrived things went strange. The groom got into an argument with the officiant. After losing, he pulled a leg off the chair he was to sit in for the meal and chucked it into the woods like a tomahawk (his words).

During the ceremony, he turned to the guests and challenged any of them to come between him and his new bride. I’m not trying to make light of issues that may be present in this situation. I do wish I would have been properly briefed before the wedding day. The guests were much more prepared than I was. They didn’t seem surprised, just uncomfortable.

After the ceremony, the officiant was invited to stay but she refused. Mentally, I was thinking, take me with you as I saw her pull away.

There was some small talk between the groom and me. He asked if I was any good, and I confidentally replied, “yes”. Somehow this earned his favor. He smiled at me and left me alone, but there was more to endure.
When it came time to cut the cake, the bride called him over with the largest kitchen knife I’ve ever seen. I thought to myself, don’t let him near that. He walked over to the cake and held the knife with his new bride while they discussed what to do. He assessed the opportunity and grabbed the knife away from her. He swung at the cake with one hand and chopped it in half horizontally. He chose not to smash the cake into her face, but smash her face into the cake by the back of her neck.

Through the cake, you could see the bride was upset. In a moment of frustration, she said, “Trevor … You’re a real turd!”

It was at that moment, I realized I was jealous of these two. I thought to myself, I need to find a woman like her, because I don’t know anyone who would put up with all that from me.

Note: I’ve since found someone who loves me and supports me in life and my business. In any event, I no longer photograph events at people’s houses.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I spent 20 years in the creative/marketing departments of corporate America, but didn’t quite fit. Eventually as an in-house photographer, and art director, I was laid off 3 weeks after I purchased my first professional camera. With that bill on my credit card, and no one responding to my resume for permanent work, I decided to work for myself. Through the ups and downs, I don’t think I’ve ever made a better decision for myself.

Now, I am able to help people while making a steady income for myself.
I often exceed client expectations by putting more effort than most into everything I do. I’m no longer learning the ins and outs of photography on their dime, but relaying what I can to help them get the best photography in front of anyone’s camera.

My work is edgier than most family and wedding photographers. Although it is a big part of my business, I don’t deliver photos that look like their blessed union occurred in the hereafter. I offer true-to-life photography that captures people having the best time of their lives, and there is hardly an occurrence that I miss. I’m complimented daily by people for the events I photograph for the work I’ve done, even before they see the final product.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I use Pixieset to showcase all of my galleries. I have found it to be a much better tool than DropBox for clients to view, request changes, select their favorites, and even print straight from the gallery. Recently they have added the ability for me to add video work as well. The only thing missing is I cannot load RAW files on the site.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have found a great deal of success by posting concert photography online. There have been many times where I hear a client tell another organizer, or family member inform each other that I took that photo of In This Moment, Spoon, or Phoebe Bridgers. it’s been great marketing for my business and it is something I absolutely love to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: harryacosta.com
• Instagram: instagrma.com/atrillionsouls
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atrillionsouls/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryacosta/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/atrillionsouls
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOM7EatRsSyaRFkwHyUupg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/harry-acosta-photography-columbus-ohio
• Other: Concert Reviews – https://harryacosta.com/atrillionsouls Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@atrillionsouls More Photos – https://flickr.com/photos/harryacosta/

Image Credits
Profile image ©Leah Trib Productions All other images ©Harry Acosta