Tony Wodarck is an award-winning SoCal Wedding Photographer with a passion for family, surfing and film photography. Tony truly embodies the mantra of “community over competition” through guest lectures, mentoring sessions and numerous educational articles on his website.

As if he already wasn’t the most likable person on planet earth, Tony donates 25% of all his profits to a charity of the purchaser’s choice. He highly recommends The Ecology Center, which “teaches people how to live a sustainable lifestyle.”

We asked Tony a few questions about his work, the photography community and much more. Enjoy!

What image are you most proud of? What do you like most about it?

This is an impossible question! HAHAHA. My first response would be, I haven't taken it yet. But, truthfully, the one of the couple kissing on the sand and the water hitting them feels like it sums up my photography pretty well. Living by the beach I'm comfortable around the water so it was fun to have an adventurous couple that was willing to jump in. There's so much love, happiness and motion and calmness in this photo. I love it.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone working to get where you are?

If I can do it, anyone can. I definitely don't think I'm the most talented or technically experienced photographer out there, but I do work hard. I just really focus on having fun with my couples and getting them to be who they are. They always end up loving the photos if they feel comfortable and are having fun. Work hard and ask what you can do for others in the the industry, there's tons of people willing to help, but just make sure you're giving more than you're taking.

Who was your biggest influence when you were starting out?

In terms of style, India Earl was and is my go-to favorite. She's the one who showed me that shooting couples could be cool and fun and natural. In terms of people who influence me: Laurken Kendall for her realness, Natalie Franke for starting Rising Tide Society and spreading the message of community over competition, Bree and Stephen for their willingness to share their marketing expertise, Esteban and crew for all they do with Steel & Flint, and really everyone who builds others up in this community.

How have you worked to set yourself apart from other photographers?

I've never really thought about trying to set myself apart. I just focus on what I love and who I am and try to be as real as I can in all aspects of my business. There's only one of me in the world, so if I can be myself, that's different enough.

What’s in your bag?

I've been getting more and more into film photography since that's what I learned on. So I have a hybrid bag.

Tony’s Gear

Other Goodies:
- VTIN Punker Speaker
- Hoya macro filters (+1, +2, +4, 72mm - fits my 35mm, 50mm, and Contax 80mm Zeiss lens)
- Holdfast Money Maker Dual Strap
- Holdfast Medium wide pouch
- Holdfast Money Maker Solo
- Tap & Dye Legacy Film Pouches
- Sekonic L-358 Light Meter
- Mophie Powerstation / Phone Charger (4,000 mAh)
- A Stick-On Hanger Hook for Dresses / Command Forever Classic Metal Hook, Large, Brushed Nickel

Camera Bodies
- Canon 5D Mark IV
- Canon 5D Mark III
- Canon EOS 3
- Contax 645
Glass
- Canon 35mm f/1.4 L II
- Canon 50mm f/1.2 L
- Canon 85mm f/1.4 L IS
- Canon 70-200 f/2.8 II
Lighting
- Yongnuo 560-IV Speedlites
- Yongnuo 568EX-III Speedlite
- Yongnuo YN560-TX Manual Flash Controller
- MagMod MagSphere
- MagMod MagGrid
- MagMod MagGel