By 
By Alanna Maya
When it comes to photography, the pictures generally speak for themselves. Once in a while, though, a photograph will leave you speechless—that’s true for San Diego-based Alon David’s work, and here’s why.
Alon was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and moved to the U.S. in 1998. For the next 7 years he worked as the lead designer for a large design studio in San Diego. Frustrated with the quality of photographs he saw in that position, he first picked up a camera to complete an extensive portfolio. It was through this process that Alon honed his skills behind the lens, and what started as a hobby quickly became a creative obsession after the birth of his son in 2002. Since then, he has traveled all over the world to photograph weddings and events. From San Diego to Tel Aviv, Rome, Madrid and Paris, Alon David Photography knows no boundaries.
Today, Alon is known as one of San Diego’s top wedding photographers and his business is growing daily. Recently, he launched a national collective of vendors for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. The network currently consists of vendors in 10 states and is growing daily with photographers, venues, caterers and DJs—to name a few—that have been thoroughly vetted in their knowledge and expertise on these types of celebrations.
We sat down with Alon to discuss his work. Here are the highlights.
LCHAIM: How long have you been photographing weddings and events?
ALON DAVID: I have been a professional wedding photographer for 6 years. I have been shooting since 2002.
LCHAIM: What got you started?
ALON DAVID: I started my business with architecture photography back in 2002 when my son was born and slowly shifted into wedding, corporate and event photography. I also photographed over 5,000 family and kid sessions up until today.
LCHAIM: What type of equipment do you use and what is your favorite environment to work in?
ALON DAVID: I use Nikon cameras. Nikon D4 Nikon D800 and Nikon D700 Plus we use prime lenses. As well as Nikon 28-70mm 2.8 Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 Nikon 50mm 1.4 and nikon 85mm 1.8. In addition I am also an active member of Nikon Professional Services {NPS}. Based on my experience, talent, integrity, professionalism and peer references and I am proud to be a part of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International {WPPI}. Best of Wedding Photography {BOWP} BOWP is a premier, invitation-only directory of top wedding photographers
LCHAIM: What sets you apart from other wedding/event photographers?
ALON DAVID: What makes me successful and stand out from the rest is I like to take risks and think outside the box when capturing images. I don’t mind getting dirty or wet, if that means I will get a good image. I love to use creative lighting and shoot in low light. I always try to take the clients visions or ideas and turn them into a reality.
LCHAIM: What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?
ALON DAVID: Make sure you like what you see first and most importantly, make sure you connect with the photographer. Look for versatility in their photography; be certain they are able to make a simple location look extraordinary through their use of light, composition, and the way they can help bring out your emotion. Also, ask for references and read reviews about the photographer. Anyone can have a good set of photos, but it is important that they are consistent throughout their work. Do not be afraid to ask to see some albums with complete weddings.
LCHAIM: Tell me about the idea behind Best of Bar Mitzvah
ALON DAVID: Best of Bar Mitzvah got started by Alon David and Maya David. The idea behind it came when we were referring our clients to quality vendors for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah events. When we looked around for vendors, we were unable to find quality and experienced vendors in one location. Therefore, this lead to the creation of Best of Bar Mitzvah. At the beginning Best of Bar Mitzvah was only in San Diego however it is now serving over 10 states in the country and continues to grow.
LCHAIM: Who is involved with Best of Bar Mitzvah
ALON DAVID: Best of Bar Mitzvah qualifies the vendors before accepting the membership and only accepts the top vendors in their category. The vendors have already been established for several years, and have done over 25 weddings or Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in the past. Make sure to check our blog: www.BestofBarMitzvah.com/blog to see more information about new ideas and vendors for your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah event.
LCHAIM: Why should someone choose a vendor from Best of…
ALON DAVID: When selecting vendors for Best of Bar Mitzvah we wanted to make sure that the vendors are the best in the wedding industry. Which is a lot more intense than doing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Most vendors are not familiar with Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or have never done them before. When selecting the vendors on Best of Bar Mitzvah we wanted to make sure that the vendors that are featured are both experienced in weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and corporate events to bring Best of Bar Mitzvah clients the best of both worlds.
LCHAIM: What has been your biggest accomplishment within your company?
ALON DAVID: My biggest accomplishment has been receiving numerous awards such as, ‘Best of Wedding Photography 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014’, ‘Best Wedding Photographer and Top 5 on the San Diego A List 2011, 2012, 2013’, ‘Wedding Wire 2012, 2013, 2014’, and ‘My Wedding 2013’. In addition I was also invited to be part of Best of Wedding Photography (BOW), International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP), and Fearless Photographers.
To learn more about Alon or to inquire about photography for your next event, visit photographybyalon.com.
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