Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Balzola and Alfredo Valentine.
Sandra Balzola (aka Red Sand) – started off with Photography in High School at 15. Quickly taking to and learning the ins and out of film photography and dark room developing. She continued studying photography throughout the years and in 2010 eventually went into business on her own. In 2014 the business was re-branded to Red Sand Studios after constantly being referred to as “Red”. A name and hair color still very much associated with her and her brand.
Alfredo Valentine – I have been involved with photography since the age of 16. I received my first camera, a Canon Rebel G SLR that belonged to my father and still own. I took to it and read magazines, borrowed library books and took classes at the Y in NYC growing up. I continued the study of Photography with classes in high school and as electives in college as I worked on my Bachelor’s degree. Fast forward several years and starting a family and I left photography with exception of family photos and pictures of my kids. I returned to college to work on Master’s degree at Lynn University and took photography as an elective which brought me back to photography. I worked as a police officer in Palm Beach county and a colleague discovered I was an avid photographer and asked me to photograph his wedding. I agreed and shot my first wedding at the Diplomat Beach Resort and Spa in Hollywood. I immediately fell in love with weddings and a few months later I started getting contacted by family and friends for engagement and wedding photography, I created Couture Bridal Photography in 2006 and I have been shooting an average of 25 to 30 engagements and weddings a year with occasional portrait, boudoir and editorial photography sessions as well.
We met through the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and we became immediate friends. We started to collaborate on an engagement session in Brickell and from there on we remained in touch. We would eventually continue to work and collaborate with each other on Weddings, Portrait and Boudoir Sessions throughout South Florida.
Has it been a smooth road?
Building a Photography business has been a challenge. South Florida is loaded with both professional and amateur photographers trying to work their way into this market.
Modern technology has made it easy for anyone to take a picture, but quality photography only comes with practice, skill and the best photography equipment available. The other aspect of photography most couples don’t know about is the extensive post processing of images that takes time, skill and knowledge as well. When couples decide to save a few dollars and shop for a photographer based on pricing, they will usually be disappointed.
Portrait and Wedding Photography is a combination of art, technology and old-fashioned practice.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Red Sand Studios and Couture Bridal Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Red Sand Studios started out in New York City in 2010 and eventually branched out to the South Florida area in 2015. What makes us stand out from the competition is our boutique experience. This means we not only offer luxury items but the luxury experience, as well.
From the moment we meet our clients until we deliver their final products, we are hands on in the process. This not only means less stress for the client but assures they get the “WOW” experience all the way through.
Couture Bridal Photography is an award winning published boutique Wedding photography studio specializing in artistic documentary Wedding Photography and Destination Wedding Photography worldwide.
Together, Red Sand Studios and Couture Bridal Photography is able to offer everything from Boudoir, Maternity, Family, Corporate Portraits, Engagement and Wedding Coverage. Making us a one stop shop for everyone’s portraiture and photographic needs.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think photography is going to see a return to organic tangible deliverables. I see couples getting back to wanting more than just a digital image and expect professional quality prints and customized Wedding albums.
This is why we offer the boutique experience instead of simply handing over digital images.
We’ve come to realize over the years that most of the time clients will simply store their disk and forget about it. People want something they can pass down from generation to generation and give as gifts.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography starts at $2400 for 6 hours
- Engagement Photography starts at $400 with a $150 credit if you book wedding photography coverage
- Portrait Session (Boudoir, Maternity, Fashion & Family) start at $250
- Corporate Portraits and Headshots start at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CoutureBridalPhotography.com / www.redsandstudios-miami.com
- Phone: Couture 954-399-0741 / Red 305-676-2919
- Email: couturebridalphoto@gmail.com / redsandstudios@icloud.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/CoutureBridalPhotography — www.instagram.com/redsandstudios
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CoutureBridalPhotography — www.Facebook.com/redsandstudiosmiami
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/valentinephotop — www.twitter.com/redsandstudio
Image Credit:
@CoutureBridalPhotography #CoutureBridalPhotography @redsandstudios
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