Meet Our Photographers: Laura Oritz

On-Site Photographer at Breathless Riviera Cancun

Laura Oritz is an on-site photographer at Breathless Riviera Cancun who has an immense passion and talent for capturing the essence of those raw, special moments in our clients’ lives.

Read on to learn more about Laura’s five-year career in photography and to see which photo is her favorite!

Where are you from?

I am from Colombia and have been living in Mexico for 12 years now.

How did you get started as a photographer?

I was studying abroad and my mom gave me my first camera for the trip. I didn’t have any idea of how it was supposed to be used, so I started exploring all the settings and with each photo I took, I was learning how to use it. But what got me started was the feeling of not thinking about anything else but what I was doing at the moment of taking the photo.

How long have you been a photographer for?

I have been a photographer for 5 years.

What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?

For me, there are 2 main things. The first one is making the person feel beautiful as they are. You don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, everyone has insecurities and when I achieve to overcome those, it is very rewarding.

The second one is when I show the photos to newlyweds and they start laughing, crying, or are excited reliving one of their most memorable days. For me, it means that I have captured the essence of the moment. 

Where is your favorite location to photograph?

The beach because it is a very minimalistic place that can be really dynamic. For example, it can sometimes can be very dramatic with the clouds but very sweet and tender with the purple or pink sky or it can be a perfect scenery to capture the emotion of the people.

What is your preferred piece of equipment?

I really enjoy taking photos with a Canon 6D Mark II, with a 85mm 1:1.4 and a flash.

What is your favorite part about working with Adventure Photos?

The space that it gives me to create, explore, learn and keep growing as a photographer as I practice every day.

What was the most memorable photo session or wedding you have captured?

The most memorable wedding I have captured was for a Cuban couple, Ailen & Alfredo, whose family was very cheerful. During the reception it started pouring rain and all of the family and the newlyweds started dancing in the rain. It was a perfect moment right there of freedom, enjoying life, and a great opportunity for a very cool and romantic photo. Photographing them was a great way to make that special moment last forever.

What is your favorite photograph and why?

This is my favorite photo. This was one of the first times, since I joined Adventure Photos, that I was able to take a creative photo during a session. Mohomed and his fiancé were celebrating their engagement and I really wanted to give them something special and make that extra effort for them.

How did you begin working with Adventure Photos? What hotel are you currently working at?

I was working in Mexico City and I wanted to begin a new adventure, to go out of my comfort zone. One day my mom told me she found out there was an opening at Adventure Photos so I applied and here I am! You can currently find me at Breathless Riviera Cancun.

If you could give advice to clients prior to their photo session, what would it be?

Try on an outfit that YOU feel pretty in, it doesn’t matter if others prefer another outfit, if you feel pretty or handsome it’s going to boost your confidence. Second, wear something that you feel comfortable in so you can move freely.

How do you make clients less nervous during a shoot?

I tell them to not take it so seriously, the idea is to have fun. I also tell them to focus on the feeling you want to transmit and sometimes I make them do some goofy poses so they start laughing and let loose.

Are you looking for a photographer to capture your wedding or engagement? Contact the team at Adventure Photos today.