Cypress Photography co-owner Armando Chacon was named Master Photographer of the year. Cypress Photography co-owner Armando Chacon was named Master Photographer of the year.[/caption] This photo was taken at South Padre Island at the wedding of the couple pictured. Titled “Love is in the Air,” it was recognized by the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston in 2014. “It took about three or four tries to get the pose, but once we did, we knew it was a winner,” Chacon said. This photo was taken at South Padre Island at the wedding of the couple pictured. Titled “Love is in the Air,” it was recognized by the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston in 2014.
“It took about three or four tries to get the pose, but once we did, we knew it was a winner,” Chacon said.[/caption] In the age of cellphones and selfies, in which images are mostly shared digitally, Armando Chacon remains dedicated to the framed, physical photo. As the co-owner of Cypress Photography with his wife, Michelle, Chacon said he is passionate about the visual power and lasting memories generated by a well-shot portrait. The couple, who met in a photo lab, have been shooting photos professionally for more than two decades. “It’s about being able to produce images that people are able to keep with them and cherish, something they can touch,” he said. “It’s about remembering special moments in a way that a digital photo on a computer doesn’t allow for.” Through his business, Chacon lends customers his photography skills and artistic eye for a variety of occasions and needs, ranging from work headshots to wedding and engagement photos to family portraits. As a member of both the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston, Chacon was recognized as Master Photographer of the Year in 2013 and 2014. Chacon, who receives most of his business through word-of-mouth referrals, said his skills as a professional photographer are highly sought after. He also offers one-on-one photography classes at his studio, he said. “Cameras have become highly advanced, but they’re just tools,” Chacon said. “Having the knowledge of the camera and the eye for photography is so important. There is beauty anywhere you look if you can see it.” One of Chacon’s most memorable jobs involved shooting photographs at a wedding attended by former President George H. W. Bush. “They came in as guests of the bride and groom,” he said. “The bride worked at his office. It was a great event, and they were fun to work with.” One of Chacon’s most memorable jobs involved shooting photographs at a wedding attended by former President George H. W. Bush.
“They came in as guests of the bride and groom,” he said. “The bride worked at his office. It was a great event, and they were fun to work with.”[/caption] The process of setting up a photo shoot can be as comprehensive as the customer wants to make it, Chacon said. An initial meeting prior to the session gives customers the chance to share example photos of what they are looking for, determine the best clothes to wear and figure out what background or props should be used. The actual photo shoot can be scheduled at Chacon’s studio on Skinner Road or at a specific location. After the photos are edited, a final meeting allows customers to purchase and size the photos while exploring framing options. “The size, number and style of the photos can all be determined based on whatever the customer wants,” Chacon said. “For each image I produce for each customer, the idea is always to make it one-of-a-kind.”
13307 Skinner Road, Cypress 281-758-4848 www.cypressphotography.net Hours: by appointment