We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paul Cooper. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Paul, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I would! I hope that doesn’t sound egotistical, but I genuinely think I would. I had a really amazing mentor, Michael Anthony, who taught me pretty much everything I know about wedding photography, including how to effectively use light to create cinematic and editorial photos. So when it comes to the photography part, I can deliver a really beautiful, well-rounded wedding gallery with some imagery not everyone can create. But, on top of the physical deliverables, I really value providing a great experience to my couples. Having recently gotten married and gone through the wedding planning process myself, I have perspective from both sides of the lens. My primary goal for my couples is to help them feel supported, calm, and cared for throughout the entire process and actually ENJOY getting married. I’m in it with my couples from Day 1, offering guidance and real communication so they can walk into their wedding day stress-free and be present with each other and with their guests.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Paul Cooper, owner and head photographer of PMC Photography, a wedding photography studio based in San Diego, dedicated to preserving love stories through cinematic imagery and heirloom artwork. I blend editorial artistry with emotional authenticity, delivering a luxury experience for modern couples who value connection, intention, and timeless elegance.
Known for my personalized approach, I offer full-day wedding coverage, engagement sessions, handcrafted albums, custom wall art, and a signature Reveal Celebration. Every image is created with professional lighting, expert posing direction, and a deep understanding of each couple’s unique vision.
With a portfolio that spans from the shores of San Diego and vineyards of Temecula to the alpine beauty of Mammoth Lakes, PMC Photography exists to create meaningful artwork that lives far beyond the wedding day, celebrating the start of a marriage and honoring the stories that matter most.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom. She raised me as a single parent while also running her own business. She’s shown me firsthand the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that goes into being a business owner. From a young age, she taught me the importance of earning, taught me how to budget and save. So many valuable business and life lessons that I still apply to this day.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Ironcially, while my mom taught me very valuable lessons around fincance and savings, in some ways, I think it also created some fear for me around money and stability. For a very long time, I worked “safe” jobs for my main source of income and the sense of security while pursuing my passions on the side. I was too afraid to let go of a safety net, waiting until I was “successful” enough in my artistic endeavors to feel comfortable stepping away from another source of income. It wasn’t until my now-wife encouraged me to take a leap of faith in myself that my business really took off. I’m not saying it’s been smooth sailing ever since, but I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t taken the plunge and gone in 100%.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that I’m most fulfilled when I’m creating something that makes people feel. Whether it’s a photograph, a story, or just an experience that connects us. I care deeply about art with heart, and about making sure the people in my life, and my clients, feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain, and it goes, “Let us live so that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.” I love how much depth is summed up in such a simple sentence, and I completely agree with its sentiment. I hope that when I’m gone that people remember me as warm, kind, supportive, and reliable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pmc-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographybypmc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photographybypmc/
