Meet Tony Baril of Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Baril.

Hi Tony, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My interest in photography began early, watching my mom and dad take photos as one of their favorite hobbies. My dad used to take lightning pictures around the valley and Northern AZ, and I was always so fascinated by it. While watching him, I learned patience to get the right shot. Once I started high school, I began working at Harkins Theaters. There, I became interested in cinema: Animation, Visual Effects, Cinematography, all the fun stuff. I would see almost every movie and observe, listen, and completely immerse myself in the movie. I started shooting goofy videos with my friends in school and playing around with visual effects after learning to use some of the programs for graphics and editing. When I graduated high school, we celebrated with a trip to Hawaii. The first night we got in, Oahu recorded lightning strikes while visible on our hotel balcony. I spent hours using my dad’s techniques to capture as many pics as possible. Of course, they weren’t nearly as good as his, but it inspired me to get going and learn how to get better. Since that day, I have been working on all sorts of photo and video projects, and I continue to learn new things every shoot, whether photo or video projects. I plan to be a “student” of this career field as long as possible to continue to perfect my craft!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a challenging road, but I prefer it that way. I don’t like it when things are too easy, and I believe everyone should learn how to drive on bumpy roads sometimes because it can help them learn the route for that road that will eventually become smoother over time. I am fortunate and grateful to have worked with alot of amazing people in the industry who have helped me when I have questions, given me work when I needed it, and brought me back for gigs. Many of the people I first met who helped me get to where I am today are still very much active in my life, and I work with alot of these people when I don’t have my gigs with Tony Baril Media. They have all taught me alot of valuable lessons that I never thought would be a thing or would never expect to put in my contract. For instance, in the first wedding video I ever filmed, the photographers (Steven & Alisha Palm at Steven Palm Photography!) told me I needed to ensure a guaranteed meal in my contract. I am about as big of a foodie as there is and was shocked that I could work 10-12 hours and may not get a meal at the appropriate time because it wasn’t in my contract. This and my colleagues’ photography and videography tips (lighting, sound, framing, poses, etc.) have helped me immensely over the years.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in event photography/videography! Weddings, Quinces, Real Estate, pretty much anything you’d want captured as a memory! I have shot just about every event for over 7+ years, but I still am getting new things that I haven’t done before! I am passionate about this type of media because my background is in documentary filmmaking, and what better way than to make a “documentary” about someone’s special day? I’m known for being calm, fun, easy to work with, and enjoying my time while working! You’ll often catch me on the dance floor after I get the shots, dancing my heart out. I love the cupid shuffle, wobble, electric slide, and my all-time favorite: Payaso De Rodeo. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I will do whatever I can to ensure I give you the best product available. I truly enjoy capturing these events and don’t like to limit anyone on anything, so I don’t set a limit on photos someone gets from an event or go by a specific schedule where I leave by a particular time, no matter what. I leave when the job is done, and I like to check out with the client before I go to ensure there isn’t something else they want captured.

Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
I love traveling and trying new foods or things that the area I travel to is known for. I love landscape photography and still, to this day, say it’s my favorite thing to capture. So when I get the opportunity to travel, especially for work, I plan the whole trip even before I book a place to stay. My goal is to hit every Baseball stadium and US National Park. As of Sep 2023, I am at 5/30 stadiums and 10/63 National Parks! Nature always knows the right pose.

Pricing:

• Standard event package-$1500
• Photo session-$150
• Real Estate Photos or Video-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tonybarilmedia.com
• Instagram: tony_baril
• Facebook: Tony Baril Media