Capturing Emotion and Trust: A Conversation with Friend of JPEGmini, Yamil Calderón Tellitud
Introduction
We are proud to welcome Yamil Calderón Tellitud, an internationally recognized destination wedding photographer based in Mexico City, to the Friends of JPEGmini.
With a background in psychology, Yamil connects deeply with the couples he photographs, intuitively capturing moments filled with emotion and authenticity. He has photographed weddings in six countries across two continents and has been recognized as a Top 100 Photographer by both MyWed and ISPWP.
What originally drew you to photography?
I have loved taking photos since I was a kid. During my psychology studies, I joined a student exchange program abroad. That is where I bought my first DSLR and started teaching myself photography. I quickly realized this was the path I wanted to pursue.
Your work spans multiple countries. What is your travel setup like?
My equipment setup is pretty compact. I travel with a carry-on case that holds a Canon R6 with a 15–35mm lens, a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 135mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 drone, two Godox AD200 units, and a few MagMod accessories. It is portable and very practical.
How do you manage drones and creative sessions during busy wedding days?
When my team is interacting with the couple, I use that time to set up the drone. Many clients prefer to schedule an artistic session after the wedding. These sessions might be a week, a month, or even a year later.
These shoots give us complete creative freedom and no time pressure. We can travel to special locations or even get the wedding dress wet in the ocean.
My psychology background helps me stay calm, communicate well, and make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Anyone can document what is happening. I want my photos to show why a couple chose me.
You also teach workshops. Why is sharing knowledge important to you?
My mentors gave me everything they could, and I want to honor them by doing the same. Teaching keeps me sharp, visible, and connected to the photography community.
It also shows clients that I am someone who trains other photographers, which adds credibility and professionalism.
Are there moments you regret missing?
Yes, all the time. At every wedding there is always a moment I feel I missed, especially when I am back home editing. That quiet moment after the event is when I notice it. That small frustration motivates me to improve.
Do you have any advice for photographers just starting out?
Do not buy expensive equipment unless you truly need it, and avoid long payment plans. You never know when the next job will come, and you do not want to be tied to debt for gear you did not need.
In your work, what matters more, photography skills or people skills?
I believe it is 70 percent people skills and 30 percent photography. I know this because at the end of weddings, guests often tell me my photos are amazing before they have even seen them. They say it because they liked me.
Do you have any memorable stories from your career?
I have one that was pretty intense. I once photographed a wedding for a cartel family in Mexico. I did not know it until I arrived. There were guns at the entrance, the bride was drunk, and the whole event felt chaotic. On my way home, someone followed me on a motorcycle the entire drive. Thankfully, the family loved the photos and everything ended well.
Now, a little about JPEGmini
How did you first hear about JPEGmini?
A friend recommended it. I deliver photos through Pixieset, and storage there becomes expensive quickly. I also work on a Mac with limited capacity, so saving space is important.
I submit work to many competitions like ISPWP, which have strict size and resolution requirements. JPEGmini allows me to keep maximum image quality while ensuring every file stays within the exact limits.
Is there any feature you wish JPEGmini offered?
Sometimes I wish the software could resize image dimensions as well as reduce file size. Many websites and competitions have specific layout requirements. Being able to set the exact width and height would be very helpful.
It would also be great to choose a target file size or automatically prepare images for social media. For example, telling the software to create the perfect Instagram format.
Conclusion
Yamil’s story is a reminder that photography is not only about technique. It is trust, empathy, creativity, and the ability to make people feel understood. We are honored to welcome him to the Friends of JPEGmini, and we look forward to supporting and celebrating his continued journey across the world of wedding photography.