Jeff started this photography business in the worst way possible. He's had a camera since he was ten years old, and he photographed anything and everything until he went to college. It was then that he put the camera down. He loved photography, he knew he did, but it wasn't something he could live on. He had to get a real degree that would lead to a real job. He decided to become a doctor, so he got a biochemistry degree.
And then he met me.
It wasn't until we met and he took a good look at his future that he decided he wanted to settle down and have kids and a life before he turned 35. So he finished his degree without applying to med school and took a job in the Biotech industry as an entry level - albeit genius - scientist. It was right about this time that he saw something that changed his life - he saw some really amazing wedding photography. It was the kind of photography that he had produced during his travels (candid, authentic), except that it had people in it. And those photographs were really important to those people. So he bought his first digital SLR (he had been shooting film for all those years), and found someone that needed a wedding photographer at the last minute.
Jeff shot his first wedding before he had ever taken any portraiture whatsoever. He never second shot with anyone, he had barely even attended any weddings. But he knew what he was doing technically, and he did an amazing job. He found another friend who was getting married, and so on. A few months later, I picked up a camera, fell in love, and joined him.
Jeff would not recommend shooting your first wedding alone and inexperienced like he did, but he made it happen with much thanks to his strong technical skills and his eye for emotion. On Tuesday, we got the chance to hang out with the first ever San Diego Photography Shootout/Get Together in Mission Beach. There were 30 photographers, tons of models, and beautiful light for this teaching/learning/experimental style photo shoot. Jeff and I were asked to be special guests, and we had so much fun teaching and challenging the amazing photographers that came out. There's such a big difference between the opportunities that were available to us just a few years ago and the opportunities available now to those just starting out. Its so exciting and I hope that anyone out there who feels alone, confused, or discouraged can find amazing people like this out in the industry!
Our good friend David Manning helped to lead a group. This guy is the shizzzzz.
Stephen Knuth organized the San Diego group after attending the original SoCal Shootout in Orange County. Thanks for everything you did Stephen! (He's feigning nervousness about speaking in front of the group to start things off!)
After we split into our groups, Jeff and I got to hang out with the fabulous Mark and Rachel for the rest of the day. These two were awesome models and totally up for anything. Thanks you guys!
We managed to get a few great shots throughout the night of Mark and Rachel, but most of the time we were focused back on the photographers teaching and challenging instead of photographing. So most of our images are from weird off-side angles and lighting! Here's a handful that we managed to grab when we were directing.
I just love this one because it is COMPLETELY candid. Mark is awesome!
Rachel definitely knew how to work it.
When the sunk sank down, we started to play with some flash lighting in the twilight. Look at that sky!
And I mean play. I love the moodiness that Jeff got by holding his flash at arms' length just off to the side.
These next two I captured by bouncing my flash off of a white wall that was about 30 feet away at 1/4 power (which is very bright). I apologize to all of the photographers standing next to me that I blinded in the process, but just look at her skin! Yum...
After the shoot, we got to hang out at Evan Bishop's house in Point Loma, where Jeff and I spoke about finding your unique style. We're hoping to have some pictures up soon, but a huge thanks goes out to Evan for opening his home to everyone! If you'd like to attend the next San Diego Shootout, check out the Facebook group here. They'll be taking place every other month, so be sure to stay tuned for info on the next one!
Hugs,
Erin
13 comments
Gareth Robins - Amazing shots guys, great inspiration.
Stacee Lianna - Jeff & Erin you are both so amazing! I had such a great time meeting you and learning from you. Your willingness to teach and be transparent with all of the photographers at the shootout was such a blessing! Even when you forced me out of my comfort zone.
Erin - @Betsy Blue make sure to join the Facebook group to be notified of registration for the next one (they limit it to 30 photographers). They switch months with the Orange County shootout, so you can totally go to that one and the San Diego one! Plus, its a LOT of work to do these every month!! Props to them for putting this together!
Mia Marisa - It was such a pleasure working with you both on Tuesday. I loved how you let us take charge of posing, and then gave us good tips and suggestions along the way. This is something that I’ve been working on and need more practice in. Your humility and passion shines through from the time you spent to us and in your presentation. I’ve met many professionals in the past year, and you stand out in the crowd.
Erin, thanks for taking the time to chat with me on the sofa. You are a genuinely sweet person and I can see how thankful you are for all that God has given you.
You are both a light in this industry. Thank you.
Betsy Blue - I can’t believe I didn’t hear about it…looks like it was a blast! And I agree w/ Reubs…only every OTHER month? Really?
Ryan - Looks very fun you guys! I wish we lived in San Diego.
Reuben Poon - Dang, every OTHER month!? Grrr that I missed it!
Taryn Bergmann - Wow! This looks like it was so much fun. I am bummed we missed out. I have always wanted to do a shoot with a carousel.
Simeon Rodgers - Sweet shots! I had a great time at the shootout and Evan’s house. You guys really gave me a lot to think about in terms of finding my style (I am well on my way now) and developing my brand. You brought up points and practices I had never thought about. Good stuff! Thanks for the info, see ya ’round!
Ian Andrew - Holy Smokes. These photo are blowing me away! I just gotta say what a great time I had and thank you guys for giving your time to share with us what you know. Amazing!
Stephen Knuth - WOW!! These are so good. Rachel & Mark really do know how to work it. The event was so incredible, it became something so much more that was only possible from something beyond our own organizing. Thank You for taking time to come shoot with everyone for three hours then giving your incredible presentation! I knew you guys would rock it and everyone is starting to communicate on twitter & facebook & thats what it is all about! Community!!
It was so special having you be such a integral part of our event!! Thank You!
Joe Merrill - Great shots guys, I was so glad that I was able to make it down there for this event. Much to learn, but good to have amazing talented people to learn from
Lorrie Prothero - I sure am sad that I missed this – had to back out at the last minute. Looks like it was a BLAST!