In 2009 I had a harebrain idea.
After 9 years of working in the surf industry for brands like Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes I was feeling the need for some new challenges. Photography and creating art had been a huge part of my life but I hand’t been creating much while I was working full time.
Feeling the itch to pick up my camera again, on summer evenings and weekends I started scratching that itch. I would head to the beach, photographing landscapes and sunsets and anyone that wanted to get in front of my camera.
Then, randomly, I was asked to photograph a wedding in exchange for a seat at a table, a bottomless glass of beer, and some really great company. Because, you know, I was the guy with a camera.
I promptly explained that I had no qualifications. No experience, no idea what to do.
The response: That’s okay. Just do your thing, we’ll do ours, it’ll be great.
Little did I know that one question, and answer of yes, would lead me down a 10 year journey, over 200 weddings, and a lot of new friends. Including this beautiful wedding I photographed in November, my final wedding for 2018, for my friend Carla’s daughter.
After enjoying that wedding 2008, in 2009 I had that harebrain idea to strike it out on my own. I started working my butt off to make it happen.
This harebrained idea was the best decision of my life. Living to create imagery, telling stories, and meeting wonderful people in the process has been such a joy.
It’s crazy to have that internal discussion about having done this for 10 years. It’s had it’s ups and downs, successes and challenges…just like anything in life. But it was a dream to have my own ‘thing,’ and I’ll be damned, I’ve somehow made it happen.
There’s countless ways to keep growing with this little business and I can’t wait to see what 2019, my 10th year in business, brings.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported me, and my harebrained idea, along the way. Professionals, clients, family and friends and especially my lovely wife.
Bryan