I began photographing at 18 after graduating from high school when I started a summer job working for a photo studio that specialized in environmental and celebrity portraiture located in Newport Beach, California. One day I was given a Rolliflex 2.8, some film and was told to go shoot some pictures. I brought my film back a week later and after it was processed and returned, I was offered an apprenticeship. I found I fell in love with photography and bought a Hasselblad 500 C/M as I loved the image quality and enlargements that was obtainable from a medium format camera.
Since then, I started doing my own work including celebrities, portraiture, weddings, catalogs, real estate, horse shows, special events and was the official livestock photographer for the LA County Fair in 1991 & 1992. In 2007 I started documenting drag racing events for Full Throttle News and in 2008 – 2009 covered the NHRA Mile High Nationals in Morrison, Colorado where I wrote and photographed a story for 1320 The Magazine about Jonny Roscher, the chef for John FOrce Racing. I have also photographed the Pepsi Nightfire Nationals in Boise Idaho, the Winter Nationals in Pomona California, The California Hot Rod Reunion and The 50th annual March Meet in Bakersfield California for 1320 The Magazine.
In the last 3 years I have done primarily portraiture, weddings & landscapes.
When doing a portrait session or wedding, I have found that trying to set time limits in order to get those once in a lifetime shots along with everything else that needs to happen in order to eternalize your special day is next to impossible. A photographer that is rushed in their work is destined for mediocrity at best. Often times there are issues with people, wardrobes and many other details which can add a lot to the time needed for everyone to get in the flow. For this reason, I do not price my services for a specific amount of time but based on what I have learned over the years so nobody feels rushed. I want everyone to feel comfortable and take the time needed to capture the best images possible. In fact, when I am shooting portraits or weddings, I do not wear a watch which can be a distraction. If you are rushed when trying to get the best images possible, it most likely it won’t happen. My advice to anyone wanting to have the best photographic experience is to relax and be prepared to spend as much time as it takes. Allowing for a little extra time does miracles.
Lance