Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Sean.
Sam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I picked up my first camera when I was 17 years old. Growing up, I didn’t always want to be a photographer. If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I was younger, my answer most likely varied from a corporate professional to a professional basketball player. It wasn’t until a friend of mine asked me to assist with some production work that I became interested in the arts. They needed an extra shooter and I was available, so right then and there, they handed me my first camera–a solid Canon EOS-3 35mm SLR. Prior to this, the only camera I’ve ever worked with was a little Kodak point and shoot, so to be able to experiment with a film camera on that very day was both an exciting, yet nerve wrecking experience at the same time; but it was one that truly sparked my interest and shaped the way I learned photography.
Fast forward to exactly one year later, after I graduated from high school, I took on a full time job at a photography studio in Torrance, CA. I worked as a 2nd shooter, assisting in mostly weddings for approximately 4 years before I was made lead associative photographer. At 21 years old, I photographed my first wedding; and as they say…. the rest was history.
I’d like to think that my journey with photography started out as a chance encounter that turned into curiosity. It might sound arrogant but it was something I was good at, so naturally, I just went with it. It wasn’t until a much later point in my life that I fell in love with the art, and the result of my work. I’d like to think that my girlfriend (and current Fiancé) had something to do with this shift. I love that she looks at life through rose colored glasses. Whether it be in real life, or in the movies, she always paid close attention to a couple’s gaze, or the way an elderly couple held hands as they walked down the street. Even something as simple as fall leaves piled up on the ground on a cold Autumn day was beautiful to her. In many ways, she inspired me to pay attention to the small things in life, because one day, when we look back, we’ll realize that they truly were the big things.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think anyone who expresses themselves through any form of creative means will find that it is both equally amazing and stressful along the way. My road to becoming a photographer has largely been a turbulent one, but maybe that’s just the consequence of trying to turn your passion into a career. While I enjoy having an avenue to express my creativity, there are times when it can feel a bit mundane. There were many points along the way where I felt uninspired. For example, after working at the same photography studio for roughly 8 years, I started feeling like I was boxed in (and understandably so given the fact that I was working under someone else’s vision). So instinctively, I started craving a creative outlet. I desperately needed to try new things without feeling like there were red tapes put around me. Henceforth, I decided to take on some freelancing gigs during my spare time because I truly believe that as an aspiring artist, it’s good to experiment and find your voice. Make as many mistakes as you can, while you still can.
When I started freelancing, I photographed everything from maternity shoots to product photography and most recently, lifestyle photography. However, I quickly learned that freelancing comes with a multitude of challenges of its own. When I first started, my focus was on getting ANY job, instead of the “right” job. I had no idea that I could control the type of work I attracted by branding my work to fit my aspirations. I didn’t realize how much control I had over the clients and jobs I could get. Not only that, in today’s day and age, it’s so easy for photographers to get lost in what the “industry standard” is and create work that is just like everyone else’s. Which is why I’ve learned not to compare. You’ll never find your own style if you only look at other photographer’s work and try to emulate their style. If that was the case, you’ll always be a step behind, so it’s better to do your own thing, and rock it.
Although the majority of inquiries that come my way are still wedding photography, I find that freelancing has allowed me to develop my own sense of style; and somewhere along the way, I started to realize that there is beauty in the mundane. Photos resonate with people, which is why I, like so many others, love the craft.
Now, 14 years later, I’m blessed to be able to continue to do what I love each and every single day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sam Sean Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a photojournalistic photographer specializing in wedding photography. I’ve been a photographer for 18 years and have photographed everything from newborns, family portraits and corporate head shots to lifestyle/product photography and of course, engagements and weddings. If I could sum up my style it in a few words, it would be light, simple, timeless, and classic yet modern.
As a wedding photographer, I make it a priority to get to know my clients prior to any shoot. I want their photos to mean something to them, and to reflect their personality so it’s crucial that I establish a relationship with them. I love forging mutual respect and understanding so that we can have fun, and be comfortable around each other. On some occasions, I’ll inspire or prompt a situation by setting events in motion or offer assistance to help them look their best during a shoot.
But ultimately, my goal is to be unobtrusive because nothing can beat the magic that occurs when my clients forget that I’m there, capturing them.
There are so many great wedding industry photographers out there that sometimes it feels like everything has already been done. So instead of trying to set myself apart from the rest, I’d like to keep honing my craft. I believe that as an artist, it’s important to know and do your craft well. You have to push yourself in order to keep improving. It’s the only way to go above and beyond the curve.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc.?
I think more and more people will continue to enter the ranks of semiprofessional portrait and wedding photographers as the barrier to entry continues to decrease.
DSLRs are getting less and less expensive and especially in today’s day and age, content and creation along with picture making is so easily accessible (mirrorless cameras and VSCO makes it so easy for you). Not many could have expected that a product from Apple would have improved to the point where many use it as their everyday camera.
The rise of semi-pros has made photography much more attainable and I can’t help but think that the perceived value of portrait and wedding photography will continue to decrease as it becomes easier and easier to create average, sellable photography with less and less expensive equipment readily available. That’s not to say that there’s not enough room for everyone, because there is, just at different levels. I think there will always be a great market out there for people who are looking for high-quality photography, and who are willing to invest good amounts of money for it. However, the key to succeeding over the next 5-10 years will depend on the photographer’s marketing capabilities. Having a strong online presence is key.
Regardless, the best time to become a photographer is now. The internet has proved itself the greatest learning tool ever with the wealth of video guides, tutorials, and other photography education available online. Any barriers to entry into the world of photography, which may previously have existed, have now all but completely been obliterated, thanks to technology.
This industry is ever changing and ever evolving. We are witnessing the gold age of photography, and I truly believe that this is only the beginning.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography investment begins at $2,500
- Lifestyle photography investment begins at $350
- Family portrait investment begins at $450
Contact Info:
- Phone: (310) 347-5714
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/samseanphoto
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
