Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobin Yelland.
Hi Tobin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a photographer and cinematographer and have been shooting for 30 years now. I started by photographing my friend’s skateboarding. I shoot film stills and advertising now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was lucky to know a lot of skateboarders when I started out and being a skateboarder myself gave me an advantage. Even though I had these advantages, I had to learn to be good enough to sell my photographs and also had to learn the business of selling my work. I was often without enough money to get the things I needed but at the same time, my friends helped give me opportunities to work. After three years, I was able to work enough to pay my bills. I know enough about my job to find steady work now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer specializing in advertising and also shoot film stills for TV / Film/ Commercials. I am most proud of the skate photography I shot in the 90’s and also the advertising and personal work + films I have made.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
At 16, I decided I would be a photographer. I ate a lot of beans and rice and did without a lot of things to become a photographer. Starting out was the hardest part and very stressful but was very important to have those experiences and make my own way. I got help from my parents at first and did not go to college. My friends helped me the most and honestly, the older piers who gave me a hard time and were competitive with me taught me a lot about dealing with obstacles. I made a lot of failures to get better at avoiding failures and learned to stand up for myself and negotiate fair compensation for my work. Every time I shoot photos this is an investment in myself that takes time and money. I have faith that If I love what I do and put my whole being into each time I photograph that I will be successful. I always bet on myself and this has paid off.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.tobinyelland.com and https://www.tobinshop.com
- Instagram: @tobinyelland @tobinshop
- Facebook: tobinyelland
- Twitter: @TobinYelland
- Other: https://vimeo.com/tobinyelland
Image Credits:
Portrait of me by Charlie Samuel
