August 23, 2016

Meet Culver City Photographer & Videographer: Andrew Pabon

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Pabon.

Andrew, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started with disposable Kodak film cameras on middle school field trips in 1999, but I was always surrounded by camera equipment. My dad is a hobbyist photographer. He would buy and sell cameras all of the time. He’s been through more Sony/Minolta, Canon and Panasonic cameras than B&H. His Christmas gift to me at the age of 20 was my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel. Two years later, following his footsteps, I sold that camera and purchased my first videographer camera, the Canon T2i. I graduated college as a graphic designer in 2008, but every job I’ve had has required me to shoot photos or video. I went freelance a few years later and have pinged back and forth between design, photography and video jobs. These days, I mostly shoot portraits, motorcycles, and travel. Most recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot a Ducati event in Sardinia, Italy, the Motorcycle Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, and a road trip from San Diego to LA with MotoGeo.

Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest challenge for me has been turning down design work to focus on photography. Switching careers is a frightening thought. Graphic design is how I’ve always made a living, and when I went freelance I only took those jobs. Trying to pursue photography was difficult as I knew I wasn’t able to dedicate the time to hone my craft that other professional photographers could. It wasn’t until I started turning down design jobs and focused on getting photography gigs that I finally landed an opportunity to do a motorcycle shoot in the LA River with Courtney Taylor of the Dandy Warhols and former Isle of Mann TT racer Jamie Robinson. The session was great. I came away with an experience that gave me the confidence to pursue my photography passion as a way to make a living.

Have there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
My father has definitely had the biggest influence on my career. He has always had a camera by his side for family vacations. Ten years ago, when I was twenty, he bought me my first DSLR. Three years ago, he convinced me to switch camera systems and try shooting mirrorless. This change allowed me to bring my camera everywhere and build a portfolio that has brought me new clients. Although we are 2100 miles apart, we still nerd out about camera gear and photography techniques once a week.

Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
Most recently, I’ve been fortunate to travel with MotoGeo shooting travel photography and videos revolving around motorcycles. The projects I most look forward to are those which take me to new places. I mostly look forward to shooting places I’ve never visited. Abandoned cities, lively festivals, Grand Prix races… any event where I can capture people in a moment of engagement with their environment excites me. I’m also pursuing shooting more portraits. I enjoy interacting with and directing someone to get the best and most authentic photo possible of a person.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
Spend less time worrying about camera gear and spend more time on shooting photos.

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