Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Christian.
Spencer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I can remember, I knew I was different than most kids. Not that I thought I was better, just different. While other kids were riding skateboards, joining sports and building forts, I was learning how to escape from a straitjacket (literally my dad got me a legit straitjacket for Christmas, one year), painting and pretending I was Kurt Cobain in my room. I think because of that, I was always an observer rather than a participant. I believe this has led me to be a what I am now, a photographer.
I actually started my creative career in filmmaking but slowly drifted away from motion pictures and jumped into still photography. I started my own photography business in 2015 and never looked back.
My background in filmmaking and storytelling have shaped my style and approach in photography. I’m so interested in the story of the photography rather than how it was lit or what lens was used. I always say “I capture moments, not photographs”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not exactly, I was working a day job that actually paid decently (at least by my standards). I knew that I really wanted to start my own company and be a full-time artist. I also knew that I would never be successful with one foot in and one foot out. So, after many late night talks with my wife and number crunching, I quit my day job and made photography my full-time job. Then, reality hit me!
At first, I thought that all I had to do is take great photos and people would flock to me. I said to myself, “once I put my photos out there I will be booked for months”. How wrong I was. I very quickly realized how my of running a photography studio is working at my desk and how much is actually taking photos. I had to switch my game plan. I began spending 6-8 hours every day trying to get clients. That’s not including photo editing, client emails, scheduling, and clients meeting.
Thankfully, things began to pick up and work started flowing in. It is still a struggle and still lots of work but at this point, a lot of new clients are being referred by previous clients. Which is awesome!
Spencer Christian Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Spencer Christian Photography is a wedding based photography studio that occasionally shoots family portraits. I love shooting weddings. I love the emotion of the day. I love the high stress and pressure. I think it makes me a better photographer. We focus more on the day and how the story of these people unfolds. Rather than one big photo shoot. Of course, we still do family formals and posed photos but the focus of the studio is the emotion of the day. Every wedding has enough moments and emotion. There is no need to fake and create them.
I am most proud of how we treat our clients. We treat every bride as if they are the only bride in the world. We make every couple feel like we are more than just their photographers. We are part of their families. As a wedding photographer, I am there for the most intimate part of the most important day of their lives. How could I not be proud to be there?
I think our customer service is what separates us from other studios. All the wedding images are edited, touched and ready to be seen by the couple in two weeks or less. Not many studios can say that. I have heard countless horror stories from brides that have not received their photos for 6, 8, 10 months. EVEN A YEAR! That’s crazy to me. We also have more than a few surprises for our couples leading up to the big day.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If I am able to make a living and provide for my family by doing something I love and working for myself. I am extremely blessed and successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spencerchristianphoto.com
- Phone: (714) 457-1587
- Email: info@spencerchristianphoto.com
- Instagram: @spencerchristianphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/spencerchristianphotos/
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/spencer-christian-photography-irvine
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