Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Bean.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My wife and I have six kids. This required a lot of trips to photo studios like Sears, JC Penney and The Picture People over the years.
We had owned many “point and shoot” cameras to capture candid photos as they were growing up, but those never really allowed us to get really great shots.
In 2010, we had a discussion about purchasing a “real” camera to try and get some really great shots. We decided to invest in an entry level DSLR.
Once we got it home, I had to try and figure out how to get the most out of it! So off to YouTube I went in search of tutorial videos……I was HOOKED!
I found myself spending hundreds of hours learning about composition, lighting, contrast, depth of field…. the whole spectrum. Each week, I would try a new type of shot. It was fun and addicting!
In 2011, I was laid off from one of the larger Health Insurance companies after 16 years on the job. I’d never had a problem finding work in my life, but spent about a year and a half without a regular income.
After depleting most of our savings just trying to survive, I figured that I’d better come up with some way to start bringing in some regular money and thus the photography needed to become a source of income. I’d always had friends telling me I should be a professional because they all liked my work and asked me frequently to shoot their kids for birthdays, graduations etc.
So, I did.
I can tell you this, I REALLY enjoy meeting the people that I get to meet. I enjoy making them smile. I enjoy capturing the moments of their lives that they feel are important.
One of the best feelings I’ve EVER gotten from this venture is when I went to a previous client’s home to capture their current holiday pictures, only to see so many of my photos I’d previously taken of them already hanging on their walls and on their coffee table! Priceless……
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?
Life is NEVER a smooth road!
Little things always get in the way. Issues with my car, camera gear breaking down, dropping one of my lenses into a stream in Maui!!!
You do what you can! Keep putting one foot in front of another and remember to breathe!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
In southern California, you can throw a rock 10 feet in ANY direction and hit at least 5 photographers.
It’s just a thing here.
Trying to find a niche in this industry is like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles.
I specialize mostly in portraiture. Families, individuals, people looking for headshots etc….I do property photography as well. For property management companies and Real Estate agencies.
If I could get paid for taking pictures of the stars and galaxies, I’d be elated! But that doesn’t pay much.
But I guess my “claim to fame” is my connection with kids. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been forewarned by parents stating that their kid is shy or doesn’t really like strangers only to have that kid hanging on my back and genuinely belly laughing by the time we’re done. What can I say…. I guess I’m a kid whisperer! Maybe that’s why I have so many?
What were you like growing up?
My family moved around a lot when I was young. This really afforded me the skill to meet new people and make new friends easily. I feel comfortable around strangers and have no problem with striking up conversations and relating to them.
I’ve always been interested in sports and played many different types over the years.
Shortly after graduating high school, my best friend and I decided to just drive. We spent several months roaming this amazing country of ours! It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://drphilsucks.wixsite.com/tbeanphotography
- Phone: 805 372 9098
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papabean21
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tbeanphotography
Image Credit:
Tim Bean
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