Your Name: Rick Wenner

Your Links:

Your Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Location: Long Island, New York

Tell us a little about yourself. I am a born and raised New York guy who loves to create. I’ve been into art since I was a child, which included drawing, graffiti, and computer graphics. Absolutely love all kinds of music, especially 90’s hip hop, rock, and the blues.

How did you get into photography? As I said, I’ve always been into art and finding new ways to create. About 10 years ago I bought my first dSLR just to mess around with it and see what I could do. Little did I know that this was the beginning of the most expensive hobby of my life! But, it was also the most fun that I had with my art in a very long time. I shot anything and everything…landscapes, abstract, my dog, sunsets, you name it, I shot it. But it really wasn’t until I started creating portraits of friends and family that I had found what I wanted to do with my photography. That was about 5 years ago. From that point on I’ve been working on becoming a better portrait photographer both creatively and technically.

How would you describe your style? I’m not sure if I have a set style just yet. I love contrast and darker/moody photos. I love shadows. Bold colors are incredible but I like black and white just as much. I want to create dramatic photos that you will remember…I still have a ways to go though I think.

What inspires you to create such amazing photos? With every shoot that I go on, I want to leave it by learning and achieving something new every time.

What is your favorite photography equipment other than your camera? Elinchrom 39” Deep Octa and Elinchrom 27” white beauty dish. I love the light that comes out of these two. Another favorite would be my assistants. Although they’re not “equipment” they are an enormous help. I’ve spent way too much time trying to carry 50-100lbs. of gear, set it all up, adjust, and have interaction with my subject. Having someone there to help out is HUGE.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why? My first fashion test shoot. I had recently attended a fashion workshop by Simon Gerzina and wanted to put my new knowledge to work. I went all out for this by renting an enormous studio at Brooklyn Studios, hiring a full stylists team, renting gear and scheduling four models from two different agencies. Sometimes I tend to go overboard when I’m very excited about a project. The shoot had a few very stressful moments (see below) but it was an amazing learning experience and I walked away with no scars and a few portfolio photos.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a photo shoot and if so, how did you handle it? After a good 3-4 weeks of planning for my first fashion test shoot, one of the agents had scheduled the model for the wrong date. We sat around for about 2 hours waiting for the model to travel across NYC and then another hour or so in hair and makeup. 3 hours wasted at $100/hour.

How did I handle it? By stressing out and pacing a lot. It was all worth it in the end though because I was able to work with Rachel Echelberger of “America’s Next Top Model” (even though I had no clue at the time who she was). It was worth the stress for sure.

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why? This is a hard one to answer because there is a few that have helped me a lot already. First and foremost is Zack Arias. I attended two of Zack’s workshops and learned so much from him. He has an amazing talent for teaching as well as inspiring others to succeed in this industry. I can honestly say that Zack’s advice is part of the reason why I am working so hard to become a successful photographer.

Last workshop ever attended? Simon Gerzina’s fashion workshop in Brooklyn, NY.

What ambitions have you not yet achieved? A LOT! I’m only 2 years into my photography career so there are so many things that I want to do with this. First would be to drop my “other job” as a graphic designer and be able to live off my photography. My long term goals are to be shooting for a national magazine creating portraits of celebrities and other important people. I want my photography to help me travel the world for assignments and personal work. I know it can happen, just gotta work hard for it.

Is there anything you would have done differently during your photographic career? If anything, I’d wish that I started working this hard to become a full time photographer many years ago. But, if I did, my life would possibly be very different and I might not have my fiancée, the house, the dog and the bills that go along with all of that. Yea, I wish I started earlier…

If not a photographer what would you be? A bored graphic designer.

Why did you choose Flosites, and what have they done for you? When I decided that it was time to take my photography career to the next level I knew that I needed a professional brand for my work. I had researched a number of companies and I was never really satisfied with their work and their lack of communication in the beginning stages was upsetting. When I contacted Ross at Flosites I almost immediately knew that they were the company for me. Ross was extremely helpful and informative in how they complete a project. He also was able to understand my sense of humor and talk to me like a friend, rather than just another customer who is giving them money. I found Flosites’ portfolio to be very impressive too. Let’s face it, you can be a great guy and be able to talk to someone like a friend but if your work sucks, then there’s no point in hiring you.

Here are some screenshots of our interactive work on Rick’s projects:

Blog:

Your Name: Kirsten Lewis

Your Website: http://www.kirstenlewisphoto.com

Blog: http://www.kirstenlewisphoto.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kirsten.lewis2

Twitter: kirstenLphotog

Location: Outer Banks, NC

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 33.  I have 2 kitties and the raddest dog ever.  I love Pho Ga and absolutely HATE pancakes.  I know every line to Weird Science and just bought my very first grown-up car, a 2008 VW Jetta SEL 2.5.  Orange USED to be my favorite color, but now it’s green.  I was always the strange “artsy” girl in school and my date to senior prom was this fabulous gay friend who wore a top hat, cape and tights.  I fly in my dreams almost every night and began dancing on Pointe when I was 12 years old.  As a kid I had a pet chinchilla and refused to wear a dress till I was in high school.

How did you get into photography?

My parents are photographers however I focused my studies in ceramics and painting.  I was fortunate enough to attend the Norwich Free Academy in CT for high school where I concentrated in the performing arts and the two focuses mentioned above.  It wasn’t until I was studying in Brasil and taking pictures of my experiences that my Mom recognized my ability to create interesting compositions.  For my 22nd birthday, my folks bought me my first SLR, a Nikon 8008.  Within one year I had shot my first wedding, and printed all the enlargements in my bathroom/darkroom.

How would you describe your style?

Well, I tell all of my clients that I am NOT unobtrusive, but rather seek to make a connection with them, so they trust me, and before they know it they feel as though I’m not even there with a camera.  I work really hard to document life events naturally, producing honest, emotional, beautiful and sometimes funny pictures.  My images are many times light driven and sometimes they make you think.

What is your favorite photography accessory other than your camera?

My little Leica cloth that sits in it’s tiny little bag and hooks onto my camera so it’s always with me.

Canon or Nikon?

Nikon.  From darkroom to Lightroom, I have been a faithful user.

Best thing about your job?

Being able to be me all the time.  Nose-ring and inked skin, chatty and sarcastic, creative and quirky, obsessive and productive.  I don’t have to be anyone else for anyone else because people hire me for who I am and the work that I do.
How would your friends describe you in 5 words?  Impulsive, funny, generous, nonjudgmental, honest

Name three things you can’t live without.

1.My sense of humor, without it I probably would’ve off’ed myself years ago! 

2.My bestest girlfriends, who forever challenge, inspire and humor me.

3. Oxygen, preferably clean.

Where would we find you on a Friday night?

Either behind my computer post processing or dancing in a Salsa bar in Richmond.

Your favorite movie of all time?

Oh, this is super easy.  The Goonies, original version with the dancing giant squid.

Website or blog you visit often?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE http://www.postsecret.com/.  You don’t have to wait for a new book to come out, they post new secrets every Sunday.

If you hadn’t become a photographer, what would you be?

Hmmmm, well if Organic Chem and I had a better relationship with one another, I would’ve been a Marine Biologist.  If my hips hadn’t collapsed at age 17, I would’ve been a professional dancer.

Best advise you have ever received?

From my mother, and this can be used in any situation where you are feeling hesitation or fear.  “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”  Usually, as long as the answer is not, “Die a painful death,” I go for it!

Why did you choose Flosites, and what have they done for you?

I actually competed in a design contest that FLOsites was holding about 3 years ago and I won a free blog.  Then they held another one and I submitted as someone else because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me win twice, I came in second.  When attending FLOshops in London I got a chance to chat with Ross about rebranding and he really heard what I was saying.  They have helped me completely reinvent my business and brand by supporting me and my vision to be totally myself and develop my presence, well, around my presence.  I could not be happier with everything, the logo, the splash page, the blog, the portrait site.  I LOVE IT ALL!!!  I can’t recommend them enough.

Screenshots of what Flosites did for you:

Custom Blog with galleries:

Portrait Website:

Your Name: Brett Butterstein

Your Website: www.brettbutterstein.com

Your Blog: www.brettbutterstein.com/blog
Location: Colorado, USA

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m married with two boys and am passionate about photography, cycling and travel.

I also love movies, non-fiction books, weird music and sushi. I feel very lucky to have met two icons in my life; James Nachtwey and Lance Armstrong.

Did you go to school to study photography?

Yes. I also studied motion pictures / film.

How crucial would you say is attending school to study photography?

It depends on what kind of photography you want to do.

But I will say that internships and workshops can make the learning curve move at the speed of light.

What got you started in wedding photography?

I got burned out working for newspapers and was looking for a more rewarding, joyful industry to work in.
Once I realized I could shoot weddings in the style that I like to shoot, I was hooked.

How many weddings do you average per year? 15-20

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about your job?

Coming up with creative portraits that are both innovative and jaw dropping every time.

Canon or Nikon? I shoot Canon because of their fast lenses.

If you had to choose one lens, what would it be? 35mm F/1.4

What lighting equipment do you typically take on a photo shoot?

A video light, strobes, light stand and a small bounce umbrella.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

My most memorable assignment would be shooting Lance Armstrong for two days.
My most memorable wedding would be in Vail of last year.

The budget and the party took my experiences with weddings to a whole new level.

If you could shoot a destination wedding anywhere in the world, where
would it be?

Oh there are so many. I regret turning down a wedding in Greece. I think about that a lot.

What ambition have you not yet achieved? Feature films.

Something you’re still learning? Teaching

If not a photographer, what would you have been?

Professional mountain biker or working in the film industry.

Why did you choose Flosites, and what have they done for you?

I was in desperate need of a new brand and photo blog. They did both for me and
far exceeded my expectations.

It’s too soon to tell, but I imagine their handy work will change my
business in a big, positive way.

Branding / Blog Previews:

Customized vs Custom?

This is a popular inquiry question we receive daily.

“What is the difference between your custom and customized blog package?”

We hope that this blog post will help answer any questions to understand the difference between these packages, and why the price difference. As, in fact there is quite a large difference.

What do both blogs have in common?

Both are built using wordpress as a management system. Both all large images, social media integration and sharing, scroll down comments, an optional sneak peek, optional transfer of old blog posts into your new blog.

Now what is different?

Let’s start with the Customized blog, as this is becoming one of our most popular packages for clients who purchase branding with us also.

The Customized Blog:

The customized blog is basically a regular blog skeleton – now by that we mean, it is your regular vertical blog layout. Header, navigation, optional welcome, title of post, post content, comments and then at the bottom the archives and footer. This is general for most blogs, and what we have found is that whilst as many clients want custom functionality, many clients just want a custom design, and this is why we started the customized blog package.

The package includes:

- A custom design with your brand, style throughout the entire blog.
- 2-4 sub text pages
- A contact page with your chosen dynamic contact fields
- Setup of the new blog with optional transfer from your old blog to the blog on a chosen server.

Who is the customized blog suitable for?

- Anyone who wants a simple but unique blog to stand out from the their competitors, but with limited unique functionalities.

- If you are on a tight budget, but want to have a consistent brand throughout your online and offline collateral.

Examples:

- Davina Plus Daniel

- Brandon Wong

- Chelsey of Mach C Photography

- J Castro Photography

- Brett Butterstein (with additional features)

- Lara Jade

- Whitney Elizabeth Portraiture

- Joey L

The Custom Blog:

It has been the most popular option for our clients since we first started Flosites 3 years ago. The custom blog is the main choice for clients who want a unique design and unique functionality.

The Package includes:

- A custom layout with functionality
- A custom unique design
- Up to 10 sub information pages (about, investment, resources, testimonials, vendors etc)
- A contact page with your chosen fields that can be integrated with studio management software (Tave Studio or ShootQ)
- Custom Flash Header
- Setup of the new blog with optional transfer from your old blog to the blog on a chosen server.

Who is the Custom Blog for?

- Those who have a blogging following and know what their clients are looking for, and know their market. We have found that clients who understand this get the most out of their package.

- Those who want to be completely unique in their online presence, or are wanting to make a mark quickly in their market.

Examples of Custom Blogs:

- Kirsten Lewis Photography

- Ben Chrisman Photography

- Rick Wenner

- Chris Chen Studios

- Daniel Usenko Photography

- Eden Photography

- Kimberly Brooke

All in all, both packages meet different needs, but both are very effective, and with both packages we are able to make custom requests with new features, and ideas.

If you have any further questions about our blogs, please let us know via email at info@flosites.com or in the comments below.

Your Name: Daniel Usenko

Your Website: http://danielusenko.com
Blog: http://danielusenko.com/blog

Facebook
Twitter

Location:
Seattle, Washington, United States
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Russian. I grew up in the former Soviet Union.  When I was 7 years old a civil war broke out where I lived – the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict of 1992.  Having miraculously survived the war, my family moved to inland Russia, and eventually to the United States a bit later.

I now live in Seattle, WA. I love philosophy, good music, my friends, family, and the savior.

I am a photographer.

Where is home?
Although I cherish my Russian background, I’d have to say that Seattle is my home. What’s most important is that my friends & family are here – so this is home.

How did you get into photography?
The same way 80% of photographers get into photography – by accident.  It really all started with the love for a beautiful image – that was the biggest motivator.  I remember struggling to understand what makes a picture look “professional” and spending nights experimenting & researching until I figured out how it all work.

When you love to take pictures, you eventually learn how to do it well and other people notice.  Then they ask you to shoot their wedding, which you do.  Eventually someone tells you you’re good enough to charge money.  So there it is – you’re a ‘professional’ photographer – you take money for taking pictures.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

How would you describe your style?
Natural, thoughtful, colorful.

Natural.  I’ve always hated the fake-posed-cheesy photography, but at the same time I LOVE a beautiful portrait.  So my approach has always been – capture the natural/real beauty of your subject & don’t let them ruin it with a fake pose.  So I let my couples be themselves, and I take pictures of them, and not their poses.

Thoughtful.  I love calm, simple, elegant, beautiful images – I call that combination ‘thoughtful’.  On the other hand, I’m not a big fan of images that have a million things going on; the ones you would consider crazy & chaotic.

Colorful.  I learned photography by shooting film.  My favorite type of film is Fuji Reala 100 – a very colorful, sharp, high contrast film.  Looking at my images now, I can definitely see how my love for Reala has pushed my digital editing style to a similar look – a very natural, clean, colorful, sharp and contrasty look.

What inspires you in life and photography?
As weird as it may be, calm and depressing music inspires me the most.  I’ve never been a fan of loud-crowded-happy places, so to recharge my emotional/artistic capacity, nothing works better than hours alone listening to some good music.

Best advice you have ever received?
‘Your success does not depend on how good you are, but on how good people think you are’.

Favorite photography accessory other than your camera?
50mm fixed lens on a full frame body.  Nothing beats it.

Tell us a little more about your coming up workshop.
There are 3 workshops in June, 2 of which are ‘advanced’ level.  For those that are not from Seattle, there’s even an online seminar on Photoshop.

At these workshops I will share my approach to creating beautiful photographs, showing the participants the steps I take & the tricks I use.  Basically, I’ll answer the question “How do you make your pictures look like this?”  It’ll be a mix of learning important information, and getting some hands on experience.  For more info, see the “workshops” page on my site.

Last workshop you yourself have attended?
The one and only – OSP West over a year ago.  When I was learning photography I couldn’t afford to attend a workshop, but when I finally had the money, I already knew enough to create beautiful pictures.  Workshops can definitely be helpful I think, but I had to learn most things with trial and error – I was too poor back in the day to pay someone else to teach me.

Best thing about your job?
Making people happy.


The first photographer that comes you your mind and why?
Jose Villa.  I really dig his work, and he has been the biggest influence this past year especially.  His pictures are simple, quiet, and colorful – just beautiful.

Which 3 words would your friends and family use to describe you?
Contemplative, Simple, Realistic

If not a photographer, what would you be?
Probably a teacher.  I think that has to be one of the best jobs out there.  You work with people, you make a difference in their lives, and you get the holidays and summers off. Seems very close to perfect right there. (except for the pay)

Why did you choose Flosites, and what have then done for you?
I’ve always considered Flosites as one of the leaders in their field.  They work with some of the best photographers in the world, make amazing blogs & Ross is just a great person.  On top of it all, my consultant Lara Casey loves them.  So why would I choose anyone else?

Oh they’ve done for me more than I expected.  Branding, I recently realized, is the most important aspect of a business; that is what makes a photographer look good.  Flosites has created an amazing brand for me – I really love everything about it and am very excited about showing it to more and more people this year.

Here are some screens of Daniel’s New Blog, Splash Page, Site and Workshop Site:

The Site:

The Workshops Site:

Our team is constantly growing, and over time we add new specialists. Currently we have over 5 designers at Flosites who can cater and deliver hand drawn, computerized illustration, 3d, brand specialisations, user interface, graphic, layout, print design and more. We try to provide our clients with different variations of skillsets and styles from our team to provide something different.

Jenny has been a part of the Flosites team for nearly half a year now, and has worked closely with our clients creating some mind blowing work which you can see below. Jenny is part of our US Flosites team and specializes in brand, print and illustration development. So, without holding back any further, here is our favorite Jenny’s interview:

Tell us about yourself?
I’m a quirky, passionate, super curious human being who’s made an entire life out of her favorite thing to do–design. I’m forever making things. Be it logo, monster, or fantastic new word to describe a ridiculous hat, I will have fun creating it.

Where do you call Home?
Sunny (and also rainy) Orlando, FL

How do you currently feel?
After 4 cups of coffee I feel focussed and invincible

What where you working on before this interview?
A beautiful press kit- that I love so much I am emotionally attached to as if it were my own child.

How did you get into design? Did you study design?
I got into design as a hobby, I was making tshirts & patches for bands I loved, and studying something totally different (calculus & anthropology)– but design is what I did for fun, always. A friend of mine dared me to apply to the closest art school paying for my application fee, and I got in. True story.

What would you like to learn in the future?
I’d like to be fluent in at least 1 other language, I’d love to learn how to build furniture, and I’d like to get back into fashion design.

How would you describe your design style?
feminine overall, but everything else depends on the piece being designed, honestly.

What is your most recent design you have made that you love?
This would be impossible for me to answer as fully as I’d need to! I think I genuinely have loved almost everything that has gone from my hands to the client’s. The entire brand of love, milk & honey, Angelica Glass’s blog, the identities of Studio P, Chris Sommers and Ulmer Studios to really just name a few quick ones off the top.. but honestly, I’d say I love the majority of it all.

What is the most challenging issues you have as a designer?
I think the most challenging thing is learning that design is entirely subjective. Making sure communication is open, honest and clear is always on the top of my list to make sure things go as smoothly as possible from the initial ideas to the final execution.

What do you think makes a good brand?

I think brands that are more concerned with staying genuine to the ideals that the brand was started with makes a ‘good’ brand. Personally, I love brands more concerned with business – customer interaction over profits every day of the week. 

What is your typical day like?
Filled with loud singing, skype, adobe photoshop, adobe illustrator and basecamp 24/7. Sometimes I go out and play in the sunshine.

A website or blog you often visit?
cuteoverload.com. it makes me SO HAPPY.

Who is your inspiration?
Marcel Duchamp, El Lissitsky, Jean Paul Sartre and so many others. I am constantly in awe of how incredible humans can be.

If you were not a designer what would you like to be?
Something involving sociology, anthropology and politics. I’d have to make the job title up, but that’s what I’d be doing.

What are you scared of?
Not getting everything I want to get done, done. I’d probably have to be 3 extra people to achieve it all, it doesn’t matter. it’s all getting done eventually!

What do you think is over rated?
Giving up.

Your favorite TV show?
for the next couple of months, it’s totally LOST. but Glee’s really heartwarmingly fantastic too.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
Stanley Kubrick. I’ve got some questions for him.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?
I’d love to be a graduate of calarts grad program, having my research projects published. Possibly married- we’ll see

What was your favorite project of all time?
Right now it’s one of my personal projects I have been nursing for 2 years+. I have just loved it the longest.
Would you do anything different in your career, if to restart again?

What would you recommend to any new beginner designers?
Hang in there, work super hard, and always, always, ALWAYS do personal work on top of client projects. It keeps your skills sharp, your mind agile, and you will always have a fresh, current (hopefully sweet) portfolio. win-win, my friends.

And finally? How are you finding working at Flosites?
I love Flosites and Flosites loves Jne!

It is very rare that we stop working from behind our monitors, whether be on client calls, designing with our wacom tablets, or writing lines of code all day – We decided to have a quick break for the fun and brave in the office, not everyone is here

Costea one of our brand designers loves collecting glasses. For the last several months nearly every day he has came in, he has something to make the entire office laugh at especially with his array of cool glasses.

Here our the results from just 1 pair of glasses

We can assure you that we did work today, except for 30 minutes

Angelica has got a style like no other, its hip, fashionable, modern, sexy, energetic and quirky = Fantastic!

We had the opportunity not only to work with her, but to interview Angelica about her background and photography.

Your Name: Angelica Glass
Your Website: http://angelicaglass.com
Your Blog: http://heartexplosions.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/angelicaglass
Location: New York City

Tell us a little about yourself?

28. SWF. I love to dance. If I wasn’t
a photographer, I’d be a makeup artist.

Where is home?

Home is where the heart is. hahaha..Well, I would
say that Tarpon Springs, FL is where I truly feel at home. It’s where
I go to escape the hustle and bustle of my life in NY.

What sparked your interest in becoming a fashion photographer?
You’re
 only given so much freedom on a wedding day. You are bound by priests,
 MOBs and shot lists. Fashion photography has a certain mystique. It 
fulfills my need to be creative as an artist.

How would you describe your style?
Please don’t make me answer this
question. I don’t want to define my work with a word that people know.
I just want to shoot in a way that makes me happy. I want to learn
with each shoot that I do..I never want to stick with one style.

What got u started in boudoir?
I did my first boudoir session when I
 was 17 with one of my friends. Could I go to jail for that? Ha! Then I
did one a few years ago from a random inquiry. I had no idea what I
was doing, but I loved it. My boudoir business picked up 2.5 years ago 
when I lived in a really amazing apartment with floor to ceiling 
windows and all white walls. I was so lucky to have developed my style
in that environment.

How do you make the bride, model, etc… feel relaxed in front of your
 camera? I tell them to breathe & I tell them how pretty they are.

What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing images?
Fashion, nightlife and Lady Gaga.

Can you share some of your favorite images with us? Sure!

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.?
Alien
Skin Exposure 2; Jesh’s Colorshift Actions; and I love the Grainstorm
action by TRA.

Name a photographer who inspires you.

Eolo Perfido : http://eoloperfido.com

Bruno Dayan : http://www.brunodayan.com

A website and/or blog you visit often?

http://community.livejournal.com/modelcouture

Is there anyone you would love to photograph?
LADY GAGA!! and Freddie Mercury (alive, not dead)
but I would use the shoot as an excuse and would probably just end up
talking to them for 5 hours.

What do you love the most about your job?

Weddings – That I get to
make every day couples look like something that they never thought
they could look like. I hear all the time that I only accept “pretty
people” or that all my clients are models and that is so far from the
truth. The majority of my brides are teachers and lawyers. They aren’t
ugly, of course..but they aren’t glamorous on a daily basis.
Boudoir/Fashion – That I get to be as creative as I want to be without
time constraints/rules. I art direct and style everything. (Obviously,
if I did the fashion stuff professionally I probably wouldn’t have
that luxury though.)

Which five words would your friends use to describe you?
perceptive,
feisty, spontaneous, sensitive and creative (i asked a friend that was
on AIM now)

Why did you choose Flosites and what have they done for you?
Flosites 
is in process of designing my new custom blog.. and from the sketches 
that I’ve seen so far, it’s pretty friggen incredible and totally my
 style. I can’t wait for everyone to check it out! I chose Flosites
 because I got to know Ross through several e-mails and I knew he would
 take care of me. He was young, understood me (which is hard to do) and
 was hip/fashion forward in his design approach.

After Launch:

Now that the blog is finished, I am so incredibly happy. I don’t understand how Ross maintains such a great personality and attitude when going back and forth fixing all the kinks to go live. He truly is one of a kind and I’m so glad that I picked flosites.

The Slideshow Gallery:

Your Name: David Baxter | Ohana Photographers

Your Website: www.ohanaphotographers.com

Your Blogsite: www.ohanablog.com

Facebook and Twitter

Location: San Diego, California

Tell us a little about yourself?

My high school class ring has a picture of an old box camera and the word photography molded into it. That was my dream. After graduation I traveled completely around the world, and came right back to my native San Diego, California. I continued to be a dreamer of big dreams, but was trapped for several years in an insurance agent’s cube farm. After years of dragging myself to work and being completely unhappy with my profession, I tossed my underwriting guidelines into the circular file and kicked down my cubicle walls. I declared myself a photographer and headed out into the wild (southern California wedding market). For 3 years and counting I have lived my dream and I’ve never been happier.

How did you get into photography?

My grandma used to always carry a camera around with her. She was always taking photos of the family. I got both my love for family and photos from her.

How would you describe your style?

I don’t think there’s one word to describe it but it’s kinda like a mullet, business up front and party in the back. Styled sexy fun is what we like.

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

When I go into battle I bring canons. Big ones.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

A 24-800mm 1.0 that fits in my front pocket, because that would be the raddest lens ever! When I’m not dreaming, I prefer the 85mm 1.2 because it’s sharp as a samurai sword and as dreamy as Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair.

What is your favorite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?

I LOVE PHOTO MECHANIC AND LIGHTROOM! Sorry. Did I just yell that out loud?

Can you share a set of photos with us from a favorite shoot?

I can and I will. See below.

How important is blogging for your business?

As important as the last square of toilet paper at a truck stop.

Five words that would describe you.

Genuine, reserved, loyal, simple,  surfer.

Tell us a little about the Ohana family team.

Like our name says, we are a family. We love doing everything together. David is the lead photographer. Kim is the editing guru and backup photographer. April is our resident artist and amazing associate photographer. Rain is still in training and isn’t officially on the payroll yet. Crummy child labor laws.

Favorite movie of all time?

There is no way I could pick just one. I LOVE movies. Here are some of my top picks: Schindler’s List, Breakfast Club, Glory, Christmas Vacation, Lord of the Rings, Weird Science, Midnight Run, Back to the Future, Saving Private Ryan, American History X, 300, Dead Poets Society, To Kill a Mockingbird, Star Trek (the new one), Star Wars (the old ones), It’s a Wonderful Life, Toy Story, and many, many, more.

Something that’s overrated?

Labels and Popularity

First thing you would do if you won the lottery?

Cry, then smile.

Why did you choose Flosites and what have they done for you?

All I had to do was meet Ross and I knew Flosites was going to be part of our Ohana. Shortly after meeting him for the first time, we had the pleasure of giving him a ride from Las Vegas to San Diego. During that ride we learned how genuine and kind Ross is. His heart gives love freely, especially to those in need. From that day forward we have told everyone we know about him and Flosites. We will continue to do so.
Our partnership began when Ohana photographers got a facelift from Flosites with an incredible new branding package and a new logo. With that in place, the next step was a beautiful new blog. To be completely honest, our company would not be half of what it is without Flosites. We can’t thank you all enough.

Blog Site with galleries, top posts, sneak peak, expandable posts and galleries, all wrapped under the management of wordpress!

The slideshow system built and managed under wordpress:

Alot of people usually ask us how did we make that, or do that. So we wanted to show you a quick process of our last “valentines day illustration” in stages from sketching to bringing it into illustrator, to then toning it to final render.

Let us know your thoughts:

Stage 1 – Sketching

Stage 2 – scanning to computer and art work filling

Stage 3 – after filling in the color and rendering textures, adding the stage with some more artwork via the wacom.

Stage 4 – Final texturing and rendering