Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Ozbun.
Tim, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My interest in photography started my sophomore year of high school. I was looking for an elective class to take. Not many vocational courses were being offered at the time and photography seemed like something interesting to do. I began working with film and in the darkroom on photos which I found unique and interesting. After I finished with the class, I didn’t really go back to doing photography again until I got into college a few years later. I began working with digital photography and photoshop. It was then that I decided to major in photography. I entered one of my photos, a black and white picture of Otay Lakes, at the San Diego County Fair and was pleasantly surprised to see that I won a third place ribbon. I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts/Photography. Since graduating, I’ve gone on to work at several places such as a fan photographer for the San Diego Padres, a pet photographer for Pet Smart, and team photographer for a Youth Tennis League. Today I have my own photography business and also do freelance photography for different clients and companies. I do all kinds of photoshoot from models to sports to engagement to weddings and advertisements. I love my work!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create memories and stories through my photography. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I want to create the best experience I can for my clients. Whether it’s capturing a young couple’s engagement or their “I do’s” or capturing a baby’s first birthday party or an employee’s retirement or shooting any type of fashion photos, I want anyone that I photograph to also take great pride and joy in my photos. I want people to look back at their pictures and recreate the emotions and memories that tell the story of that special moment in their lives. Photographs are very unique and personal to each group or individual, and my job is to capture those unique memories and feelings through my photography.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think artists face a lot of challenges today. One of the biggest is competition. There are a lot of talented artists out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to stand out. Artists often do not know how to promote themselves. They are known more for their creativity and less for being business-minded. With photography, it’s difficult to get discovered. People often want the cheapest photographer and not the best. I often get my work through word of mouth, through my website, and on some occasions on social media. It is sometimes challenging being a freelance photographer because often, the work is not steady and when business is slow, it’s hard to support oneself. Another challenge is that clients will have differences with you or will cancel out on you at the last minute or go with another photographer who may be cheaper or be a family friend. That is frustrating because I feel I am not being taken seriously as a professional. I take great pride in my work and am happiest when I am working steadily. I love when people see my work and tell me how much they love my photos. Being a photographer is my passion, and even if I don’t make a lot of money, I cannot see myself doing anything else.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can see my work by visiting my website at http://aflashphotos.com and can follow me on social media through Instagram at @timozbunphotography and on Twitter at @tophotography. They can support my work by giving me the opportunity to photograph their next event or do any type of photoshoot. I can do engagement photos, modeling shoots, family portraits, birthday parties, baptisms, community events and even pet photos and sporting events. I will work with you to create the most memorable photo for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://aflashphotos.com
- Email: tozbun@gmail.com
- Instagram: @timozbunphotography
- Twitter: @tophotography
Image Credit:
Astrid Montalvo, Carol Colclasure, Cindy’s Swimwear, Doun Lambert, Kierra Janae, Kensi Walters, Lindz, Mimi Cortes, Reclaim-Sole, Stephanie Santos, Ivan, Danielle, Chris and Katie Ozbun
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