Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Kerstetter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a freelance photographer with a keen interest in Seascape and Sports images. Photography and filming runs in the family. Influenced by my dad’s days of 35mm photos and 8mm movie cameras, the images he created from his time in the Navy to when we were kids began and nurtured my own interests in photography. Later, my interest was solidified by my brother’s pursuit of photography which included B&W and Color film developing in our parent’s garage.
My experience in Sports has given me valuable insight into capturing photos during peak action and a distinct perspective for grabbing images that reflect unique knowledge and expression of the sport.
Sports include indoor and outdoor volleyball, track & field as well as surf photography.
Instagram: FBVPsports
Seascapes became a passion later in life. I’m always searching for that unique angle in everyday life. Instagram: FLASHBACKVP
Sharing these moments is one of my main motivations for picking up a camera. I’m based out of Cardiff, a coastal Southern California community, with spectacular scenery and an environment that supports an athletic lifestyle.
Born and raised in San Diego, I’m lucky to share the beauty of a place very close to my heart with my wife, kids, family and friends.
The name FLASHBACKVP (Flashback Video Productions) originated when I transitioned from film cameras to digital event videography, family montages, weddings, and a few corporate events. Today FLASHBACKVP represents both video and photography using a team approach with my wife Stacey.
Sports and Seascape photography is my yin and yang for balance in the art I create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I do not consider myself an introvert, I am definitely not an extrovert. Promoting and getting my work out there has not been easy for me, especially in the beginning. This has been my greatest challenge so far.
Credit to Instagram for providing a platform to help showcase photography. Credit to family and friends for continuing to provide support and feedback.
I still have a long way to go, progress is slow but one thing I always try to do is make the best images I possibly can. I am never 100% satisfied and I’ll never give up trying to make great art.
Sports: Access to shoot at sporting events is one of the biggest challenges when creating sports images.
High profile venues require media credentials and I can safely say for me, finding the right contacts, showing professionalism, being persistent and keeping a current portfolio is key, but is not a guarantee. Gaining access to larger events as a freelance photographer without a media sponsor is difficult. But when I do get the access, I am free to create the images that I envision. A key to a successful FBVPsports shot is one that captures peak action and peak emotion!
Seascapes: For me, the challenge to get a great seascape requires planning and a little luck, but there is still no guarantee on getting “the shot”.
I’m mainly self taught with a few high school classes. My early experience was gained through shooting, (as much as I could) and learning through trial and error. A 3rd place finish in a high school photo competition was enough to keep the fire inside burning for years.
Competition in this photography business is fierce. There are tons of talented people out there producing amazing work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our Seascape images are mainly captured in and around our local area of Cardiff as well as in Hawaii. Images can be viewed on Instagram and in person at Fowlers Boutique in the Cardiff Seaside Town Center.
Our Seascapes are mostly on Acrylics & Canvas. Metal, Bamboo and Archival Paper are also available. In addition, we can provide framed, dimmable LED backlit photos. All mediums have their place and we are happy to accommodate customer client needs.
For our sports photography, we are available for private hire and casual shoots. Surfing, volleyball and track & field are the main sports I photograph, but I’m not limited to those sports.
The majority of my sports images are provided to clients digitally via an online gallery. We also can provide custom images on Acrylic and Canvas as well as Metal.
The majority of our work comes from relationships we have built over time and referrals from those relationships.In today’s world of photography, we need to stand out, if you like the images, you will like our service.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The risk is not taking the shot!
Contact Info:
- Email: ckflashback@gmail.com
- Website: ckflashback.com
- Instagram: flashbackvp (Seascapes) | fbvpsports (Sports)
