Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin McClure.
Benjamin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in Vista, CA, my mother constantly took pictures of our family. To this day we tease her a bit for how many times she asks to take our photos. She loves to scrapbook and share these moments with whoever would allow her to. My father, an avid motorcyclist, had me on motorcycles from before I could remember. My mother has the photos to prove it!
I bought a camera from a friend as I was planning on documenting my firstborn who was a few months from making her debut to the world. I was also looking forward to taking photos of my first brand new motorcycle. I bamboozled my wife into letting me buy days before we found out she was pregnant. I documented everything I could prepare myself to take photos of my baby girl. I was taking photos of motorcycles, cars and coffee events, local bands, birthday parties and everything in between. My wife would tell you I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to my hobbies. However, I wanted nothing more than to document my growing family with amazing photos.
I spent hours upon hours critiquing, editing and re-shooting different subject matters. I studied the work of other photographers on social media and started digging into more complex and creative ways to take and create photographs. I read and watched YouTube videos then spent time practicing these newfound techniques as often as possible. Eventually, I had a friend offer to pay for photos of himself on his motorcycle and it grew from there to shooting my first wedding. It has been about four years since I fell in love with photography and have been infatuated with learning every time I pick up my camera.
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?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth but I wouldn’t be who I am today without the adversity I have overcome. From both my wife and I being laid off on the same day to finding balance in being a husband, father and creative. I have had my fair share struggles but I now see challenges as motivation to continue pushing through to find my successes.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Benjamin McClure Photography specializes in automotive/motorcycle and portrait photography. I have a deep appreciation and love for both niches. Although very different, I enjoy creating work people want to share, hang on there wall and post on social media. I strive to make every session interactive, fun and indicative of the personality of the individuals involved.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe you make your own luck by learning from hardship and working your tail off to get the things you want. I am small in this photography space now but with hard work and perseverance, I will be a large part of the San Diego creative community.
Contact Info:
- Website: benjaminmcclurephotography.com
- Phone: 6197778735
- Email: benjamin@benjaminmcclurephotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/benjaminmcclurephoto
Image Credit:
Percival photo of Benjamin McClure
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