Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Bertrand.
Lee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As long as I can remember I’ve always had an interest in art and nature. I’ve kept a sketch pad my entire life and always had an obsession for the ocean. In my early twenties, I spent the summer season in my hometown of East Hampton, New York. I worked as an Ocean Lifeguard and a Junior Lifeguard Instructor.
During the winter season, I lived in Florida and worked at a golf course. During this time, I was attending art classes at a local college to take my painting and illustrating to the next level. I received my first DSLR camera as a gift in 2007. At first, I was using it as a point and shoot camera to take photos of nature to use as references for my drawings.
But before I knew it, I started taking my camera everywhere and I learned how to operate it manually. It quickly became my number one creative outlet. It wasn’t long before I realized photography might be my future career. In 2011, I moved to San Diego. I continued my work in drowning prevention as a full-time Swim Instructor. At the same time, I worked incredibly hard to turn my photography passion into a part-time business.
In 2015, I became a full-time professional photographer. 3 Years later and I am still grateful for every second I get to use my camera to make my living.
Has it been a smooth road?
On paper, my story sounds pretty great. I had a full-time job that I sincerely enjoyed, I spent my free time learning a skill that I was extremely passionate about. Then, I ultimately turned my passion into a career that I love… If only it was that easy!
For me, it was a roller coaster of a journey. Persistence was key to successfully start my own business. I always felt like I was playing catch up. Sometimes it was saving money to buy a crucial piece of equipment. Sometimes it was trying to find the energy to get up early and shoot or stay up late editing all while working a full-time job that required me to be in the water with children for up to 7 1/2 hours a day.
I think the hardest part was always feeling so close but so far. I felt so ready to make the move to full-time for years but when I took a realistic look at my situation I knew I was not making enough money to be self-employed. That was always a tough realization for me to have. As a husband and father, it would have been irresponsible to make the leap of faith to soon. In the end, I know waiting until I was truly ready was the best thing for me and my work.
Honestly, finding the balance of being grateful for where I am in my career and always being hungry for more is still something I struggle with to this day.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lee Bertrand Photography and Fine Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business has three main parts: Fine Art Photography, Product/Commercial Photography and Underwater Portraiture. Fine Art Photography is my passion. I hope to spend the rest of my life perfecting this craft. My fine art photography is primarily inspired by the raw power and beauty of water. I love traveling and exploring to create powerful images of nature.
I tend to focus on the ocean but I also thoroughly enjoy capturing landscapes and other amazing geological formations that were created by the energy of water. My absolute favorite thing to do is photograph waves during sunrise or sunset. I love to be in the impact zone on a big day trying to get that perfect shot. It is the most exhilarating thing to me and it honestly never gets old! I also spend a lot of time free diving and scuba diving to capture images of marine animals beneath the surface.
My product/commercial photography has an emphasis on surf and adventure culture. Naturally, I do my best work outdoors and in the water. I love working with brands to put a product out in the field to create authentic images with purpose. I pride myself on my outgoing personality along with being confident in my ability as a versatile photographer. I work hard to create strong content for marketing, advertising, web design and social media!
Lastly my underwater portraiture. I worked for 10 seasons as an ocean lifeguard and junior lifeguard instructor before I became a full-time swim instructor. I have extensive knowledge of buoyancy and balance in the water. That combined with my years of experience working with children, and building trust in and out of the water allows me to really raise the bar in this unique style of portraiture.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My favorite thing about San Diego is the beautiful coastline. I love exploring it both in and out of the water. When there is swell you can find me photographing waves or capturing surf images but when it’s flat, you will still find in the same areas either at the kelp forest or free diving La Jolla Cove. If I am not in the water, I love capturing long exposure seascapes from shore.
My least favorite part of San Diego is the lack of preservation of land. San Elijo Ecological Reserve, Mount Laguna, and the Ramona Grasslands are a few places I go to get away from the crowds of Southern California!
Pricing:
- Fine Art Paper Prints- Starting at $35
- Fine Art Canvas Prints- Starting at $115
- Fine Art Metal Prints- Starting at $100
- Fine Art Acrylic Prints- Starting at $200
- Underwater Portraiture- Starting at $150
- Family Portraiture- $295
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leebertrandart.com
- Email: leebertrandart@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/leebone27
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeeBertrandPhotography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
