HI, I’M PAUL!
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ABOUT
I’m a Southern California native, and I basically grew up with a disposable camera in my hands. My mom even bought me my own kid camera with real film for when we went on vacations. I’ve always had an enthusiasm for exploring new angles and seeing scenes in ways other people might not. I’m just as creative as I am technical, and wedding photography allows me to express both of those passions in such a fun and fantastic way.
I earned my BFA in Film Production from Chapman University, where I mastered the ins and outs of the camera, as well as video editing and audio design. My background in photography is diverse: I’ve done everything from street photography and concerts to events and portraits. I’ve found, however, that my real passion lies in wedding photography. I live to capture all the emotion and energy that goes into those special moments. Shooting weddings combines all the different styles of photography that I love, and the cherry on top is that I get to deliver amazing images of your wedding day that you will cherish forever!
HOW I GOT HERE
As I wrapped up my BFA in Film Production, I found myself becoming less and less enchanted with the Hollywood scene. I ended up putting my love for visual arts on hold, feeling a bit lost and wondering what I’d pursue next.
I still felt most at home with a camera by my side, shooting mostly on 35mm film. As I posted my landscapes, street photography, and portraits of friends online, I started getting requests from other people to photograph for them. Slowly, it developed into a side business. Eventually, a friend invited me to shadow them as they captured a wedding day. I immediately fell in love with wedding photography and decided I had to make this my career. I quit my soul-sucking “day job” as an A/V Technician and dove head-first into photography, taking a risk on myself and my art in a way I never had before. Since then, I haven’t looked back, and I bring that same passion to all the work I do.
MY PROCESS
My primary goal for my clients is simple: provide an absolutely incredible client experience from start to finish.
So what does that look like?
The whole thing starts with YOU! It’s YOUR wedding day, and you should do it your way! It’s my mission to elevate that experience, not dump extra stress onto your plate during what should be the happiest day of your life. Therefore, I consider it essential to get to know you and hear about your vision for your day to ensure that your wedding images are authentic to you, your story, your energy, and your emotion.
From booking to album delivery, you’re working directly with me; no bait and switch. Why does that matter? Because unlike all of your other wedding vendors, your photographer is the one person that will literally be with you the entire wedding day. The person documenting this special time in your life should be the same person whose imagery, values, and personality you were drawn to in the first place, and who has discussed and understood your vision for your wedding.
I provide communication and guidance to my clients from beginning to end, providing you with a first-rate experience that transcends just taking pretty pictures. The day you book with me, I’m all in for making your wedding day the best it can be. I’ll give you tips and tricks for making your wedding day a smooth and enjoyable one, while still capturing all the important moments. On the day of your wedding, you can count on me to be unobtrusive in the intimate and real moments, yet present in guiding you while we create timeless portraits.
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
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I could live exclusively on burritos and ravioli. (And in San Diego, good burritos are in abundance!)
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My favorite way to unwind is playing guitar and singing (I have a minor in music!).
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I’m super into film scores. I’ve seen John Williams live more times than I can keep count. (If you don’t know who that is, click here, but prepare your face for the palm when you realize he’s scored pretty much every awesome movie.)
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As a former film major, I get asked a lot about what my favorite movie is. It’s constantly changing, but a couple that have consistently remained toward the top of the list: The Usual Suspects (you notice something new almost every time) and The Incredibles (Laugh if you want, but I legit learned things about filmmaking from this movie. Solid film.).
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Guilty pleasure movies I watch at least once a year: Hook (RU-FI…OOOOOO!), Back to the Future, The Nightmare Before Christmas (because you can watch it on TWO holidays!), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (hands-down my favorite film interpretation of the Dickens classic).
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I constantly quote from The Office, Friends, and Anchorman. Sorry, not sorry.
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I like playing video games, but I suck at them.
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I live two blocks from the beach, but I don’t know how to surf. Down to trade photos for lessons?