This post marks the first installment of our Photographer Interview Series.  In a recent June post, I commented about the desire to publish a series of interviews from photographers around the world. This series is open to all photographers, both amateur or professional, who have a story to tell. I love reading about other photographers; what they do, how they got started, their challenges as well as accomplishments. I hope you enjoy the series and if you would like to participate, simply contact me. I’d love to hear for you!

Our first installment features P2 Photography, a commercial photography company founded by San Diego corporate photographers Jon Held and Jenna Close.

What is the focus of your photography business?

Jon:      We do commercial photography primarily for the alternative energy and environmental sustainability markets.

Jenna:  About 90% of our clients work in the wind, solar and green business sector.

Jon:      We also do the odd portrait now and then.

Jenna:  Don’t you mean the occasional portrait?

Jon:      Yes, precisely.

Give us a short history of your business

Jenna:  This is our second year. We are building up a client base fairly rapidly, which is exciting.

Jon:      I can’t wait to see what happens when we turn the economy around.

Jenna: Is P2 going to do that?

Jon:      I think we are doing that. We even have a Victory Garden with the most delicious tomatoes.

Jenna:  We are located in San Diego, but most of our work is on location, so we travel.

Jon:      With our own hardhats too.

What are some of the challenges you face on shoots?

Jenna:  Since we shoot as equal partners, there can be tension regarding who does the important camera work.

Jon:      But it almost never degrades into a scuffle.

Jenna:  Another challenge is shooting the solar panels.  Their reflective nature means it is vital to know where the sun will be in relation to the panels and whether they articulate or are stationary.  Sunset and sunrise are also good times to shoot if we are lucky enough to get a sky with good clouds and color for the reflection.  Barring that, we sometimes do a bit of post-production enhancement.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Jon:      Drink plenty of water and shoot what interests you.

Jenna : Find a niche area you believe in and market to the appropriate people.  Also, promote your own style and find the people who appreciate it.

Jon.:     Be sure to shoot enough that you comprehend your style.

Jenna:  Of course, you’ll have to go on shoots that don’t fit your ideal job description, but try as hard as you can to add your own creative flair to the situation.

Jon:      The client never sees what you see.  That is one of the reasons they hired you.

Jenna:  Find other photographers whose work you admire and follow their blogs or check their websites often.  Let them inspire you.  Join organizations like ASMP and APA and cultivate a network of colleagues you can rely on for questions, inspiration and friendship.

What’s your favorite food to eat while shooting?

Jon:      Salami and cheese and, once the shoot is over, a beer.

Jenna:  Salami and cheese and, once the shoot is over, a glass of wine.

Where can we view your work?

Jon:      It’s plastered all over the house.  Stop by for some salami and cheese.

Jenna:  We also have a website portfolio at http://www.p2photography.net and a photo blog called The Weekly Phlogging, wherein we post a new photograph each week accompanied by a short bit of text about the photo.  The blog can be found at http://www.p2photography.net/wordpress, or from a link on our website.

Like to participate in the Photographer Interview Series? drop us a line.