We had the good fortune of connecting with Devin Blackburn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I don’t remember a specific thought processes behind starting my business, it just sort of happened, I started my photography business when I was 12 years old, believe it or not. My parents purchased a camera for my 12th birthday and that’s when my interest in photography began. I started shooting birthday parties for my friends and family and even shot my aunts wedding at 12 years old as well. I decided to start advertising when I was 14 and slowly began building my portfolio and client base. I am now 25 and am continuing to build my client base and working more now than ever!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been a people person and can make a friend out of most anyone, and I have always enjoyed capturing images of people. When I started shooting more professionally and booking more work, I would get so much satisfaction from my clients reaction to my work. Knowing that I played a part in their journey of life in some way by creating memories for them to reflect and reminisce on makes everything worth while. I have definitely learned a lot from working with people from various backgrounds. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is patience. Not just in the sense of patience when it comes to generating business, but being patient with my clients. For a lot of people, being in front of the camera does not come natural. Taking the extra time to help pose pick wardrobe for my clients to help them feel most confident does wonders. When there is a level of comfortably in themselves and in me, it really shows in the photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am very lucky to say I have a very amazing group of friends, and they all love to come visit me from all over the world! The first stop when anyone is coming to visit is Ocean Beach. It is close to the airport and there is nothing better than enjoying a cocktail (or 8) while staring at the Pacific Ocean. Go for lunch at OB Surf Lodge and grab a few drinks a few doors down at The Holding Company. After that we head up the coast and make a stop at the Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas. There is something magical about the mediation garden that completely melts any stress and anxiety away.. I live in Oceanside so I usually keep to North County for the most part when friends are in town. I believe it’s important to have a balance of indulging and staying active and healthy, so I always recommend outdoor activities to my guests. We enjoy hiking Calaveras Mountain in Carlsbad, taking a yoga class at Yoga on State, or renting jet ski’s at Agua Hedionda. One final MUST do is have a night out in Hillcrest! The LGBT nightclub scene in San Diego is one of my favorite parts of the city. We always go to Number One on Fifth, Flicks, and Rich’s! And of course after a night of heavy drinking, you must get authentic Mexican food from any of the 24 hour Mexican fast food restaurants all over SD!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out Beth Jeffrey, owner of Beth Jeffery Photography. I initially hired Beth to take headshots of me for my website back in 2017, and we immediately clicked. As a young photographer just beginning to make a name for myself, Beth gave me tons of business advice and began offering me jobs as her assistant for photoshoots. Now Beth and I work as a great team on weddings and she continues to refer business to me all the time! I’m very grateful to have met Beth and look forward to working with her for years to come!

Website: devinblackburn.com

Instagram: devinblackburnphotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@devinblackburn5695

Other: TikTok: legendevy

Image Credits
Beth Jeffey Photography

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