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

Hi Quintin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Portraits have the ability to transport you back to a particular place and time and relive those special moments. My thought process behind QueEighty8 Photography was I wanted to be able to capture authentic moments and experiences for my clients that they could relive over and over again for generations to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been capturing images through photography since I was 10 years old. Throughout my 28 years in the United States Navy, I would always find time to capture images. Upon retiring from the military in 2013, I decided it would be a great opportunity to pursue my passion and open my own photography business. It was not an easy task, but it was worthwhile. Using the skills, I learned in my MBA classes at San Diego State University, I began writing a business plan, filing all the necessary legal documents, market research, etc.  Opening a business is not for the faint of heart, but I was determined to succeed. I believe my success lies in my faith. I do not totally depend on me to get it done, but I believe I am just the vehicle used to get it done. I love people and I love love! That is a great combination for a wedding and portrait photographer. I live to laugh and to make others laugh and the ability to get my clients to relax and be their authentic self is my “superpower”. Capturing the authentic moment through imagery is much more valuable than posing someone in a moment. QueEighty8 Photography’s main goal is to provide our clients with a luxurious and memorable experience through our service. Even the images come secondary to the experience. It is important to me that after you have been serviced by QueEighty8 Photography that the client describes their experience as fun, loyal, trustworthy, and sophisticated. Being “Q’d Up” should leave the client with a top-notch, WOW feeling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being a man of faith, the first spot I would most likely invite my friend to would be my place of worship, Bayview Baptist Church in Southeast San Diego. Being a self-proclaimed foodie, most of our travels would most likely be centered around the great food here. Some of my favorite places are as follows: Surf & Soul Spot – For incredible seafood favorites,  The Write Juice Truck – To get my favorite Smoothie,  Rubicon Deli – The pastrami sandwich is BOMB!!, and Classics Malt Shop – Great burgers great customer service.  Places I would most likely take them to visit would include, Balboa Park, The San Diego Zoo, Coronado and Mission Beaches and a view from Mount Soledad.   

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, let’s start with my bride, Alisa Carson, the drive behind my efforts. Since day one she has supported me in love and deed. When I wanted to bail out she provided the assistance and motivation needed for me to keep pursuing my dream. Secondly I would like to give a “shoutout” to Dr. Tomayia Colvin, founder of The Cookout Photography Conference, and my photography family in the Tomayia Colvin Education Community. Due to Dr. Colvin’s leadership, mentorship, and guidance I have been able to elevate my business into the luxury brand that it is today. She takes a personal interest in mentoring photographers at all levels and instilling in them the ability to not settle for the achievements you have but to continue to reach for goals that were once unobtainable. Raquita Henderson, owner of Pinxit Photography and Cinematography, my friend and mentor, who is never too busy to guide me through obstacles and hurdles in the photography industry. I seek her wise counsel on numerous issues and she never fails to give me great advice (whether I like it or not). Lastly, Joshlyn Turner, owner of The Write Fit and The Write Juice Truck.  The way she cares for people and meticulously runs her business is just a great testament to the loving and caring person she is.  I truly admire her business acumen and faith.   There are many more who deserve credit for pouring into me and QueEighty8 Photography but to mention them all would be an article in itself.

Website: www.q88photography.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/q88photography
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quintincarson
Twitter: www.twitter.com/q88photography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/q88photography
Youtube: www.youtube.com/q88photography

Image Credits
Photos taken by Quintin Carson of QueEighty8 Photography