Hello Friends!

Lately, I have been so inspired and motivated to become a better blogger.
Not only to promote my business, but as a creative outlet!
The amazingly talented and inspirational Alex Beadon has put together a blog challenge.  I’m definitely not one to join these kind of challenges as writing/blogging just isn’t my strong point.  But, I’m  choosing to keep things real and not care about being the best blogger or most eloquent writer ever.  So for this first day’s blog challenge, I’m going to introduce myself to you by answering these five questions!

1. Who are you?

Hi!  My name is Justin.
I was born in San Diego, but grew up and currently live in Temecula, California.
I am super blessed to live in Southern California and I honestly don’t think I’m ever going to want to leave!
I love Disneyland, day trips with my girlfriend, all you can eat sushi, binge watching cancelled TV shows, model home touring, the beach minus the sand, going to the aquarium (even the fish section at Petco, people.), and searching for the perfect bowl of ramen.  I strive to find beauty in the little things, pay attention to the details no one looks at, and geek out over topics that no one else has a clue about.  Photography helps me do that.  Meeting so many new people and making so many new friends (my clients have truly become my friends) has given me so many opportunities to capture details and moments and has given me even more things to geek out about!

2. Why did you start blogging?

I have had this blog for about 3 years.  Along the way, I would blog about all my shoots that I had, but that was about it.  Like I said before, writing is not my strong point.  If anything, I have always seen it as a weakness of mine.  But as a lover of art, a lover of food, a lover of just spending time with loved ones and doing absolutely nothing, I was saddened to see that this blog doesn’t really show you any of that.  Yes weddings are pretty and nice to look at, but what good is it if you don’t know the guy behind the camera?  So to answer your question, I started this blog strictly to share my work on a higher and more public level to market my business.  But I’m just not satisfied with that.  I am someone who wears my heart on my sleeve constantly.  I think really deep thoughts and am too scared to let them out at times.  I have ideas, but at times am just too hesitant to let them grow into reality.  So ask me the question again.  I’m changing my answer!  I have restarted this blog to share my love for photography, be an open book, and connect with people who are just like me.

3. Who is your blog for?

On the surface, my blog may seem like a place for potential clients seeking a wedding photographer or a place for brides to send their friends and family to see their wedding day.  But it’s so much more than that.  My blog is a space for couples to make themselves at home and scroll through the moments I have captured and make them even more excited for THEIR big day,  My blog is a place for creatives to see that not everyone is on their game 100% of time.  It’s for people who love beauty and find beauty in love.  My blog is for people just like me.  Inspired, in love, vulnerable, creative, and passionate.

4. What’s something you’ve been working on lately that you’re REALLY proud of?

So sorry if I keep repeating myself…but I’d have to say that I’m really proud of THIS! *points at screen*  I’m proud of the fact that I’m taking a leap out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there.  Yeah, I might get judged and might receive some hate, but I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who thinks the way I think and loves the things I love.  I’m so excited to be able to connect with more like-minded people!

5. What’s the ONE MESSAGE that you hope people take away from your blog?

I might not have it all together at times, but honestly who does?  I refuse to present myself as this person who has no flaws or insecurities.  So while I might not always be 100% on fleek, I will always be 100% real with you and more importantly, myself.  So, what’s the ONE message I want you guys to take away from my blog?  You can do anything you put your mind to.  Mistakes will be made, battles will be won, but most importantly, a journey will be travelled.  I pray that my blog would inspire you to do what you want to do and know that you don’t have to be perfect at it.  Whether you’re planning your wedding, growing your family or trying to find the perfect bowl of ramen!  You SO got this.

Photos by my awesome girlfriend and second shooter, Niki 🙂