Design Journey | Brad Claypool
I’m excited to say that today we have our first male Design Journey! Also the first “photographer” version. Introducing the amazing Brad Claypool. I worked with Brad at my first job out of school at a graphic design firm. He was and still is a talented designer, but focuses his time working on his photography- of which he is equally talented. Brad was recently married to his gorgeous wife Kelsey, check out their wedding photos- just gorgeous!! So without further adieu, here’s B-Rad!
Hello! I’m Brad Claypool, I am a 25 yr old photographer living in Costa Mesa, CA. Currently shooting mostly weddings with some portrait work sprinkled in. I was married in July to my beautiful wife, Kelsie.
When did you decide you wanted to be a photographer?
It actually wasn’t until my senior year in college. I switched over from Marketing to Graphic Design and Digital Media my Junior year and realized this was the type of work that I loved to do. I focused mostly on design work because it paid the bills but photography was so intriguing to me. In early 2011 I shot my first wedding for a friend and was hooked.
How did you transition from being a student in school to being a photographer in the “real world”?
I actually had to focus on design jobs in order to survive out in the “grown up” world and shot engagements, weddings, etc on the side to bring in some extra income. Then by word of mouth my business has been growing!
What was your first paid photography job?
Good question. Hmm… I believe it was an engagement session for a buddy.
How have you been able to find work and get your name out?
Not easily. It’s difficult to find somebody who doesn’t call themselves a photographer these days. I have just focused on making my work as good as I can and letting people chose me over their brother’s friend Tom who will shoot for $50. My business is based mostly on references at this point. I don’t really do any kind of self-promotion besides having a website, blog, and facebook page that I update with new work. References are huge in this business. As with most professions, it’s all about who you know. I’m kind of half introverted and half extroverted so I have to rely on the extrovert side a lot to meet new people!
What is one quality you think all photographers should have?
Let me start with a quality all photographers shouldn’t have…
Don’t over process. Yes, everybody should be unique and experiment but applying a Photoshop action, on top of another action, on top of another, and then adding a glow. Please don’t. It’s funny how starting out my stuff was so overdone. It really just comes down to small tweaks is all!
I guess the quality photogs should have would be joy. Be friendly behind the camera and your clients will pick up on that. Have fun with your shoots.
What advice would you give to a new photographer?
See above and also experiment. Try new things. Find some inspiration, grab some friends, and go shoot! The only way to get better is to keep shooting. I’m still learning so many new things!
Thanks Brad! Get in touch with Brad and see more of his work here:
Website // www.bradclaypool.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/bradclaypoolphotography
Twitter // @bradclaypool
Instagram // @bradclaypool
Great interview!
Off to check out his website – I’m currently learning to use my digital camera manually in design school, so I’m super in-awe of photographers, in general! 
Gorgeous work.