Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Seraphin.
Hi Patrick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I truly loved art in every form. I started drawing as young as the third grade. As it progressed I started getting into computers and I found my opportunity in editing for a company. They knew I loved art and editing and photography but little did I know it would be as amazing as I thought. Growing up my mother didn’t take a lot of family photos. I was always fascinated by the few photos we had, and the stories and memories she had to tell me. I cherished that.
As I got into photography myself it was such an eye-opener to life. I wanted to think outside the box and see what I envision come to life. I started in many fields like weddings and family. The landscape and scenery. It progressed to the city, cars, and eventually high fashion. For me, it was creating what you could never imagine yourself and making it a reality. Giving others a piece of what I didn’t get to have. See the smiles and the results when given the final product on someone when they see what has become.
The creation when one learns things about the camera and lens can become such an amazing touch when a well worked. Each time I get an opportunity to do a photoshoot or take a photo it truly humbles me. As I got older I worked a long time to save for a camera and finally bought my 1st DSLR. Only I wasn’t able to use it. My mother had gotten cancer and it was time I take care of her. After a long battle after she passed, I was broken. I remember her telling me to do what makes me happy. Photography did just that.
It wasn’t easy as I was great at capturing scenery, architecture, vehicles, and even people, but to find someone who would let me do a shoot of them, I was turned down so much. I asked so many people just to hear “no” or “if you don’t have samples of other shoots of other people I don’t want to work with you”. I finally put up an ad and someone was willing to give me a shot. I had an idea of the style and it was a success. A friend finally got back to me shortly after and offered me a chance as well. Next thing you know I put my skills to work.
A few friends ask why I haven’t posted any of my work, and I replied I had just been holding on to the great memories my mother and I had and just embracing my craft. They convinced me to post my work and once I did, it took off. I was eventually blessed with the opportunity to shoot for some amazing designers, magazines, models, and agencies. My goal is to eventually become great with video as well and one day direct my film. But in the meantime sharing my passion with others is truly amazing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been smooth. I had countless people say no to me all the time. Getting upgrades or equipment. Trying to get a chance to show someone what I can do, and blatantly tell me, because of other photographers’ actions they would not give me the time of day. The number of models who called no show, if I had a dollar. Having things go wrong at the wrong time. The money to get equipment with obstacles in the way. Not having the time when you have exhausted your free time.
As you know, we’re big fans of P Seraphin Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a creative outside-the-box photographer who loves to make the unknown a reality. A videographer who enjoys a fun edit to give you an experience that makes you say “yeees”! I love a photo shoot that makes you want more from all angles and be better about yourself. I’m an artist who loves it because it’s a passion-driven field for me. My brand is important because it goes deep for me. It’s my name and I want to deliver excellence when it comes to my name.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Yes. So many. Herbert Jones of DpmgLV models who single-handedly pick me out when no one would give me the time and day to allow my vision to show. His models at the time for being eager to allow me to show what I can do, there are so many.
Leo Hall of Soriee Magazine found me through social media when I was not even on the map and made me an exclusive photographer for his brand. He took the time to coach me and learn about so many vast angles to self-success at different levels. Debra Storey of Blazzian Collection has always been a great strength and support and brought so much to many. This wonderful hardworking designer has a vision that allows a visionary like myself to explode with creativity the way I have been waiting for.
Eco models, with Jai who has watched me silently from a distance and pulled me in, gave me the green light to be me to my fullest with photography and edits. Including the models which is a list as well. Individually there are so many from Ella Sullivan who was my model when I had no one, Niya Willson, Mica, and Chelsea, and Scott & Maria Brace who all gave me my start-up opportunities when I had not even put a dent in my memory card.
I was beyond humble for them I can’t explain how it feels to try and try and without a heartbeat skip these individuals said “hey I see you “. I felt like the little guy who finally gets to hold a trophy. All of that it helps me start my small business to where it is now.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pseraphinphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/p.seraphin_photography
- Facebook: @P.seraphin_photography
Image Credits:
Ella Sullivan
