We’re excited to kick off the new year with another peer-to-peer critique session on January 17th, 2024. Do you have a photo or video project or series that you’re passionate about? Curious what your peers and others will think of it?
Join APA | SD and the photo community for an evening dedicated to personal photo and film projects. This is an in-person conversation to share your own work and/or to comment on the work of others. Four photo or video projects will be selected for presentation and discussion in an in-person critique session.
Mingling begins at 6 PM and presentations will begin at 6:30 PM.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 | 6 PM
WHERE: 5343 Banks St, San Diego, CA 92110
COST: Free for APA members, Non-Members $10 donation RSVP HERE
Email director@apasd.org to reserve a spot and/or to submit your project; the deadline to submit is January 11th, 2023.
Meet San Diego-based Commercial and Editorial photographer, Matt Furman, who specializes in corporate, sports and editorial portraiture. Matt was also an Untitled 2023 finalist for his 75th anniversary cover image for San Diego Magazine.
Do you have a favorite podcast? Not really, I mainly listen to music and some sports radio. I do have a great Spotify playlist for shoots though – ‘The Goldmark’ – made by my friend DJ Nugget and it’s a perfect upbeat mix with all types of genres. I shuffle it on most shoots and always get compliments.
What 3 words best describe your photography style? Authentic, Sincere, Poignant
What inspires you? I find I get inspired when I put myself in a setting or situation that’s out of my comfort zone. Travel helps, but not necessary – basically anything that scares me a little, typically leads to good things.
What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist? Meeting people from all walks of life. I’m really all over the place with my work and I try to not take it for granted how cool that is at times. That can also be one of the hardest things too though, constantly starting from scratch and working with people you just met. I love it, but it can be daunting at times.
When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have? Since I’ve moved to San Diego, it’s been surfing and an obsession with golf.
Who have been your biggest influences? Such a broad question, I’ll narrow it down to photography and specifically one, and that’s Bruce Davidson I saw his book East 100th Street in a bookstore and it made me want to be a photographer.
What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out? Shoot everything, even if it’s been done before. And when I was starting out most people were saying the opposite, that you had to find a niche and stick to that. But why pigeon hole yourself? Keep exploring.
What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer? Getting face time with clients, photo editors, and art directors. I love getting a coffee and showing some work to creatives, and these days feels like that’s a foreign concept or people just don’t have the time. And I’m not a fan of zoom calls.
What were you doing before you became a photographer? Floundering in college.
What do you do when you get stuck? Trying out a different camera, a drone, underwater housing, or just going and shooting some street photography, portrait of a friend, etc. You’d be surprised how you happen upon something that sparks that magic.
What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years? Learn to edit your work better.
What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses? The key role for a photographer is to have a distinct point of view. It’s gotta be true to you – not what you think people are going to like, or whatever the hot new trend is. Once you have that dialed in, I don’t think the tech matters all that much and who has access to it.
It’s time again for gifting and we here at APA San Diego have some great ideas for you! Our Chapter has been fortunate enough to align with some truly great sponsors over the years and we’d like to give thanks by featuring some products and services that every photographer would appreciate. To clarify, these are honest endorsements from our board and members and have not been solicited for inclusion.
Give the gift of Print! Chrome Digital has been a print lab staple in San Diego since 2011 and we can’t speak more highly of their professional and friendly print services. If you have a project that needs something special, they have the touch and any artist or photographer would be happy to receive a gift of print services.
Get those rolls processed! Speaking of tangible prints, did you know that Nelson Photo and Video has stepped up their film processing game here in town? With multiple ways to get those film rolls processed and printed, there’s little Nelson doesn’t offer for the analog photographer in your life (maybe that’s you!). They also stock an extraordinary array of films in multiple formats (along with the most cutting edge digital gear, too). Who says film is dead? Not us.
Rent something new! George’s Camera has been a long-time supporter of APA and has served as the go-to camera shop in San Diego for many of us. Their rental department is one of the most comprehensive in town and can help set you up for success. From cameras, lenses, grip, lighting and more, George’s has what you need. Want to learn something new? They offer a variety of classes throughout the year ranging from beginner to advanced.
Pack up your gear for travel! If you follow our annual photo competition Untitled, you’ll know that ThinkTank has been a faithful sponsor for many years. We couldn’t be happier because their stylish gear is well designed, modern, and extremely durable. It’s safe to say that they have a bag, backpack or luggage system for every photographer’s needs. We’ve heard nothing but great reviews from the many photographers lucky enough to win a ThinkTank prize from us. Currently they are running a holiday sale with 15% off through December 31st, 2023, so hurry in!
Shine some new light on it! Lumecube just keeps bringing out products we can’t get enough of. From their tiny, waterproof Cube lights to their newest RGB Tube kits, we are constantly impressed. The range of sizes and the amount of accessories will accommodate just about any of your LED lighting needs. Competitive pricing and the “I didn’t even know I needed that” design and features will have you hooked.
Get inspired! An annual museum pass is always a great gift to yourself or someone special. Consider supporting any of our great art and cultural museums locally. We have partnered with MOPA in the past and they are now part of the San Deigo Museum of Art collection which means you get two great museums with your membership.
Invest in yourself! Lastly, if you are looking to give the gift of community, inspiration, and education, look no further than APA. With your membership you give a gift to yourself; a gift of support, camaraderie, learning, advocacy, and most of all, you give back to the photo community you so dearly love. Please consider supporting APA by upgrading, renewing, or joining. We sincerely appreciate your membership.
APA San Diego would like to thank all of our members, sponsors, and supporters for a wonderful 2023. We wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday and a fulfilling New Year!
EAT, DRINK & MERRY MERRY! Join APA | SD and other San Diego photographers on December 13th at 6PM for what is now a venerable tradition. Arrive with a loose print and depart in the wee hours filled with winter cheer, your heart full of holiday spirit, your hands clutching a new and wonderful photograph. It’s a custom. It’s an age-old practice. It’s a party.
If you would like to participate in the print exchange, bring an unframed print, no larger than 13 x 19 to swap.
APA | San Diego 