Today's interview is with Pat Turpen from GCat Studios. Pat has been playing with photography for over 20 years, but just recently started his business around it. He's been my clothing photographer for the last 10 years.
What got you started in your business?
Basically being unemployed got me to start up. I had no revenue coming so it was time to buckle up and see if I could actually sell my services.
How long have you been in business?
Not very long. Maybe a year.
What are you focused on right now?
Mostly scenic shots around San Diego. People love this city and it shows. I have sold a lot of cityscapes and random abstracts that people can identify with.
How do you balance real life, work and your business?
This is my work and real life at the present. I'll go out for a couple of hours just looking for things to shoot if I don't have an idea already lined up. I'm working pretty much all the time when I have a camera in my hand.
Are there any local businesses or artisans that you are exited about right now?
I love working with Dark Goddess crew and I feel lucky to be the only guy in the group. I hope this group can go further with this endeavor too. A lot of great gals are putting a lot of hard work together for people.
Any tips for setting up a table for vending?
In photography a table is all about getting your work seen. Also letting people know it's OK to look through books and pictures that are there. Pricing is also key, you want to be able to have a price available so you don't have to think one up on the fly or if you're away from the table someone there can handle a transaction for you without having to wait for you to return.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you are doing?
Hopefully a January Dark Goddess show.
Do you have any suggestions for getting your name out to the public?
The internet. It's the best and most widely accepted way to get your name out. Plus leaving your card in local shops is a good thing as well.
What is one thing you would like people to know about you or your business?
I take requests.
Do you have a website, blog, store front ?
The main site is www.gcat-inc.com and it will be up before the end of Jan. Meanwhile, I'm going to be doing a lot of advertising and showcasing on my Facebook page. I have a raffle going on right now till the end of the month (December). www.facebook.com/pages/Gcat-Studios or just look up Gcat-Studios. I'll also be looking into an Etsy Store as well.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
While I don't do events or weddings I am looking to start some portraits. Mostly of children and pets because they're a lot easier to work with and for some odd reason kids love me. I also do product photography. If you need your merchandise shot for a website I can do that as well. I'm very open to creative shoots that a lot of people stray away from. So if you need something done drop me a line and lets see what we can do.
Like Pat said he's available for portrais, product shots or other ideas that you may have. If you interested in getting in touch with him, he can be reached via email or on his facebook page.
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