Meet Carin Yates | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carin Yates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carin, what do you attribute your success to?
I think as a photographer, in the beginning, I did everything. Mostly, I was doing family portraits, but also would get asked to do real estate, catalog shoots, weddings, product shots, and events. Although I will still do some of these things, I have found my niche and have a specialty, and found that not only does this help market me as a photographer, but it has also helped open new doors. I can now turn down some of the jobs I didn’t enjoy doing, which in turn makes me love what I do even more. As an artist, I spent many years wondering if I was good enough, second-guessing my work. I am rebooked by my clients all the time, which lets me know they are happy with my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hi, I am Carin Yates. I have a passion for capturing moments that tell authentic, compelling stories. Whether it is the quiet intimacy of a portrait, the energy of a wedding or live event, or the natural beauty of landscapes, my goal is always the same: to create images that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression. Since high school, I have had a camera with me wherever I went. Instantly, while working in a darkroom, I found my passion. For many years, I had it as a side gig and worked in the corporate world. I took the chance and made it my full-time job 16 years ago and have never turned back. Not that it didn’t have its challenges. When we moved back to Los Angeles 13 years ago, I had to start from scratch, getting clients and promoting myself. Los Angeles is saturated with photographers. I did every and any job that I could. I think finding a brand as a photographer is important, and I struggle with wanting to try everything. Although I found my niche (my main clients are independent schools and colleges, catering to their marketing needs), I have many passion projects and still do weddings, portraits, sports, and events. I am currently working on a series on skateboarders who come to my neighborhood to skate a legendary curb. When I hear them outside, I go introduce myself, and everyone so far has been gracious and loves getting a few images of them skating. I also still love shooting film, developing, and printing my images. I feel that time in a darkroom is therapeutic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s what I love about L.A.- there’s so much to do and see. I am a huge fan of the mountains here, and I am an avid hiker/backpacker. I participate in the 6 Peak Challenge annually. For easier but rewarding hikes, I like to do ones with waterfalls and less elevation (Usually the ones I take people visiting). I am also a beach girl, the ocean has always been my happy place. A day trip to Malibu to surf, paddleboard, or swim. Then there is so much richness in culture with DTLA. You can do a great walking tour, admiring the architecture, amazing art deco buildings, the last book shop, Olvera Street, Disney Hall, the museum, and then take the Angels Landing down to the city market. Venice Beach is also a fun spot to bring guests who are visiting us. Just to walk down the boardwalk and watch the amazing skateboarders. Los Angeles has it all, in the winter you can snowboard and surf in the same day…..(can’t say I have done it, but it is feasible)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I want to thank Mr. Couch, who was my photography teacher in high school. He was the best teacher and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I also want to mention my husband. After working in the corporate world for 10 years, he supported me to give full-time photography a try. I had always had it as a side gig, but was always scared of the lack of a steady paycheck. After a year of hard marketing and word of mouth, I was able to have a solid income.

Website: https://www.carinyatesphotography.com

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