After graduating with a business degree from Skidmore College in 1996, I headed straight for the mountains and became a professional photographer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I figured this would be far more enjoyable than confining myself to an office cubical, as so many of my classmates did. I was right! After my experience with Snow*Photo as a portrait and action photographer on the mountain, I decided that corporate America was out. I was going to run with my artistic side. With this in mind, I moved to San Diego, California in 1998.
Inspired by Glen E. Friedman’s collection of music photos in his book, F*** You Heroes, I began to shoot what I love, live bands. I have a passion for the energy of live music and thrive on catching the perfect moment. I covered shows for local publications such as No Cover, Revolt in Style, and Modern Fix. I began capturing the energy of nightclubs for Where@ Magazine and soon after that I helped start Krown Magazine, where I was Chief Photographer. It was through Krown that I added many more models to the mix. My subject matter diversified when I took on San Diego Reader as a client. I shot editorial assignments, covers, and handled all of their advertising photography.
I currently have a photography studio upstairs in the historic Spreckels Theatre building in Downtown San Diego. I’m available to shoot both in the studio and on location. In addition to the live music, bands, night clubs, models, magazine covers and advertising I previously mentioned, I shoot headshots, portraits, theatre, family photos, events, behind the scenes pictures, seminars, products, food, and interiors of buildings. I’m extremely easy to work with and take direction from clients well. I’ll do everything in my ability to achieve the results you’re looking for.
That artistic eye of mine has many uses, so if you don’t see examples here of what you’re looking for, shoot me an email or give me a call and we’ll see if I can help you with your photo needs.
Derek Plank
