As we have learned from our journey through photography so far this month, not all of them start out that way. Like Holly Randall, Evgeny Yorobe had a parental link to cameras. While his father introduced him to the craft, he believes he would have fallen into it no matter what. The San Diego native notes, “I do feel I would have eventually found my way to photography on my own, it just feels such a part of me now that I have no doubt I would have eventually discovered it either way.”

Evgeny Yorobe is one of the best in his field. His collection includes vast landscapes of his beloved city as well as tender moments between couples on their biggest day. We were pleased and delighted to speak with him about where he started and where he plans on going with his camera by his side.

Kendra: You started your own photography business in 2013. What were you doing before that? Were you nervous to take the leap?

Evgeny Yorobe: Before then I had my own DJ company where I did weddings, and already had some experience in that field so it was not too bad of a transition to Wedding Photography. Before DJing, I worked in management for a pharmaceutical company and more recently did contract work in the Healthcare IT Field.

Kendra: You’ve noted that you wanted people to have a “wow” reaction when you started doing landscape photography. Do you remember the first person to react that way to your photos? And what landscape was it?

Evgeny Yorobe: My first photo I remember getting a big reaction from people online was “Corridor To The Sun”. It was my first sunset lineup through Scripps Pier photo. I don’t remember the specific person. But this was the first photo of mine that went viral and put me on the map as a San Diego Photographer to watch. It ended up winning a First Place Blue Ribbon at the 2014 San Diego County Fair Photo Competition. It is also one of my best selling prints.

Kendra: You’re one of the few handfuls of people who were born, raised and may never leave San Diego. For you, what is the most picturesque place to photography there?

Evgeny Yorobe: There are so many and it is hard to choose. But I’d have to say the Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most picturesque places to photograph in San Diego. It has such a fairy tale, castle-like feel to it. And you can just feel the history flowing through it as you walk down the halls of this iconic building

Kendra: You also do your fair share of weddings. Which I can assume is more stressful than when you’re out photographing landscapes. Your subjects are on the move all day. What is your number one tip to aspiring photographers when dealing with the potential stress of a wedding?

Evgeny Yorobe: Definitely start second shooting as an assistant first. So you can learn the ins and outs of wedding photography from a seasoned professional. There is a lot less pressure on you as a second shooter. You can spend some of your time observing the main shooter and learning the proper etiquette and most important aspects of Wedding Photography.

Kendra: Looking back, what is one infamous photo you wish you could have taken?

Evgeny Yorobe: One of my favorite photography events is the “Firefalls” at Horsetail Falls in Yosemite, CA. I would’ve loved to have been in Galen Rowell’s shoes as he first discovered the water at Horsetail Falls could light up like lava during sunset for about two weeks a year. While I do have my own version of it, it must have been such an amazing feeling to witness it in person for the first time.

Kendra: Now looking forward, what’s coming up for you in 2019?

Evgeny Yorobe: I definitely plan to travel more and expand my photography business to outside of San Diego. I also plan on doing more Art Shows around the country and hopefully opening a second gallery soon.