Today we're excited to introduce a new series, featuring some amazing photographers and influencers who we've "met" through Instagram. We're ready to kick off this new #fotospotting feature by welcoming Paul Tellefsen, who we originally knew as @technopaul!
Hello, Paul! We're happy to have you as our first Fotospotting Feature! Tell us a little about yourself.
Hey, I’m Paul, a freelance photographer from Dallas. I'm also the Director of Community at Socality. I love people and love to capture moments that tell stories.
@technopaul Artist/Instagram Profile from 12FPS on Vimeo.
I love stories and I love to connect people. I’ve been involved with photography, video and media since I was pretty young. My mom is an interior designer and my dad an engineer. I remember around age 12 my family got their first DSLR, and I ran wild taking so many photos. I was 12 when I started my own production company, Technopaul Productions.
I was a photographer before Instagram, but the platform has truly helped me refine my craft. The platform also has allowed me to tell stories that connect people; whether to brands, destinations causes, musicians or people just like them. That's what I love to do. I am now a full-time freelance photographer that shoots mostly brands, destinations and lifestyle.
What's the best advice you've been given about your business/organization?
It’s all about the relationship, whether with the brand or person you are photographing, always build a relationship first. And establish your style early on and always make contracts, it makes everything easier. Especially the contracts part.
Maybe the biggest of all is creating a habit of putting the camera down and being present. I travel frequently and I have to force myself when I'm in these beautiful places to put down the camera and take in the moment. I tend to take a few minutes and a few deep breaths and relax in it. I want to be able to tell these stories to my kids. If not, I can rush over and a miss a really beautiful moment, and I don't just mean landscape.
What's your favorite thing about Fotostrap?
I love Fotostrap because of the brand and what they support. I'm all about stories. And Fotostrap empowers Fotolanthropy to give more people the opportunity to share their story. That's top of the list for me. Second would be the colors and quality of the product. It's just so good. So many people ask me about it.
Who do you admire and why?
Even though I am friends and work with him at Socality, I admire Scott Bakken dearly. He's a BIG vision guy. He sees the larger picture and knows how to rally people around an idea to accomplish that vision. He's one of the most inspiring people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find Instagram has become a huge source of inspiration without me ever fully realizing it. I'm surrounded by beautiful and inspiring things every day. I find though that stories inspire me the most. Listening to people's stories is the most inspiring and driving source of creativity for me.
What are some of your favorite photography "must haves"?
I'm mostly an iPhone photographer. @moment_lens has some of the best lens attachments out there. They are a must have for me. With my Canon 60D, a solid 50mm 1.4 is always a must for me.
How can we connect with you?
Find me on Instagram at @technopaul, and learn more about Socality here, or find them on Instagram @socality.
We'll leave you with this film from Paul that went viral a couple of years ago, all about sharing people's stories.
Instagram Is from technopaul productions on Vimeo.
All photos courtesy of Paul Tellefsen