Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team that serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. We specialize in fine wedding photography, family portraits, and newborn photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.
How it Began
The college days
Jennifer has always had a passion for photography. From her early days, photographing students for the school yearbook to her college years- taking photography classes. She has always had a love for the camera. After earning her degree in psychology, she found herself wondering if she could still pursue her dream of being a photographer. She worked for her father’s software company during the week, and found a job as a wedding photographer’s assistant on Saturdays. That’s when the photo bug really got her! She fluffed dresses, changed film, and soaked in all that she could from these weddings.
First Photography Job
Digital photography had just hit the market for professionals and the industry was about to change. Jennifer bought her first digital camera and started taking it to weddings. Her boss let her practice shooting during the reception and was curious how her photos were turning out. After showing him the digital images, he decided it was time for her to be a second shooter! She worked hard over the next year photographing weddings every weekend.
One morning the phone rang and her boss told her she would be needed for a wedding. She thought, sure- no problem, until he told her she would be shooting the wedding alone as the lead photographer! Someone had called in sick, and he was desperate to find someone. Jennifer was scared to death. She had never been a lead photographer before. She called Brian (her boyfriend at the time) and said, “I hope you own a suit because you are coming to a wedding today!”
Give Brian a Camera?
Brian had never touched a professional camera, but she assured him that she would give him a quick lesson and would change the settings for him – all he would need to do is push the button when prompted. (Brian was her wedding photography insurance plan!) He would stand off to the side with his camera- after Jennifer took the center shot, she would ask the couple to look at Brian for the side angle. This quickly turned into a routine for that day. After the wedding was over, they rushed home to check the photos. There had to be something salvageable between the two cameras! To their surprise, the photos were good, even Brian’s photos were usable! That’s when Brian realized he would be giving all of his Saturdays to Jennifer for years to come.
As they developed their camera skills, the photos got better and better. They worked out a system of where they would stand and what shots they needed. Later that same year, Brian would end up shooting as a lead for this same company! Before they knew it, they we’re getting married and starting their own photography business together. That was back in 2003 and they never looked back.
Success in an over-saturated market
Today, they have photographed hundreds of weddings and even more portraits together. As their brides and grooms grew into families, the portrait side of the business would also grow. Their newborn, family, and kids portrait business took off and they have enjoyed photographing thousands of clients & friends over the years.