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In this edition of “A Squad Called Blendz,” our killer cameramen, Mac and Patrick, get candid about their work here at Blenders. It’s time to meet the legends behind the lens here in San Diego!
MAC:
1. So, you’re the videographer here at Blenders. Give the good people more details on what you do day-to-day that helps contribute to their experience of our brand.
I film and edit our shades in the biggest & wildest adventures. I also film and edit our shades in the most elegant studios. I create a vibe that IS BLENDERS, from the video content, graphics/ colors, all the way down to the track used. I always want to share with you my passion for the Blenders Brand.
2. What’s surprised you most about the team and company culture at Blendz?
What surprises me the most about our brand culture is the open space to create. Our ideas are listened to. And everyone can have a take on an idea. To see someone’s idea blossom from the tiniest of details…THAT’S BLENDERS!
3. At one point did you first start to realize, “Yeah, you know, I’m kinda creative af.”
It was when my high school video & film teacher, John Robertson, gave me this 1940’s Big Band Swing track to edit to. He said he would allow me to continue to film skateboarding and surfing videos, IF I could edit to this song. In the end, I KNEW I had a knack for this!
4. Is there a shoot you’ve worked on in your career that sticks out as being particularly challenging/rewarding?
I filmed and edited my one and ONLY skateboard film. It had locals from San Diego in it. I got 4 to 5 companies to sponsor it and from that money and donations I rented out Edwards Theatre for two packed showings! It was called ETS2 (Eat Turtle Soup.)
5. What’s your go-to piece of kit for getting the job done?
Definitely the SONY A7III! This has brought my camera work to another level and has really opened doors to photography and the concepts of attaining levels of media from it.
6. Is there a mentor or influencer that you feel or felt deeply influenced by?
Shepard Fairy for art and creativity. When he lived in San Diego he brought me down to his studio in Chula Vista. There I showed him my body of work and he helped me fine tune it and dress it up in its look and how to present it. Ty Evans for video and film. Really took a genre that skaters ONLY could look at and twisted it so anyone could be entertained. He really brought my ability to edit with rhythm to another level.
7. What would you say is your favorite aspect of living in San Diego?
Born & Raised here! Proud of it!! Only place I feel you can travel about 10 miles and get a different vibe.
8. Imagine you have your own “Freaky Friday” moment. Who are ya wanting to swap places with?
Probably Jason Bateman, because he has been acting in, involved with, producing, & directing some of the most profound network series in the last five years. Coming up as a supporting comedic actor and now this stuff…BRAVO!
9. What’s that “bucket list” travel destination you’ve never been to?
Italian villa with “the homies” just like in the movie Stealing Beauty. I wouldn’t mind young Liv Tyler to be there as well.
10. Scenario: You get handed the karaoke mic. What song are you rolling with?
Righteous Brothers - “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin’" (in the style of an Asian tourist, only knowing what America is like from watching the Top Gun movie.)
11. Scenario: You can be anything else in this world other than a photographer/videographer with a snap of your fingers. What’s your secret passion or childhood dream?
To be a scientist/engineer. Figuring out the mysteries of life and pushing the boundaries of space and time. Think the movie Interstellar.
12. What are your Top 3 fave pairs of Blendz?
Stone Breaker
Metallic Mist
University Heights
PATRICK:
1. Give the good people more details on what you do day-to-day that helps contribute to their experience of our brand.
I am the product photographer here at Blenders Eyewear. I lead all product photography shot in house, both lifestyle and studio. My other duties include assisting and leading in lifestyle photoshoots with models. Working within the marketing department alongside a creative team consisting of designers and other creatives. Also, providing creative concepts, ideas and methods to help market and sell our products via photography and design.
2. What’s surprised you most about the team and company culture at Blendz?
Everyone not only works really hard at their job but also is very good at it. We're lucky to have built such a strong team of independent individuals.
3. At one point did you first start to realize, “Yeah, you know, I’m kinda creative af.”
I realized I was an artist around the age of 14-15. I always was very creative with my music, clothes, and personality, just because I was very self-expressive. Also, I was very passionate and competitive with anything I could make my own by adding my style to it.
4. Is there a shoot you’ve worked on in your career that sticks out as being particularly challenging/rewarding?
In 2014 I had my first published photoshoot for Locale Magazine. It was a trip to see my name in a magazine. I loved it!
5. What’s your go-to piece of kit for getting the job done?
My lights and if I had to choose one thing? It would be my soft box, it makes my life so much easier.
6. Is there a mentor or influencer that you feel or felt deeply influenced by?
A lot of my instructors from AIOC (Art Institute of California - Orange County) Steve Anderson, Roman Cho, Sean Dufrene, and John Haverstick.
7. Fave aspect of San Diego?
The weather and the beaches are hard to move away from.
8. Preferred “Freaky Friday” scenario?
I might have to switch with a rapper—maybe Future or Drake.
9. Travel destination you wish to go to?
Africa and Paris, those are the two big ones I would lose my mind over.
10. Scenario: You get handed the karaoke mic. What song are you rolling with?
Flashing Lights by Kanye West
11. Scenario: You can be anything else in this world other than a photographer. What ya gonna be?
Easy! Basketball player but football is a hard second. I love football but basketball is more of an art form.
12. What are your Top 3 fave pairs of Blendz?
Diamond Mint
Deep Space
Black Betsy