Leetal Photo

1. What would your advice be to budding photography enthusiasts trying to move their way into the scene?
I would first inform them that photography, especially nightlife photography, is by no means a path to financial stability. Most photogs. barely make enough to pay the bills, let alone afford the finer things in life. Now, that said, this is arguably one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever held. I’ve met and photographed countless celebrities, musicians and DJs, and managed to network to the point of actually making photography a viable career option. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

2. What is your favorite memory that you created while working?
In all honesty, most of the nights from my earlier years as a nightlife photographer are essentially a blur, and even nowadays, my weekends tend to blend into one. If I had to choose a specific “favorite memory,” it would have to be shooting Judge Jules on stage during last year’s Halfway to Halloween event at the Hard Rock. He’s been my favorite DJ since I began spinning records back in ’99 and 2000, and it was an honor to be on the same stage as he, photographing him in the flesh. Hell, I even named my dog, Jules (rest in peace momma), after him.

3. What is your favorite venue in downtown San Diego to shoot at?
I don’t have a “favorite,” per se, as I enjoy shooting at most all of the venues where I’m booked; however, I’ve always enjoyed shooting at the Ivy. It’s generally a good crowd, the lighting is phenomenal, and the Lipstik Inc. girls are always good for a few (hundred) shots.

4. What is the hardest part about shooting nightlife galleries?
One would really need look no further than any of my blogs/rants pertaining to nightlife photography to understand what I deem to be its most difficult aspects, but in the interest of this interview, I will oblige…
While there are a number of facets pertaining to nightlife photography I would classify as “hard,” I would say the biggest pain in the ass is arguably dealing with the drunken idiots us nightlife shooters encounter on a regular basis. Bottom line: if you can’t handle your booze, don’t drink in public. And this goes for both men and women. Inebriated males are nothing more than obstacles to photographing inebriated women. Inebriated women, however, are an entirely different animal. They sway, they cuss, they anger easily, and their normally subdued insecurities are magnified a thousand times. It’s like trying to handle an overweight wolverine, or babysit a toddler on crack. And if you’ve never embarked upon either of those endeavors, I wouldn’t recommend doing so.

5. What captures your eye when you are looking for subjects to shoot?
I find the most massive pair of fake breasts in the entire club and I stalk them like a cheetah would a juvenile wildebeest. (I don’t know where I’m pulling these random animal analogies from, but I’m enjoying them immensely.)
In all honesty, I just look for people genuinely having a good time. I try to capture candid images whenever possible, as the ol’ hand-on-the-hip, chest-out pose is beyond over-used. And before I forget, in terms of posing, ladies, for the love of God and all that is holy, stop with the kissy-poo (a.k.a. “duck face”)… It looks as dumb as you probably think it does, but continue using because you took that one photo that one time and it looked great. Knock that shit off.

6. What kind of equipment do you use when you are working?
I have two camera bodies — a Canon 5D Mark II and a 30D — however, I only shoot nightlife with the 30D. I refuse to bring my more expensive gear out, as I’ve had drinks spilled on my equipment too many times to count, I’ve had my camera kicked off a six-foot ledge, and I’ve had my flashes broken on more than one occasion. And although you can get insurance on all of your equipment, it’s just not worth it (to me) to bring the “good stuff” out for nightlife shoots. I save the more expensive lenses and my 5D for weddings, bands and professional photoshoots.
That said, my standard nightlife rig is obviously a Canon 30D, equipped with either a 15mm fisheye or 17 to 40 mm wide angle lens. The flash I use is a Canon 430EX II, and while I’ve dabbled with various diffusers, I prefer to merely use the pull out catchlight on the flash itself.

Now for a more personal take:

7. Would you call yourself a gentleman? Describe your perfect date.
I would consider myself an asshole with gentlemanly tendencies, not the other way around. I used to be the proverbial hopeless romantic and wear my heart on my sleeve, but I think I’m more “seasoned” these days; a bit more realistic and cautious. Having your heart ripped out of your arse on more than one occasion will do that to you.
I still maintain some of my innocence of yesteryear, however, so I’d have to say that my perfect date nowadays would be anything out of the ordinary. I’ve never been the cliché dinner-and-movie type of guy. Spontaneity is the spice of life, and nowhere is the adage truer than in the dating realm. Give me a spontaneous woman, a nice scotch, good food, good wine, and then perhaps a punk rock/acoustic/folk show at a local venue, followed by a fun-filled romp in the sack and a random photographic road trip the following morning and I’m all in. But then again, if she’s as spontaneous as I, we could end up having sex in a hotel room in furry outfits. That could be just as fun…

8. What are your favorite activities when you aren’t working?
“When I’m not working…” You’re funny. Photography isn’t my sole source of income (see question 1). I have a full-time job as a staff writer/editor for an outdoor-based publication located in San Clemente. Thus, when I’m not working, I’m… working. Honestly, I’m either at work or at home editing photos. When I do have any available free time (which is rare), I write, play music (guitar and drums), see live music (predominantly punk/folk rock), take photos, or hit the open road for no other reason than to drive.

9. Since you work in nightlife, you guys are always out and about…are you more social or a stay-at-home type of guy?
I love my down time more than anything, as I rarely get it. When I do have a night off, and little to no photo editing to tend to, I am most definitely a stay-at-home guy. Give me some food and “Family Guy” and I’m a happy man.

10. Each of you give me the top three songs that describe YOU.
Frank Turner – “The Road”
Frank Turner – “If I Ever Stray”
Frank Turner – “Photosynthesis” (I like Frank Turner. He “speaks to me,” if you will.)

Jeff Corrigan

Whatever happened to friend code? You know, the unspoken rule that you don’t go after the person that your friend is crushing on or dating or even, dare I say it, sleeping with? I swear nowadays some people can be so disrespectful in that aspect! I see it happen all the time amongst my many friends and it’s even happened with me. Someone tells their friend about a person they’re interested in and later that night they end up catching their friend “mowing their lawn” right in their face! (if you don’t know, look it up ‘mowed my lawn‘ on Urban Dictionary)

I seriously feel like it’s not even safe to tell your friends good things and fun details about someone you’re dating or sleeping with because it only makes that person more appealing to your friends. It sad…you should be able to tell your friends how much you are starting to like a person, how attracted you are to them, details of fun dates you go on, how good the sex is, presents you give each other, and/or special things you do for one another without your friend secretly hoping that they were in your place. I don’t believe there is any reason to step on your friends toes, even if you did feel some magical connection…which honestly just sounds like another BS excuse. You know what other excuse I hate out of all of them? The one used most often, “It just happened.” Oh really? It just happened? Like that? You just happen to exchange numbers? You just happen to go on a date with each other? You just happened to kiss? You just happen to sleep with each other? Really? Seems like a lot of shit “just happening” without your friends feelings being considered if you ask me.

You shouldn’t have to put a ring on it for your friends to know someone is off limits. Everyone is different and people approach things differently. While someone may excuse their actions because they’ve assumed their friend was just lagging on closing the deal, that may not be the case at all. You should also consider that your friend may actually really like this person and see it as something long term…they may want to take their time getting to know them so they can be sure of what they think they are feeling for that person. A selfish and/or careless intervention can turn a could have been into a never will be.

One of the most messed up parts about someone “mowing your lawn” is that, if you try to call your friend out it only makes you look bad. It makes you look salty and butt-hurt because you couldn’t close the deal or keep them interested. When really it shouldn’t be about that. It should be about friends being loyal to one another and honoring the friend code. If you see that you’re friend is into someone you should back off and put your friendship over your ego. Remember trust is very important in a friendship …once it’s cut off, the friendship has very little chance of surviving.

1) What is your favorite part of living in San Diego?: Beach time weather practically year round
2) Blonde or Brunette?: Either… nothing a hair dye job can fix!
3) What is your most favorite memory from childhood?: Hitting up a bonfire with my whole family
4) Name your top three “anthem” songs:

1.”YES” – LMFAO

2.”Cant Stop” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

3. “Memories” – David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi

5) What is your dream job?: Whatever can make all the money I ever wanted…

6) What would you do on your perfect date?: Have s*# right away!

7) What is your favorite TV show?: ENTOURAGE

8 ) Who inspires you the most?: My mom, of course

9) If you just won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do?: Buy myself a beach house in Sydney, Australia, Villa in Rome, Italy, flat in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and mansion here in SD, because these are my favorite places I’ve been to.

10) What is your number one rule of dating in the industry?:

If its right, I’ll know it…. Otherwise I’ll keep on looking.

I know we have been hearing/talking about it all week since its creation…but I didn’t expect to witness and do all the things that I did in those five short hours of Guesthouse Dayclub! This was definitely a party of epic proportions, and everyone who was involved in the making deserves a HUGE pat on the back. My particular experience was one involving a shitload of champagne, confetti throwers, and sight-blinding neon…basically, the raddest party I have attended since the famed Interventions of summer. Do I see a new winter Sunday trend starting? YES, and one with staying power

We started off the day by being welcomed by stilt walkers at the front entrance of Guesthouse. We were immediately let in, and sat at our table just in time for the food to be walked out by gorgeous girls wearing serving trays…which by the way, the food is AMAZING! Mini breakfast burritos, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and macerated blueberries…YUM! The best part? It was free!

After we all felt full enough to start tackling the bottles, the real fun started to happen. All I really can do to explain what the hell happened is just list the series of random events I actually remember occurring:

1) Me getting lost SEVERAL times in the fully packed house.
2) My boss walking around in an elephant head and feet with a cryo gun backpack.
3) SEX PANTHER dropping ice-scooper vodka shots straight into peoples mouths from the DJ booth.
4) Confetti. EVERYWHERE!
5) Stilt walkers literally dancing and partying amongst us.
6) There were people taking beer bongs from the mezzanine!
7) Ronnie Magro from Jersey Shore made a special appearance, and joined us in the bottle-popping celebration.
8 ) There were bubbles being constantly blown all over the crowd all day!
9) The tasty drink mixers that made the drinks basically taste like fruit…love it when that happens.
10) Seeing ALL of my friends and co-workers show up in one spot to support and party!

Writing all of this out actually makes me excited for next Sunday…and I’m still hungover from yesterday. If that doesn’t explain how crazy/insane/ridiculous/fun/memorable this party experience is, then I honestly don’t know what is wrong with you.

Guesthouse/Stingaree, DJhere, DDJ, and Night Access rocked the house hard yesterday…and we hope that all of you left with the same feeling. We welcome you to come back to Guesthouse every Sunday this winter…HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

FOR MORE PICTURES FROM THE DAY, PLEASE VISIT OUR GALLERIES:

http://djhere.com/photos/12042011-guesthouse-dayclub-opening-day/

1) What’s your story?: I was born and raised on the east coast in Cocoa Beach, Florida. I moved to Jersey City/Manhattan working on yachts, and shortly after that, ended up in south Florida. I lived in Miami Beach for 3 years; bartending at all the top nightclubs. I needed a change and decided to randomly to give the west coast a shot and which brought me San Diego
2) Which do you prefer, boxers or briefs?: Briefs for sure
3) What’s your favorite food?: I’m obsessed with sushi!!!
4) Describe your perfect girl: About 5’6, 104 pounds, C boobs, has to have a nice ass,d ark long hair, keeps up on herself, a girly-girl but enjoys out door activities ( hiking, snowboarding , etc.) great personality, family oriented, a sweetheart, and very easy going. ( In other words, I’ll die a lonely man)
5) How did you get those amazing abs/give us your workout routine?: Work out abs every other day to LMFAO- Sexy and I Know it. Lol kidding, I only make videos to it

6) What is the craziest story that you have happen while working as bartender?: Blew a girls clip on bangs off her forehead across the club with a CO2 tank
7) Blonde’s or Brunettes?: Brunettes
8 ) What is your idea of a perfect date?: My perfect date is anything that neither me or her have ever done before. I think it makes it a better/more fun time and loosens things up a bit right from the start but I would like the evening to end with going to a super nice wine vineyard.
9) What do you think about dating in the industry?: As long as she meets the description of “my perfect girl”, I’m all for it.
10) What is the biggest difference between the people you met in Miami and San Diego?: People in SD are waaaaay more down to earth!