Rachel Rosen
Staff Writer
Mira Costa sophomore Jesse Purcell turned his love for photography and the ocean to create a unique and successful business by selling prints and calendars of his pictures.
Purcell takes photos of the ocean in the South Bay during the winter and sells his work to local customers. He sells anything from calendars to prints with prices starting at $25.
“I started taking photos and selling them because I always enjoyed doing it,” Purcell said. “It was a good way to make money.”
He started to sell his work in 8th grade to family, friends, and local businesses such as Gimlen Orthodontics. Customers could not get enough of his work according to Purcell. Purchases weren’t just made in the South Bay, but also in New York by Rene Matzuic.
“I think his pictures are different because he has a very good eye for color and what looks interesting in a photo,” customer Rene Matzuic said.
Although he started his business two years ago, Purcell has had a passion for photography since he was very young. He doesn’t just take pictures to sell, he also goes with friends to capture photos and videos of them in the water as a hobby, said Purcell.
“I have supported Jesse’s photography since middle school,” sophomore Gavin Gasperov said. “I really enjoy when he shoots pictures and videos of our friends at the wedge. His photography is very unique and professional.”
His passion and skill with ocean photography has made a name for himself in the South Bay. He hopes to continue his work and grow his business even larger, while still having fun with it said Purcell.
“I started ocean photography because I saw Clark Little taking really cool pictures in the water and wanted to do the same,” Purcell said. “I started with a GoPro and it quickly excelled from there. I hope to keep improving my skills as a photographer.”
He hasn’t gone out as much recently, but during the winter he will shoot weekly along the coast of California according to Purcell. He likes photographing the ocean, but he will also take pictures of nature.
“I am looking forward for the winter so I can get back to shooting,” Purcell said. “The bigger waves make it so more fun and interesting.”
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