Meet David Bean and Kelli Trontell. David is one of Nashville’s celebrated photographers who has a clientele list that would make TMZ envious and a talent that sets the bar for all photographers alike. Shooting celebrities, musicians, lifestyle and advertising editorials, David has brought new life and a distinct vision to the photography industry. And Kelli, a lifestyle and wedding photographer, has rightly sweetened the world with her captivating eye for detail and imagination for great conceptual photography. Independently, they’re outstanding photographers. Collectively, they are what every bride dreams about. Residing in Nashville, Kelli and David have teamed up to create the ideal, destination-based, boutique wedding photography company titled Tabor Jean. New to the scene, this company is making a mark in the Wedding Industry. And I have a funny feeling that with these two, there’s never a serious face in the room. They’re here to make friends, change the world and capture every moment while doing so! Go ahead, fall in love.

Tabor Jean Website:
http://www.taborjean.com
David Bean’s Website:
http://www.visualreserve.com
Kelli Trontell’s Website:
http://kellitrontell.com

David Bean Interview Q & A:

Love the collaboration between you and Kelli Trontell for Tabor Jean. How did it come to fruition?
Well to start with, I never wanted to shoot weddings until I met Kelli. I had never paid much attention to wedding photography before. What I had seen was pretty stale and bland; the same ol’ same ol’. Then over the course of knowing her, Kelli would show me wedding photography that was fresh, relevant and much more fun than what I was used to seeing.

She basically opened my eyes to the fact that there is a demand for creative wedding photography. So one day I thought it would be fun to try to conquer this new territory and Kelli was the natural choice for as partner.

Tell us three things we should know about Tabor Jean.
Hmmm….first of all, the name comes from our middle names. Kelli’s middle name is Jean and I have five names, one of which is Tabor.

Number 2…..We both have our normal photography careers so we don’t plan on or want to shoot a full year of weddings like most photography companies do. We actually turn down more shoots than we accept, whether it’s for budgetary or other reasons. We’re very picky, we don’t need Tabor Jean to keep us afloat, we have our own photography careers for that.

And 3…..We are very, very fun to work with. We’re both very social and outgoing and we always like to think we’ve made new friends after shooting a wedding.

Kelli’s dirty secret is…
Oh man, let’s see, where do I start. JK, I personally think she’s a shopaholic. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like I never see her wear the same thing twice. I do love her new gold Tom’s though.

Why you love working with her…
I think we both enjoy it because we’re very similar in good ways and very different in ways that are good. We might kill each other if we were married, but we’re not, so we can just hang out and have fun while we work.

David’s guide to Nashville would include?
To do everything that’s touristy and typical in Nashville. Visit all the honkey tonk bars on Lower Broadway, Hatch Show Print, go to a Predators or Titans game, visit one of our few amazing local coffee shops, etc.

I always say Nashville is a great place to live but you wouldn’t want to visit. By that I mean you really can’t soak up what Nashville is in a weekend. What makes us such an amazing place to live is the people. Once you get to know the people you’ll fall in love with living here.

What are your superpowers?
The ability to say no to unhealthy eating. The ability to predict future trends. Being able to make quick decisions with confidence and being an amazing father. If I could fly I would be super stoked though.

How would you describe your style?
Warm-hearted rebellion. If you’re talking about physical style, then It’s Southern California surf/skate style. I lived near or on the beach most of my life.

How do you decide what to photograph?
I try to shoot what I feel like other people would miss in a situation. Learning to see the beauty all around you is key to being an artist.

What type of camera do you use?
I use the Canon 1DsMark III and the Canon 5D Mark II, but I rarely use the Mark II. I love my 1DsMIII.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Strobe lighting. I love using lights. A lot of people are afraid of them, but I absolutely love them. You have so much control over the look of something when you control the light.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I guess if I had to only use one lens it would be the Canon 24-70 2.8 L for it’s versatility and quality. I mainly use that and the Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS. I really want the Canon 85 1.2 though.

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
One was to never go into debt to finance my career. I just kept taking the money I made and put it back into things like gear and other expenses. In my opinion, businesses that have no debt can weather all sorts of storms.

I’ve learned the most from…
The internet. What a resource at our fingertips.

What advice would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
My biggest piece of advice would be to assist for another photographer. You can learn more in 6 months of doing that than 4 years of college. In fact you’ll learn many of the most valuable things you need to know assisting that you would never learn in school.
I’m not saying don’t go to school, but whether you do or don’t, assist! Also, Don’t ever stop marketing yourself, even when times are going well.

All images above ©David Bean Photography

Kelli Trontell Interview Q & A:

Favorite thing about collaborating with David for Tabor Jean?
My favorite thing about working with David is…not only is he my friend, but he is SO smart. I learn something from him everyday. He’s the real deal and I am honored to be working alongside of him.

Describe your ideal client?
The bride and groom who appreciate and see the value and the art of photography. The ones who take risks, who trust and enjoy the moment.

David’s dirty secret is…
Dave has a shoe fetish. He has more shoes than I do.

Why you love working with him…
Oh my goodness. There are so many reasons, but the ultimate reason [besides his pure talent] is his heart and passion for photography and photographers. He is the most honest person that I know who genuinely wants to see people succeed.

Finish this sentence: I wish I could...
Adopt all the kids in Haiti who are left without moms and dads.

What do you do when no one is watching??
Bite my nails. I’m assuming this is when I do it because my friends tell me that they have never seen me bite my nails…..yet there’s proof that I do! I know. I know. Awful habit, but three weeks ago I stopped. Thanks to regular manicures!

Current Obsession?
Everything Anthropologie- the store, their window designs and catalog. So inspiring!

Kelli’s cup of coffee includes?
Sugar in the raw and milk. Oh, were you asking me about Starbucks blueberry scone that is totally addicting?

Best one-liner from a movie?
“I just like to smile, smiling’s my favorite” -Buddy the Elf

How would you describe your style?
One part Lifestyle. One part Details. Two parts Life in this very moment.

How do you decide what to photograph?
I am constantly pushing myself to be more creative than the last photo session. I love details and am always looking for something that is unique in every person. I have also been more intentional about scheduling personal “just because” shoots…photographing what inspires me and pushes me as an artist.

What type of camera do you use?
5Dmkii

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I don’t really have any “accessories” other than my camera and lens. I’m pretty simple in this department.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Well, the 85 1.2L is on my wish list. The images that I have seen from that lens make my heart happy.

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
Making the decision to BELIEVE that I can do this. Deciding to move forward is half the journey.

I’ve learned the most from…
My friend, photography mentor & business partner: David Bean.

What advice would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
ENGAGE & COLLABORATE! Don’t just keep your eyes focused on your computer screen. Get out and meet with other photographers. Learn from others. Find a mentor. I’ve learned so much from the photography community around me.

Images above ©Kelli Trontell Photography