Blair Austin
Surf Photographer & Editor @ Blarrel.com
San Diego | US
Skills
- Digital Photography
- Post Processing
- Underwater Photography
- Photography
- Commercial Photography
Interests
Surf photography
Cycling
Industries
Surf
In my own words
— BlairPassionate and results-driven professional.
Over 8 years of experience working in business development and sales with additional skills in digital content creation. Tech-savvy nature and ocean lover. Dedicated to learning and growing to improve my skills and knowledge.
Trajectory
May 2023 — Now
Client Acquisition Specialist & Photographer/Videographer · Oceana Digital
- Photograph, edit, and deliver photoshoots for portraiture, family, event, and wedding
- Market to and acquire new clients through social media content creation, email marketing, and networking
- Coordinate with surfers in-water for high-speed action photography for private surf shoots
- Manage audio and cinematography for shoot-to-suits for actors to capture footage to improve their demo reels
- Pilot drone for real estate aerial photography (Small UAS Part 107 licensed)
Nov 2020 — Now
Assistant Coach - UCSD Surf Team · UC San Diego
- Support team head coach and team members by fine tuning athletes’ performance and skills in the water
- Provide support for athletes and guidance for student team leadership with coordination and financial decisions
- Shoot and edit action shots and video from weekly practices and monthly surf contests across the coast of California, with over 35,000 views on recent team galleries
Sep 2019 — Now
Real Estate Sales Specialist · Oceana Digital
- Provide knowledge of buying and selling residential and multifamily properties to clients, closing approximately $8 million of properties in 2023
- Solve critical issues during escrows involving inspections, tenants, title, loans, and property damages
- Advise investors and clients to ensure highest value on exit of multifamily investment sales
Oct 2014 — Now
Surf Photographer, Editor · Blarrel
- Promote sales for prints and digital downloads with social media marketing efforts and outreach, increasing annual sales by 705% from 2016 to 2023
- Manage the editing and sales of multiple galleries of approximately 400,000 high resolution photos in the form of digital, metal, wood, and paper prints through Blarrel.com
- Daily updates of new surf and lifestyle photography from local surf spots, events, and contests
- Operate the Blarrel Instagram account with daily posts for over 27,000 local and international followers
Sep 2019 — Sep 2023
Vice President of Real Estate / Acquisition Specialist & In-House Photographer · SDRE Homebuyers
- Collaborated with 6-person team for the process of acquiring over $27 million in properties, developed over 267 units, and prepared for the disposition plan with expected total sales price of $158 million
- Created informational marketing and sales booklets for high-end multifamily properties to present to potential buyers and investors, helping reach record-breaking sales prices for properties in San Diego
- Managed rental property portfolio across San Diego county, serving as a reliable point of contact for tenants, maintenance vendors, and property owners
- Photographed and edited HDR photography using natural light window pulls and high-end video walkthroughs for over 300 rentals and sale listings annually, selecting down and editing over 45,000 photos in 2022
- Established the company’s digital content department and formulated a standardized process for photography and video material
- Efficiently procured tenants and organized multiple long-term leases for property owners within tight timelines for vacancies
Apr 2016 — Feb 2020
Barista, Server, Bartender, Inventory, Ordering · Bella Vista Social Club & Caffé
- Managed inventory and beer sales for bar and events
- Trained new front-of-house employees for brunch, lunch, and dinner shifts
- Photographed dishes and drinks for the menu and website, and ran social media accounts
Activity
Education history
Alameda High School
High School Diploma | 2009 - 2012
