Nearly three years ago, I ambitiously moved to Albuquerque, NM, to continue my career as a portrait photographer. In those three years, I had some of the best experiences in my entire life, and I grew so much as a photographer, and generally as a human being. That said, I’m now announcing that I’ll be moving in July, to Los Angeles, CA to continue that career in a new city. But first, I want to explain why.
WHY ALBUQUERQUE?
When I first moved to Albuquerque, a question that I was plagued with, by nearly everyone I met was “Why Albuquerque?”. Admittedly, it was a strange choice, and something I’ve discussed before in this very blog through my anniversaries of living here. I moved here for one reason beyond else, for the challenge.
Something I’ve learned in my life, both through my experiences moving to a city where I knew literally no one, and through the other challenges I’ve faced, is that some of my best work, both as a photographer and simply as a creative, have came when I’m faced with an immense amount of struggle. When I moved to Albuquerque, I was lost. When I moved to Albuquerque, I was broke. When I moved to Albuquerque, I was lazy. And through moving to Albuquerque, I became better.
So let me make it perfectly clear, I love Albuquerque. Never have I been to a place that feels more like home to me. Beyond all the places I travel, there is no place that I’d rather be than in Albuquerque. And for that, I’ll miss this city dearly (But I’ll be coming back, and booking sessions a few times a year).
MY FAVORITE IMAGES PRODUCED IN ALBUQUERQUE
WHY LOS ANGELES?
This is one question I don’t really expect to be asked, but I want to answer it anyway. I suspect no one will question my move to Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is one of the most populated cities in the United States, and a huge mecca for arts and photography. Regardless, I want to explain why I’m moving, and perhaps more importantly, why I’m not moving.
The Struggle
As I mentioned a little bit above, I’m moving, more so than anything else, for the struggle. The contacts I have in Los Angeles are limited, as is my overall familiarity of the city. Though despite these challenges, I am excited to live up to my potential, and succeed in one of the toughest photography markets in the world.
For me personally, I’ve found the most growth in my work when I’m uncomfortable. When I moved to Albuquerque, my work increased considerably. It wasn’t because I learned a new technique or style, it was because it had to. I didn’t know anyone in Albuquerque, and in order to get attention, I had to create some attention grabbing work…and so I did.
On the flip side, when I’m my most comfortable, my work suffers the most. When business is going well, I’m not innovating, or thinking creatively. The only way I’ve found that to change, is to make myself uncomfortable again. I never want to feel comfortable in my craft…I want to constantly be innovating and improving in my passion – photography.
WHY I AM MOVING TO LOS ANGELES
More Opportunities for Commercial & Editorial Photography
I love taking headshots for my clients. I love the interaction I’m able to have with them, and I love seeing their passion as they turn their budding interest in acting into a career. While I love all those practices, I love the technicalities of lighting and photography. With headshots, it’s about client interaction, and with commercial photography, it’s about the technicalities of photography. I want to get my fix in both, and Albuquerque has limited options with commercial and editorial work.
Change Inspiring Growth
I’m always about improving (something mentioned to the left of this), so I’m moving because I’ve always found the biggest bouts of growth during massive changes in my life. By moving to Los Angeles, I’m challenging myself and growing as a result.
Feeding my Sense of Adventure
If you’ve ever followed my travel log in the last few years, you’ll know that I’m constantly moving. I am an adventurer at heart, and never like to stay in one place for too long. While I love Albuquerque, being constantly on the move is part of who I am. I don’t plan on spending the rest of the life in LA, but rather, spend a few years in each of the cities I want to experience. LA is just next on the list.
For those who are reading this and upset as we haven’t had a chance to work together yet, fear not. I’m not planning on moving until early July, and also plan on coming back to Albuquerque a few times a year for work and other opportunities. I’ve had this incredible fear that I once I leave, my opportunities for coming back will be limited, so I’m ensuring that not to be the case. I’ll be working with the local agencies and other friends to stage weeks to come back for work.
