We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ian Escalante a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned photography by practicing consistently, experimenting with different techniques, and capturing a wide variety of subjects. To speed up my learning process, I watched countless videos, absorbing tips and tricks from seasoned photographers. Essential skills for photography include mastering camera settings, understanding lighting, and developing a keen eye for composition. However, I faced obstacles along the way, such as periods of artist block where creativity felt stagnant. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance, self-motivation, and continually seeking inspiration from various sources.

Ian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into photography after discovering Thrasher magazine and being inspired by the incredible shots of skateboarders and their vibrant lifestyle photos. Now, I work as a freelance photographer, mainly specializing in portraits, whether outdoors or in the studio. I love helping my clients break out of their comfort zones when posing, and I pride myself on building a strong connection with them. The growth I’ve achieved in the past four years as a photographer is something I’m most proud of. As I continue to evolve, I look forward to what the future holds for me in this creative field.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I’ve successfully attracted new clients through TikTok by showcasing my photography work and behind-the-scenes content. The platform has helped me reach a wider audience and connect with people who appreciate my style. Sharing my creative process and engaging with followers has built trust and interest in my services. As a result, TikTok has become a valuable tool for growing my photography business.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing as a creative is seeing someone change their profile picture to a photo I captured for them or even just sharing a simple repost of my work. It shows that they truly value and love the images I created. Word-of-mouth recommendations about my business are also incredibly fulfilling, as it means my clients trust and appreciate my work enough to share it with others. These moments make all the hard work worthwhile and motivate me to keep pushing my creative boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.escalantephoto.net/
• Instagram: https://www.escalantephoto.net/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-escalante-647083323?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Ian Escalante