We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andres Widener. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andres below.

Andres, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I first took up photography, and photographed my first show. A few people had mentioned I should be charging for the work I do. Despite doing it as a fun thing to do in my free time, I realized it could be something more. I initially started asking for just a ticket into the show, but that slowly transitioned into asking for what I thought my time and photos were worth. Although I’ve stopped photographing shows exclusively, I still do it from time to time, but have transitioned into doing portrait work and other types (weddings, landscape/architecture, etc).

Andres, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Andrea, I’m based in Arizona, I’m 27 years old, and sometime in 2025, I will start my new life in Tokyo, Japan. I began my journey as a creative in 2017, when I decided I wanted to give photography a shot. After being gifted a Canon Rebel T3i, I would grab my long board and just photograph anything and everything I could. Having grown up in a pretty strict home, this was my opportunity to get out and experience the world the way I wanted to. It wasn’t until a couple years after that I started utilizing Lightroom for editing (I had only used my phone until then). That opened a whole world of possibilities for me. I think what sets me apart from others, is my struggle with colorblindness. Being able to adapt and still edit photos that are pleasing to the eye has been a challenge. I feel like I’ve had to really learn colors again, and focus much harder to get the skin tone (as well as colors in general) right. Despite this, I’ve never had any issue with turnaround time for clients, and providing something my clients love. Another thing that sets me apart from others is my unique editing style. I try to take a different approach, and lean towards a darker approach to my editing. I think it adds a lot to the images I take.

At the end of the day, I want people to be happy, and glad they came to me for work. I always try to give people a good experience, whether it’s their first time with me, or they had a bad experience elsewhere. I’ve offered free services to people I see who had a bad experience with another artist, in hopes to give them something they’ll cherish forever. I do my best to carry this mindset in my everyday life as well.

I provide photo work for weddings, live performances, behind the scenes, set up and tear down for music videos or other productions, as well as directing. More recently, I have provided entertainment via YouTube, where I discuss true crime and historical events. Being able to put my love for history and video editing together as has been such a fun experience. Sometime in 2024, I also hope to get my clothing brand off the ground, and release a song or two before my move to Japan.

The things I’m most proud of, are traveling the US while on tour for a local AZ band, to photographing Warped Tour, and working with will known artists in the music scene. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I look forward to many more when I move across the pond.

I really want anyone who reads this, to understand that no matter what you want to do, you just have to go for it. The journey isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, you can make something happen. Even if it’s just a hobby, the only thing that matters is you’re enjoying it and making yourself happy. There are many times I’ve wanted to just stop shooting or being creative in general, but those end up being the best experiences. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re in the creative space, and I think there’s something to learn from everything. Many people won’t tell you, but this stuff is stressful sometimes. The most important thing to do, is our best. If you did your best, you should be proud of yourself.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

What I consider the most rewarding is seeing someone light up when they see themselves photographed. Many people struggle with their physical appearance, and when you see them smile because they see themselves, that is one of the most amazing things. I love when I can help someone see the beauty they’ve always had.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The main goal with what I do, is providing happiness to as many people as I can. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to make a lot of money, and doing that as an artist also allowed me to get out more. Having done so, it made me realize that a lot of people struggle. Since then, I’ve wanted to make it, so could give back to those who need it. I chose to do photography, YouTube, and overall creating as a secondary way to make money outside of my job, so I can save and have the funds available to not only support myself comfortably, but to also have it in case I run into someone who could use the extra help. To me, it doesn’t matter what your background is, or what your beliefs are. We’re all human, and we all struggle the same. If someone needs help, I want to be in a position to provide that help, whether it be filling someone’s gas tank, or buying them lunch. If I see someone struggling in any way, I don’t think “but what are their political beliefs?” It should be more common to help someone in need regardless of who they are. Seeing people smile from the photos I took of them, or happy with a video I released, I know I accomplished what I set out to. That’s what drives me the most, simply being able to provide something to those who need it, whether it be financially, or emotionally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yamedrekudasai/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/fyxBrvY3mfwRh95Z/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCkU6xbPfXrRyxLvDKMMbgnA