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

April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a photographer, I learned by immersing myself in practice, experimenting with different techniques, and seeking feedback from peers and mentors. To speed up my learning process, I could have taken more specialized courses or workshops tailored to my interests, invested in higher quality equipment sooner, and studied the work of renowned photographers for inspiration and insight. The most essential skills included mastering composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques, as well as developing a keen eye for detail and storytelling. Obstacles to learning more included financial constraints, access to advanced equipment and software, and self-doubt in my abilities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly! I’m April Vertucci, an urban explorer, photographer and sober influencer. My journey into urban exploration photography began as a way of finding myself while exploring abandoned spaces, capturing their haunting beauty and stories through my lens.

Through my photography, I provide a unique perspective on forgotten places, shedding light on their history and often overlooked beauty. I offer a range of services, including prints of my work, commissioned photography projects, and working on publishing a book.

As a sober influencer, I share my personal journey of overcoming addiction and embracing a sober lifestyle. I aim to inspire and support others who may be on a similar path, offering encouragement, resources, and a sense of community.

What sets me apart is my combination of artistic storytelling through urban exploration photography and my candid and relatable approach to sober living. I pride myself on authenticity and transparency in both my creative work and personal journey.

I’m most proud of the impact my photography and advocacy have had on others, whether it’s sparking conversations about mental health and addiction or inspiring individuals to see the beauty in unexpected places and embrace sobriety.

Potential clients and followers should know that my work is not just about capturing striking images but also about fostering connection, resilience, and hope. Whether you’re interested in exploring abandoned spaces through photography or seeking support on your sober journey, I’m here to provide guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to tell stories through my art and inspire others through my journey. Capturing the beauty and history of these forgotten spaces allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, sparking conversations about resilience, overcoming challenges, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Additionally, being able to share my personal journey of sobriety adds another layer of meaning to my work, as I strive to break down stigmas and offer hope to others who may be on a similar path. Ultimately, knowing that my art and advocacy can make a positive impact on others’ lives is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for creativity.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Certainly! Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in authenticity and genuine connection. I started by sharing my photography and personal journey on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using storytelling to engage my audience and create a sense of community.

Authenticity has been key to attracting and retaining followers. I’ve always been transparent about my experiences, whether it’s exploring abandoned buildings or navigating sobriety, and I believe that honesty resonates with people on a deeper level. By being true to myself and sharing both the highs and lows of my journey, I’ve been able to build trust with my audience and foster meaningful connections.

Consistency has also played a crucial role in growing my social media presence. I make a point to regularly post content that aligns with my brand and values, whether it’s showcasing my latest photography projects or offering insights into sober living. Engaging with my audience by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and participating in relevant conversations has helped me build rapport and keep followers engaged.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself and your passions. Share content that reflects your authentic voice and interests, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. Building a genuine connection with your audience takes time and effort, so be patient and consistent in your efforts. And remember, it’s not just about the numbers – focus on building meaningful connections and adding value to your followers’ lives, and the rest will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harleyqurbex.darkroom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harley.q.urbex?igsh=Y25scjR2aDNsNjhs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/dEtPuvNC4qHRXpFe/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Twitter: https://x.com/HarleyQUrbex?t=kTIqJlL4DIDgOiUmzZIzsQ&s=09
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/U5Rdn7Gi7FBHCYWL/?mibextid=qi2Omg https://harleyqurbex.myshopify.com/

Image Credits
Nick Vertucci, Photo of April Vertucci