We recently connected with Max Blakesberg and have shared our conversation below.
Max, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I’d say the biggest risk I ever took when it comes to my photography career was actually deciding to pursue it as a full-time career, rather than something I just did for fun.
As of today (October 2024), I’ve been taking photos for nearly 15 years—over half of my life. Mentally, I think I always knew that photography was my path. Initially, I was worried about losing my creative spark as well as the sense of fulfillment I got every time I picked up my camera. The idea of photography being my means of survival, something tied to paying bills and making ends meet, was daunting. I was terrified that my love for it might wither under the weight of financial pressure, deadlines, and the never-ending hustle to find clients.
Yet, there came a point where the risk of not pursuing photography felt even greater than the fear of failing at it. The thought of not giving myself the chance to at least try—of always wondering, ‘What if?’—started to gnaw at me. It wasn’t a sudden leap; it was a gradual build-up of restlessness. I remember spending weekends and late nights working on shoots, squeezing in editing sessions after long workdays, and feeling more alive in those stolen hours than I did during my 9-to-5.
So, I took the plunge. I left my tech job and committed fully to my photography. It was exhilarating, but also full of uncertainty. Suddenly, I had to rely entirely on myself—no steady paycheck, no fallback plan, just me and my camera. I had to learn how to operate my own business, which is more than just picking up a camera and taking photos. It’s all encompassing, marketing, business development, accounting, negotiate rates, and all the other components that one must deal with as a small business owner and freelancer in an industry so densely saturated with others pursuing the same path. There were moments of doubt, times when it felt like maybe I’d made a mistake. But with each shoot, each connection I made, I found a deeper sense of purpose.
The outcome? I’m still on the journey, but it’s been incredible. There’s something liberating about taking a risk that is purely for your soul. Photography hasn’t lost its magic. If anything, the challenge of making it my living has deepened my love for it. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards. I’m more creatively fulfilled now than I ever was when it was just a hobby. And that fear I had—the fear of losing the spark? It turns out the risk actually made it burn brighter.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Max Blakesberg, and I’m a professional photographer specializing in underwater, outdoor adventure, action sports, and lifestyle photography. My journey into photography began at a young age when my parents handed me a camera at around 7 or 8 years old. Since then, photography has been a defining part of my identity. From the moment I got my first DSLR in the 6th grade—a Canon T2i—and won a local school competition, I knew I had a deep passion for capturing the world around me.
For nearly two decades, photography has been the driving force behind who I am. I spent my early years capturing anything that caught my eye, experimenting with various subjects like action sports, music, and outdoor scenes. But it wasn’t until I discovered underwater photography in my early twenties that everything clicked. Underwater photography brought together all of my passions, rekindling the excitement that reminded me why I started in the first place – and I truly accredit this entire realization to one of my biggest sources of inspiration, another local underwater photographer – Kyle Soto.
In August of 2022, I left my tech job to fully dedicate myself to my craft. It was a terrifying decision, but one driven by the realization that nothing else could bring me the same fulfillment. Since then, I’ve embraced the ups and downs of building my career as a professional photographer, and I love every moment of it—the people I meet, the places I see, and the stories I get to capture.
I provide a range of creative services centered around photography, including:
* Underwater Photography: This is my specialty and what I am best known for. Capturing the tranquility and otherworldly beauty of underwater life requires a unique set of skills—patience, awareness, and adaptability—all of which I embrace fully.
* Outdoor Adventure and Action Sports: I thrive on capturing high-energy moments in the outdoors, whether it’s surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding or any other adventure sport that allows me to get out into the field and experience all the natural splendor this world offers.
* Lifestyle and Brand Campaigns: I help brands tell their stories through imagery that connects with their audiences. My work spans lifestyle shoots, portraits, and brand-focused campaigns designed to convey authenticity and emotion.
My work helps brands and individuals tell their stories in a way that resonates deeply. Whether it’s the thrill of an action shot or the peacefulness of underwater life, I strive to create images that are impactful and memorable.
The mission behind my work is simple: to capture genuine moments that evoke emotion and tell a story. I want my photographs to transport people and make them feel something real. My inspiration comes from my surroundings— which heavily influence my creative style. I find that the more I push myself into unfamiliar territories, whether physically or creatively, the stronger my work becomes.
What sets me apart is my dedication, adaptability, and self-taught background. I am driven by a deep curiosity and love for learning, always seeking ways to refine my craft. My work isn’t just about capturing a visually pleasing image—it’s about telling a story that feels authentic to the subject and resonates with viewers.
Beyond my technical skills, I bring a personal touch to everything I do. I am entirely self-taught, and my determination has led me to opportunities across different industries and environments. I embrace challenges head-on, adapting to each project’s unique needs and putting in 110% effort every time. I believe that my openness to new experiences and my genuine curiosity are what have allowed me to grow, both as a photographer and as a person.
For those who may not have heard of me before, I want you to know that my work is not just a job—it’s a passion that I live and breathe every day. I am most proud of the body of work I’ve built, filled with stories, accomplishments, and memories that mean the world to me. I want my clients and followers to know that I strive to create more than just images; I aim to capture experiences, emotions, and moments that people will carry with them forever.
Every photograph is a piece of my journey, and every project is an opportunity to connect, create, and share a vision. I am incredibly grateful for every client, every challenge, and every chance to do what I love. I look forward to continuing this journey with as much passion as the day I first picked up a camera.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that stands out as a true test of my resilience is the moment I decided to leave my traditional job to fully commit to my passion for photography. It was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult and terrifying decisions of my life. I had spent years nurturing photography as a passion, but the thought of turning it into a full-time career seemed almost impossible. I was terrified of the unknown, of the potential for failure, and of losing something that had always brought me so much joy.
The fear of failure was real. Photography had been a part of my life since I was a child—it was intertwined with who I was. The thought of making it my livelihood brought with it an overwhelming pressure. What if I failed? What if I ended up resenting the very thing that had always brought me so much fulfillment? These questions haunted me, but eventually, I realized that the bigger risk was not giving myself the chance to try. The idea of staying in a job that left me feeling unfulfilled, of never knowing if I could make it as a professional photographer, was something I couldn’t live with.
The transition wasn’t smooth. The first few months (years) were some of the toughest I’ve experienced. There were times I questioned my decision, wondering if I had made a mistake. Finding clients, building a portfolio that would set me apart, and navigating the unpredictability of freelance work all presented challenges I wasn’t fully prepared for. I had to learn how to market myself, reach out to potential clients, and deal with the constant uncertainty of income. There were moments of doubt, moments where I felt overwhelmed, but I knew I couldn’t give up.
I reminded myself that resilience is about adapting to the challenges that come your way and pushing through even when it feels impossible. I took on every opportunity I could find, no matter how small, and worked tirelessly to prove to myself that I could make this dream a reality. Slowly but surely, things started to fall into place. My determination began to pay off—I started landing bigger projects, building connections, and seeing my work published in notable places. The thrill of those small wins kept me going, and every time I faced a setback, I learned from it and moved forward.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during this journey is that resilience isn’t about never feeling fear or doubt—it’s about feeling those things and continuing anyway. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone, take risks, and trust that my passion and dedication would see me through. Today, I can confidently say that making the leap into photography was the best decision I’ve ever made. The journey has not been easy, but it has been worth every challenge, and it has only deepened my love for photography. Resilience has allowed me to turn a lifelong passion into a fulfilling career, and I am grateful for every challenge that has shaped me into the photographer I am today.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that photography was meant to be an ultra-competitive field where you kept your cards close to your chest. When I first began pursuing photography more seriously, I thought the key to success was to protect my techniques, my insights, and my creative process. I believed that if I shared too much, I would be giving away my edge, making it easier for others to outcompete me.
This mindset, however, ended up being incredibly isolating. I realized over time that the real strength of our community lies in collaboration, not competition. Photography is an art form, and every photographer’s perspective is unique. The insights and techniques each of us develop through our journey are valuable, not just to us, but to the entire creative community. By keeping my knowledge to myself, I was not only stunting my own growth, but also missing out on the collective wisdom and support that comes from being part of a community.
The turning point for me was when I started attending workshops and collaborating with other photographers. I began to see firsthand how open conversations could spark creativity and lead to new opportunities. Sharing my experiences and learning from others allowed me to grow in ways that I never could have on my own. I realized that we are not competing against one another, but instead working towards a mutual goal: making a living by producing impactful work and sharing our creative vision with the world.
Unlearning the notion of ultra-competition has not only made me a better photographer, but it has also brought a deeper sense of fulfillment to my work. I’ve learned that the photography community thrives on collaboration, on building each other up, and on celebrating each other’s successes. This shift in mindset has allowed me to embrace my peers, learn from them, and share openly in return. It has made all the difference in my creative journey and continues to be a guiding principle in how I approach my work today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maxblakesberg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxblakesberg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-blakesberg/
Image Credits
© Max Blakesberg Studios 2024