We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrick Ang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrick below.
Patrick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I am very happy as a business owner but also scared of the insecurity of not having work. This year specifically was slow for myself and many of my colleagues so it’s kind of worrisome not knowing if I’ll have work so I can provide for my family. I do have to work hard and constantly build relationships with other vendors. Aside from the job security I love being a business owner and being my own boss. I create my own schedule and am self motivated to be better than I was yesterday. I especially love my schedule and having the time I have with my family. So, yes having a regular job would have a little more steady and predictable income but I wouldn’t trade the freedom and time spent with my family for anything else.
Patrick, 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?
Growing up I always had a passion for photography and cinema. I loved making videos starting back when I was in high school and skating with my friends after school. I never thought I could make a profession out of it until my wife and I had our first child and decided that I stay at home with her and pursue photography full time. I shot everything and everyone I could for free and when my name spread and I started getting paid for my work I found my calling. I love capturing people interacting with each other. I love weddings and love documenting everything from the beginning to the end of the day. What set’s me apart from others is my turn around. I usually turn around my work in a couple days. My brand is candid and photojournalistic. I love capturing from a distance and getting organic interactions with people not noticing I was even there.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I have a background in Engineering. I don’t have any education in photography and cinema and am all self taught. I do wish I had known this path I am on before so I could have started earlier and gotten more education but I also believe everything happens for a reason. I am who I am because of the choices I made and the mistakes I’ve learned from.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My career is a big pivot in my life. All my life I thought I was going to be an engineer and I would build things. But after college I realize that is not what I wanted to do. When I pivoted into photography I became truly happy and loved every minute of it. I never looked at the clock and anticipated when I could “clock out”. I love photography and cinema and want to better myself every time I shoot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patrickangphotography.com
- Instagram: patmanang
