Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rubén Avendaño. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rubén, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

After graduating high school, I worked at a printing shop, uncertain about my future. I planned to take a year off before continuing my education. Around that time, my uncle encouraged me to apply for a job at a prestigious film developing company. It offered great pay and the chance to help my family through a difficult financial time.

But instead, I followed my passion. I enrolled in film school, took out large loans, and made an already challenging financial situation even harder. My mother was understandably upset, but I had a vision for my future. That choice was my first lesson in betting on myself.

Four years later, with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, I finished college and got my first job in reality TV. I started fixing office machines but soon transitioned to traveling with productions. The day I picked up a camera for the first time, my life changed forever.

Now, nearly 25 years later, I still feel the same excitement every time I hit record or snap a photo. I’ll never forget watching the first show I filmed with my mom, seeing my name in the credits, and hearing her say in Spanish, “I’m so proud of you.” That moment made every struggle worthwhile.

If you ask how I want to be remembered, it’s simple: I want to be someone who dreamed big, worked hard, and had the courage to believe in himself. I hope my story inspires others to do the same.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For nearly 25 years, my life has centered around capturing and documenting beauty through images. This career has taken me across the globe, introduced me to fascinating people, and immersed me in countless cultures. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to culturally significant television shows, earning Emmy nominations along the way. These experiences have ultimately led me to embrace my role as a fine art photographer and artist.

While I’ve loved working in television, it’s a collaborative effort—a team sport shaped by many talented voices, each leaving their mark on a project. Fine art photography, on the other hand, is deeply personal. It allows me to channel the full spectrum of my experiences—the good, the bad, and the messy—and reflect the world as I see it. It’s my way of speaking without compromise, free from anyone else’s direction.

Now, with some life experience behind me, I feel I finally have something meaningful to say, and I hope to express it fully through my art.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I once read a quote by Henry David Thoreau that has stayed with me: “Man is not looking for something to do, but something to be.” This thought has echoed throughout my adult life. It rings true for me—I’m not searching for tasks to fill my time, but for a deeper understanding of who I am and a way to express that truth.

For many years, film and television served as that outlet. But in recent years, our industry has been struggling. After the pandemic, work dried up, and following the strikes, job losses continued as positions left our state and even our country. To compound the situation, Los Angeles was ravaged by catastrophic fires, which further paused production in a city that once thrived. It has been an incredibly difficult time for many, myself included. People have lost their homes; families have been torn apart; and the future remains uncertain as many search for new opportunities.

While I’ve also ventured into fine art photography, I am faced with the stark reality that it is very difficult to sustain a family on art alone. Now, at the midpoint of my life, I am beginning to accept the possibility that I may need to pivot professionally. It’s hard to fathom how painful it can be to watch something you love slip away, through no fault of your own, and how daunting it is to pick up the pieces and start anew.

The good news, however, is that I am blessed with a certain kind of aggressive optimism. I believe in myself and in my abilities. Whatever the next chapter holds for me, I will approach it with unyielding passion, because that’s the only way I know how to be.

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

In recent years, there’s been a growing divide among Americans, and I fear it will only widen in the coming years, making things even more chaotic. Still, I believe art has the power to connect us. It gives marginalized voices the chance to share their stories, shedding light on issues and injustices that often go unnoticed. During times of societal unrest, artists are the ones who challenge us, pushing us to confront our discomfort and rethink the world we live in.

Through my own journey, I’ve found real reward in sharing my art—in being vulnerable and honest. In a world that’s increasingly divided, we need art now more than ever. It’s through the beauty and understanding art offers that we’re reminded of what’s worth fighting for, even in the face of ugliness. Art is both a mirror and a diary, reflecting society’s heart and soul. To understand ourselves better, we must embrace it more fully. There’s no greater reward than sharing my truth, hoping that by doing so, I can better understand others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rubenavendano.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameraruben/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cameraruben
• Other: If you wish to purchace my art email me at [email protected]