We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vital Wilsh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vital, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Honestly, the biggest thing they did right was never trying to steer the ship for me — even though they easily could have. Both my parents are doctors — my dad was a well-respected one in my hometown, and my mom still practices — but they never once made me feel like I had to follow in their footsteps. Instead, they gave me space to figure out what actually lit me up inside, and then backed me fully once I found it.

My dad passed when I was 16, but even in those early years, he left this lasting imprint on how I see the world. He made life feel full of possibility. He talked about his early life and his career beginnings, family, and what mattered most in a way that made it clear success wasn’t just about status or money — it was about doing something meaningful and loving the people around you well.

One thing that sticks out: when I was maybe 12 or 13, I remember him saying something like, “Whatever you do, just make sure you’re proud to put your name on it.” That line’s followed me everywhere — into how I work, how I treat people, and how I live. It’s not about perfection, but about intention and care.

And then there’s my mom — my best friend, even from thousands of miles away. We talk all the time. She’s the kind of person who asks real questions and listens with her full self. She’s also wildly supportive, but never in a blind way — more like, “I see what you’re doing, and I believe in it, but I’m also here if you need to vent, pivot, or question it all.” That kind of steady, open-hearted support is rare, and it’s shaped how I show up in my own creative work — with empathy, honesty, and a strong sense of trust in the process.

Vital, 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?

I am the photographer and videographer behind Aesthetic Sabotage. I shoot weddings, elopements, and couples in love — mostly in LA and NY, and I try to do it in a way that feels raw, cinematic, and true to the people in front of the lens. My work’s all about sabotaging the “perfect” and making space for the real. The loud laughter. The quiet glances. The weird dance floor moves. The gut-punching vows. I’m not here to create a Pinterest board. I’m here to document what it felt like.

I didn’t go to art school or grow up with a camera in my hand. I found my way to photography more organically, through a mix of curiosity, people-watching, and an obsession with moments that go unnoticed. The kind of stuff most people miss because they’re too busy posing. That became the foundation of my work — capturing what’s actually happening, not what looks good on paper.

I like to think that I help my clients slow down, reconnect with each other, and feel comfortable being seen as they are. I also guide them through the planning side, from timelines to location scouting, because I’ve learned that the more trust and ease we build before the shoot, the more honest and alive the final photos feel.

What sets me apart? I guess it’s that I care more about connection than perfection. I’m not chasing trends or aesthetics for the sake of looking cool on Instagram — I’m looking for something deeper, something that’ll still hit years down the line.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Honestly, it hasn’t been one single book or course that shaped how I approach running a creative business. It’s been more of a slow blend of theoretical knowledge, experience, lots of practice with other photographers, mentors, and vendors, conversations, mistakes, and gut feelings over time. That said, there are a few things that stuck with me and shifted how I think about work, creativity, and building something sustainable.

“Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles was an eye-opener for me in how to think about client experience. That mindset has shaped how I handle communication, how I deliver photos, and even the way I guide people before and after shoots. It’s not about over-delivering in a performative way, it’s about caring enough to leave a lasting impression.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part is witnessing something real unfold and knowing I had the chance to notice it, honor it, and keep it alive through a photo or a frame of film for my clients. And now I am a small, but important part of their day, their lives, and their legacy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aestheticsabotagestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticsabotage