Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Wilson-Navarro.
Hi Ian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was honestly a pretty bad student and knew from a young age that I had to find an alternative career to pursue as a path through academia was not for me. When I turned 18, I took six months to travel through Central America in search of that something. I only had my phone and a GoPro (that eventually got stolen) and took photos along the way and started noticing how much I enjoyed preserving memories of the people I was traveling with and the joy they had when I’d share the photos with them. When I got back to the states, I picked up my first DSLR and dedicated all my free time to studying the works of photographers who were doing what I wanted to do. It took roughly four years and a lot of mistakes after acquiring the first camera to actually start working full time as a photographer but the journey was entirely worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. The road continues to flood and is full of potholes. I’m constantly problem-solving and learning as I go. The easy part for me will always be creating the image. The challenges typically come after the image has been created. How do I get this published, what to charge, maintaining a standard of quality, keeping up with consistent social posting. I’m constantly dealing with the little things that make up a photography business. Luckily I’ve built up a solid network of friends and mentors who have been through it all that I continue to look back to for guidance.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As of right now, I’d say I’m an outdoor adventure and lifestyle photographer with a focus on the landscapes and activities found in the South. As a creative though I’m always evolving and looking forward to what to create next and whom to collaborate with. Most people know me for my Florida flyfishing & surfing work, but I’ve also focused a lot of my efforts on telling conservation stories here in Florida and highlighting the people who dedicate their lives towards protecting our environment. I’m definitely most proud of those stories and would like to dedicate more time to them moving forward.
I think my ability to bridge those worlds (adventure & conservation) and find parallels within them is what has allowed me to set myself apart from others.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Orlando’s centralized place within the state and its proximity to some of my favorite natural environments the state has to offer. I wish the city would focus less on building cookie-cutter sprawling development and more on finding ways to grow without destroying more natural habitats. Too much concrete lacking any sort of charm and not enough green.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ianwilsonmedia.com
- Website: ianwilsonmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianwilsonn/
Image Credits
@ianwilsonn
