As digital photography replaces nearly every old form of media, more and more people are trying to become freelancers in this area. Once they discover that the job takes a lot more than owning a pricey camera, the vast majority of people find other careers. Nevertheless, one of the few who succeeded is Avery Arjang. Besides the fact that she traveled to almost half of the states for client work, she is now a go-to artist for many individuals. Due to her long-lasting experience, she has learned how to take advantage of the rich scenery and create emotionally appealing, colorful, and storytelling shots. As her business kept growing over the last few years, she invested in better equipment and now owns half a dozen cameras. Regardless, Ms. Arjang continues to prove that a high-resolution tool does not make a good photographer any more than a pen makes a good novel writer. Avery Arjang discusses travel photography in the following interview.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
Taking pictures of places that I have never visited before. When you practice your photography locally, you visit all the areas worthy of mention fast. Eventually, you run out of ideas for locations where your clients can get their photos taken. I mean, you can only use a local park for graduation photo-shoots a certain number of times. After a while, you start to worry that people will realize that you always have the same background. When you travel, on the other hand, everything you see is something new. Whether it is beautiful or not does not even matter. The only thing that matters is that you can aim your camera lens at an object or scenery and capture it.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
I consider it my lifestyle at the moment. Eventually, I will reduce the number of annual trips that I take, as traveling can be taxing on the body. For now, however, visiting my clients is one of the most exciting aspects of this job. Also, I do it so much that it has become an integrated part of my every-day life. Hence why I would say it is a lifestyle.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I am scheduled to visit Houston during the last week of April and Oklahoma City at the beginning of May. One of those trips will be a part of my long-term project while the other one is for leisure. But then again, even when I go somewhere as a part of a project, I can quickly turn it into a fun experience by exploring.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Sign up for airline points programs if you are traveling a lot. Most companies offer online enrollment, and it is quite easy. The reason why I suggest doing so is that you can earn substantial rewards after a while. For example, I was able to take two free flights last year just because I received enough bonus miles. It is just another easy way to have your traveling work for you by creating future discounts!
Where would you like to go?
I want to visit Paris one day. France, in general, seems to be a bucket-list destination for many photographers. Mostly, I think that is because there are so many things you can take pictures of. In my case, I am curious about finding ways to take different photos that display originality. I mean, everyone has already seen the traditional shots of the Eiffel Tower. It would be interesting to try and capture it in a new, unprecedented way.
Where would you like to revisit?
I would like to go back to New York City sometime soon. I went there during my freshmen year of high school when photography was not a part of my life. Meaning, I have no evidence to go along with my stories. So, I hope to go back and take a few pictures that can go into my collection.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I travel alone because I spend too much time outside to be with someone. Usually, I will either work with a client or explore the area. That means that I rarely come back to the hotel room and, sadly, most people do not like this approach. At least, most people that I have taken with me before.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
Dallas, Denver, and Sacramento. These three cities left such a great impression on me that I always tell people to visit them when possible.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
Very light. Besides the bulky cameras and accessories, I do not pack a lot. I usually base my decisions on what clothes to bring by looking at how long the trip will be. Since most of my trips are very short, I can get by with a tiny backpack. There are times, however, when I am attending formal events like weddings or graduation gatherings. In those cases, I bring whatever will satisfy the dress code.