Meet Bradford Ferguson: Photographer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bradford Ferguson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bradford, how do you think about risk?
What is life without risk? Risk is taking a chance & without a chance, you cannot seek change. I think that risk is a major key in life at least in mine it is. Risk allows me to be where I’m at, although it’s not the BEST position I’m very thankful for the risks I have taken to learn outside my comfort zone. Comfort Zone can really keep you away from so many blessings, you being afraid to take risks will keep you where you are. I struggled for a while with my family financially & mentally, being young I couldn’t get a job, nobody wanted to hire me even at school. Risk took me to new heights & allowed me to create my own income in multiple ways. As scared as I was to invest huge amounts of money into my photography gear I had to remember “I gotta make this back & more”. This is always my mindset when making any purchases because that risk I’m taking has to be beneficial. Ive been homeless a few times, I know how it feels to not have much to nothing. With my career of being a photographer & entrepreneur, risks is apart of my daily life because I have to trust my intuition. I know I will be great, I will be where I wanna be, I will have an abundant amount of sucesss. Risks can go from small to big but never take a risk that is above your reach. As they say “scared money don’t make money”, so for me to make my money I have to take risks big & small. Until you have had your back against the wall you won’t understand how important risk is because without risks I would be in a worse postion than I am but because I see greater for myself I will take that risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Expressing my art through visuals like photography or videography when I can freely create is very story-driven. I love cinematography and a lot of my work is inspired by movies & small scenes. I love to create a video to a beat or a song I can visually create to. I’m proud that I haven’t quit despite all the things I have endured in my life. Growing up I use to dance as well as write poetry too. Creativity is what I love to do it’s saved my life honestly & without it, I probably would not be alive today. I’m excited to really grow as an artist because growth is everything to me. To always be a student at any time allows you to better build yourself & that excites me the most.

Two years ago my equipment was stolen out of my car IN DTLA by the same people who parked my car and held on to my keys. I lost over $3000 ib equipment and had to bring myself back up. I worked hours at work, hours staying up going to shoots, some people even helped donate to help me get some of my stuff back. It was nowhere near easy to get to where I am now & even then I’m not where I want to be just yet.

I learned so much getting to this point in my life. One specifically was boundaries, that goes for my photoshoots & my own set boundaries I set for myself so others cannot cross that line. I learned contracts are very important & working with clients I found out it is very vital to have!

I just want the world to know that my brand isn’t just about photography, I have other projects I work on by myself but as well with a team! I know what my purpose is in life & I’m huge on giving back and mental health. My goal is to change homelessness as well as help with mental health in the coomunity. Help others find someone who actually cares to help others mentally. I will do it with a team, I will do it with my own funds, & I will work hard to achieve my goals. I love what I do because I’ve been doing it for years, so why not keep going to pursue what I was sent here to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came out we would for sure get some Wii Jammin Breakfast & head to this spot with the LA View to sit & eat. We would definitely go hiking in hermit falls to enjoy the view as well as the peaceful hike up. We can go to the museum of illusions ( Use to work there ask for me ) its great for pictures as well as walking the Hollywood walk of fame. You come to LA you come to see as much as you can. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few shout-outs actually. First goes to God because as many times I have wanted to quit and drop everything he had my back. As well thank you to my Uncle Rey for really supporting me in my photography although we use to heads he always has his best interests at heart. Thank you to AICC (American Indian Council Center) for mentoring me for 10+ years to help me better myself mentally. Lastly thank you to all my close friends who have really supported me through my dark times & still support me in my dreams.

Website: https://acedibwai.wixsite.com/acedibwai

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acedibwai/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/acedibwai

Image Credits
All Pictures besides of me are taken by me Models @dspicegurl @chrishnadagod @kimburleesanchez @ysabelhilado @xo_baeron @thankyousmith