Meet Alan Escalante | Photographer and Videographer

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

Hi Alan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The way I think about balance isn’t necessarily unique, but it’s influenced by multiple sources. One of the biggest inspirations is my partner, Arissa. Over the years, they’ve helped me realize that prioritizing my mental and physical health is more important than the constant “grind” that’s so glorified nowadays. That’s not to say hard work and dedication aren’t valuable, but like with everything, moderation is key. Of course, I’m still working on maintaining a healthy balance every day—it’s a process. Some days I manage it well, and other days, not so much.

Another influence is my upbringing. Even now, after 26 years, I see my father working 12-hour days or longer. A part of me admired his dedication, but selfishly, I also hated it. I think I just wanted to spend more time with him and my family. That experience shaped my perspective—I don’t ever want to be that way if I have children. At the very least, I’d want to find ways to mitigate it and be more present.

I also see friends who are entrepreneurs and business owners facing similar challenges. Some manage to stay balanced, while others struggle with the toll it takes on their daily lives, relationships, and health. Watching them has made me more conscious of how important it is to find ways to balance working and living while continually improving in this area.

Regardless of these influences, owning a business is undeniably difficult, and there are times when you have to push yourself beyond your normal limits. Recently, I worked four consecutive 18-hour days to handle a week packed with multiple project deadlines and a new client requesting a two-day turnaround. Being a small business owner means stepping up in those situations and doing what it takes to deliver. Even on those exhausting days, though, I made it a priority to carve out time—whether during a break or after my workday—to connect with friends.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a constant effort to ensure I’m not just working, but also living.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Twin Lens Productions apart from other small production companies is our focus on serving small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I have a deep respect for fellow entrepreneurs. I understand how challenging it is to run your own business, and I’m committed to offering great prices that are accessible to small businesses.

We recognize that the needs of small businesses can vary, so we offer flexible pricing to match those diverse requirements. While we aspire to grow and take on larger, more complex projects in the future, I never want to lose the ability to support mom-and-pop shops. That’s where so many great businesses begin, and I believe everyone deserves access to high-quality images and videos to help market their brand and tell their story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It really depends on the friend and their interests, but if a friend were visiting me in LA for a week, there are definitely a few must-visit spots I’d take them to. LA is such a huge city with endless options, so for food, I’d probably hit up Holbox in LA, Higher Taste in Long Beach, Here Fishy Fishy in K-Town, Men Oh in the Arts District, Taberu in the Arts District, Mr. BBQ in Fullerton, and Smorgasburg in LA.

I’m a big coffee enthusiast, so I’d also make sure to visit some of my favorite coffee spots across LA and OC. A few places I’d take them to include Sala Coffee and Wine in Long Beach, Play Coffee in Orange, Common Room in Long Beach, and any of Anomaly Coffee Company’s pop-ups.

For entertainment, I’d probably check out a few comedy shows at UCB or the Elysian Theater—they always have great lineups and a fun atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people in my life to thank, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge a few who have made a significant impact on my journey.

First, a huge thank you to Sebastian Aparicio for being such an incredible person and for recommending me for this interview. I truly appreciate you and your support!

Second, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my partner, Arissa Avila. I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without them. They inspire me to strive for more while also keeping me grounded when I’m at risk of taking on too much. Their support means more to me than they probably realize, and I’m endlessly grateful for them.

Lastly, I want to thank my friend, manager, and fellow business owner, Noah Vernick, who owns Anomaly Coffee Company in Long Beach, CA. Noah has been instrumental in helping me grow as a business owner and person. Whether it’s encouraging me to be more detail-oriented or pushing me to acquire new clients, he continually inspires me to improve. I can genuinely say I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and friendship.

Website: https://Twinlensproductions.com

Instagram: @alanescalante and @Twinlensproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-e-a2a214117/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alanescalante1