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

Hi Brett, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking has definitely played a factor for me. In 2013, I started traveling solo. My first trip was to Buenos Aires. I did have some trepidation traveling by myself into a foreign country, however the excitement to explore was far greater. When I saw Steve McCurry’s photos from Southeast Asia, I made it a point to visit India & Myanmar so I could capture my own images from these wonderful countries. Many friends and co-workers would ask, is it safe to visit, aren’t you afraid you will get sick? My visit to Myanmar was in April of 2015, one month after the country transitioned away from being run by the military, towards that of a democracy. I was uncertain of what to expect given the recent change, and was checking the local newspapers daily. I always try to prepare as much as I can and do my best to understand the place that I am visiting so I can have a safe and fun experience. Luckily for me, this strategy has served me well in my travels. To date i have visited: Rio De Janeiro, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Argentina, India, Myanmar, Uganda, Colombia, Spain, Tanzania & Zanzibar, Italy (Venice,Florence,Rome), England, Amsterdam,Japan, Turkey, Peru & Greece.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have juggled a career in hospitality along with photography for some years. It has definitely been a balance and at times has been quite challenging juggling the two. Often times after work I will be shooting in the studio, or coming home to edit photos. Sometimes I could be starting my day at 6am and not getting home until 10pm. Since there is only so much time in the day, I have had to make adjustments to my schedule to help make sure I have the necessary time to accomplish what is needed, which usually means cutting out some gym time, and cutting out some time in the kitchen to free up more time for editing and shooting. While most of the work that I have been recognized for is in Travel Photography, I have completed a new body of work that is quite different from my travel photography. My new project was shot in studio over the past 4 months with models, and incorporates patterned backgrounds into the models clothing with the use of photoshop. I was excited to try this new concept.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles has so many great spots, which makes it a challenge to narrow it down. Having grown up in LA, and worked in hospitality, I would make the following recommendations:
Day 1: Malibu : visit Getty Villa, for lunch Lobster Roll at Broad St. Oyster in the Malibu Country Mart, and spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. A good dinner choice in Malibu would be Nobu, or Geoffreys.
Day 2: Beverly Hills: walking, shopping, and having lunch at Avra or the Polo Lounge. A good dinner choice in Beverly Hills would be Steak 48.
Day 3: DTLA: visit the Broad Museum and the Infinity Room, and visit Chinatown. Have lunch at Yang Chow in Chinatown. For dinner, head to Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.
Day 4: Santa Monica and Venice Beach: I always enjoy riding bikes to the Venice Canals and also along the beach. I would recommend breakfast at Coast Cafe at Shutters on the Beach. For Lunch Gjelina in Venice, and dinner at Felix in Venice. Cocktail hour at Hotel Casa Del Mar during sunset.
Day 5: Universal Studios, Hollywood walk, and dinner at Musso Frank for the old school LA nostalgia vibes.

Depending on the season, a Dodger game, or Laker game could be worked in.
Also an overnight in either Palm Springs or Santa Barbara if time permits.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to dedicate this shoutout to Hermine Beck. She passed away a few years ago, but she was like my adopted grandmother to me. She encouraged me to grow in so many different directions and to get outside of my comfort zone. She encouraged me towards a healthier lifestyle in purchasing me a gym membership. She encouraged me to pursuit photography, taking night classes after work and buying me my first photography books (by Steven McCurry and Sebastiao Salgado). She also encouraged me to go to culinary school. As someone who traveled the world as well, she was always able to give me travel advice and tips. I am so grateful for the time we shared together and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her influence.

Website: https://Brettzapelphotography.com

Instagram: Bzapelphoto

Facebook: https:facebook.com/BrettZapelPhotography

Other: my website shows my new project, whereas my Instagram and Facebook are dedicated for my travel photography

Image Credits
All of the images are my images
for the last image:
Model: Sly Powell (instagram:slyy.powell)

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