Meet Brian Wangenheim | Photographer & Visual Artist

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

Hi Brian, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started work I was 18 and I did background acting, this was just to try out working for the first time, then I did work as a security guard and other odd-jobs, but the creative arts was all just a passion and a hobby over time. When you are younger your values are different and life is different when you get older have a family, and learn about the work, working becomes something totally new. When I was younger I was mostly occupied with some sort of 9-5 job, but after college, I made sure to save my money and make important decisions who I would work for because I valued my time and freedom above all. I never liked working for someone else and after I learned from several different kinds of jobs I realized, well – I can work for myself! and that is what I have been doing, working a photography career and also pursuing other fun creative ventures. Finding that balance is going to be different for everyone but for me, right now, it means doing photography in California, living in the desert, living a quiet and peaceful life, spending time with family and trying my best to create inspiring work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a photographer who does photography, yes technically, I guess I am a business owner, but I don’t see it that way. I see myself more as an artist that is hired by people to create art for them. Another reason why I identify more as an artist, is my curiosity of the world. I love to explore by myself and with my family trying new things and having new experiences. Currently, I am taking a ceramics class and absolutely love it! I think that people should take their creative skills from whatever artistic job they have and try to apply it in different areas. You can see my ceramics work on instagram at @brianmakesceramics. One big thing I’ve learned along the way, is you have to find peace within yourself and you should work really hard to create harmony in your life, for me I’ve fed the spiritual part of me to find that peace. And believe me, my life is definitely not all peace, but I always try to work towards that. I also believe that you should create things that just make you happy, when you stop trying to make everyone happy, there is definitely some peace in that. I just keep creating because inspiration is something that keeps all of us motivated in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I believe in spontaneity. Meaning travel should have some rules and guides, but never a firm plan. I would stay in a nice hotel, have breakfast at a cafe, go to a museum, park, or some other local entertainment. Take a break back at the hotel, maybe go for a swim. Make my own lunch. Then go back out at night for some photography or to grab a dessert. Keep it simple, keep it random. I use Google Maps to give me insight in an area. But there are so. many great and fun things to do out there, I couldn’t just reccomened one place or thing! But breakfast is important, definitely find a good breakfast and some amazing coffee.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to Jesus and God, because it has been my personal faith that has given me everything I need to be the best version of myself.

Website: brianwangenheim.info

Instagram: @brian_photographer_111

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wangenheim-410038269/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianWangenheim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083907742797

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbt-Sb1CITqrbZ6AS8r_Leg

Other: my ceramics Instagram: @brianmakesceramics