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

Hi Bryan, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

The decision to walk away from my safety net, in aerospace, is easily the most difficult I’ve had to make. The conviction surrounding this decision is real. It is palpable. It is an every day journey between elation and struggle.

Being an engineer for 10+ was incredibly safe…until COVID. As I’m swimming on this river of safety, its covering up the sharp rocks and danger that lies below. With funding for projects all of a sudden vanishing at the end of 2019, I got to see the lack of creativity I was allowed in my positions.

Got to see companies prolong contracts by deferring creative engineering solutions. Padding time, in an effort to survive from their perspectives. I wanted no part of that. Their struggles became mine. My raise was the lowest it has ever been in 10 years, cutting a streak of plus 5% every year. I got to see the rocks under my boat…I began to sink and finally needed to evaluate my future. The goal is to provide, not just survive and push papers.

A friend of mine reached out and saw how many hours I was committing to being underappreciated in my specialized space. He asked me what I had a passion for…and that was enough for me to start the journey to entrepreneurship. I wanted to fly my drone. I wanted to capture memories. Thanks G.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I offer services in 3 primary tiers: 
*Residential (real estate) Photography/Video
*Event & Lifestyle Photography/Video
*Aerial Photo/VideoFor each, I love to tell the story of the event or setting through photos and videos. I’ve become a sponge in the area of video editing and cinematography in order to tell better stories that only the client and my imaginations can come up with.

 

I’ve been flying my drone for years and I just knew I wanted to tell stories with it that weren’t just mountaintops and freeway shots. It became the start of how I got to where I am now. Its what sets me apart from other event photographers. The ability to, at any given moment, throw my flying camera in the air and capture a POV that’s unique…Financially, though, there’s a lot to be desired. I understand my worth more now than ever, but my clientele and network needs to grow. That motivates me to do better. Growth, is a good problem as once these doors continue to open, I am prepared to execute.

I operate under the tagline “Views. Flow. Freedom”, with that comes my heart. It says that I want to tell your stories beautifully without limits to your imagination.

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 the distinction of being within an hour or so of most of its attractions. Albeit having crappy parking situations. That aside, I’d definitely try to get my friends active and outside to see some views that are moreso hidden and definitely not common.

I’d definitely love to start off with my favorite morning hike in Malibu, Escondido Falls and transition into brunch along the coastline, followed by hanging out in Leimert Park and soaking in art, music and convo. Id’ follow it up with either a trip to Laguna Beach’s caves, K1 Speed in Torrance or lounging at the rooftop in Intercontinental in LA…depends on the person. This is just one day…

Of course there would have to be at least a trip to Six Flags or Disneyland in there.

I wouldn’t try to do too many tourist spots, honestly I’m completely ok with one of those days being a game night session with other friends and potential networking opportunities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to A Little Day Brunch (@alittledaybrunch), Elevations Hookah (@elevationshookah) and Jesse Simmons Photography (@jessesimmonsphotography). Without meeting these 3 at my first event, I would not be here today. Its that simple.

Website: beacons.ai/ghostmodephotos

Instagram: @ghostmodephotos

Youtube: @zerox188

Image Credits
Bryan Proctor (me, ghostmodephotos llc)

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