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

Hi Cody, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is the reason why I am here. For so long I was hesitant to take risks within my career but I got to a point where I realized I was going nowhere if I didn’t risk betting on myself. Ultimately the way I see risks now, I have less fear of what the outcome will be and have gained more curiosity as to where I will find myself after making the decisions that feel “risky”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The road to becoming a professional photographer was NOT easy, but I always knew that if I stuck with it, I could really make something of myself. There have been days where I don’t have the mindset to get out of bed, let alone pick up my camera. But I’ve come to the realization that those moments are exactly when you must push yourself through it all, no matter the pain or circumstances. Every time I’ve kept going, or continued to believe in myself when others don’t, I’ve proved to myself that the trust within will guide you. Creating images has always been a way for me show people, a glimpse of how I see the world, humanity, & nature. I feel that if I can invoke an emotion in someone, simply from seeing one of my shots, then that’s good enough for me.

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?
Ooo okay, I love this! First and foremost, coffee is a must so I’d have to recommend Deeply, located in Downtown Orlando. Great people, incredible vibe, and even better music. Secondly, I am huge on nature, so I’d definitely take them on a hike. There’s actually more nature here in Orlando than most people realize so I love being able to show friends that. Thirdly I’d have to drop in at Z Co-space & Clubhouse, they’ve got great mock tails, hookah, a podcast studio, and incredible art all over the place. A few honorable restaurant mentions would have to be, Black Rooster – absolute best tacos in Orlando. Tori Tori, Black Bean Deli, Susuru to name a few.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, the people around me have constructively pushed me towards accomplishing my goals, and not just in my career, but in my personal life, as well as my mentality. I’d like to Shoutout my partner Julia, who without perhaps none of this would be possible. My brother Paul, I have gained more perspective from you than most people get from their siblings. I’d also like to shoutout Andre & Kristian, Wahid & Jalani, Ayman & Anna. I am so grateful to be around people who want to grow with me.

Website: iammediaproductions.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamcodysmind?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcodysmind?s=21&t=o86B93Z9zx3wUM9nQk6vDQ

Image Credits
All images are shot & edited by me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.