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

Hi Connor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always taking photos, but I always felt like I could do more with it. Fastforward to around 13, I decided to start sharing my photos with friends instead of keeping them to myself. Then at 16, someone told me, “Why not share your work with the world? Your shots are amazing!” That was a turning point for me. I created my Instagram account, ConnorPaulos, and started selling prints of my work through ConnorPaulos.darkroom.com. I began promoting my work all over Instagram, and although my business has only been up for a short time, it’s been going really well. My advice to anyone thinking about starting something is simple: take the risk. Do what you’re passionate about, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

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’ve never been one to compare myself to others, because I’ve learned that doing so can make you lose sight of why you’re creating in the first place. Art should be about personal expression, not competition. So when asked what sets me apart, I’d rather leave that up to others to decide.

Getting to where I am today has definitely been a journey, and I’m far from done with the climb. It hasn’t been easy – there have been countless times I felt burnt out or didn’t want to keep editing or posting. But I pushed through because I wanted to prove to myself that I could make it happen. And looking back, it was worth it. Getting recognition from platforms like ShoutoutLA has been a huge blessing and a reminder that perseverance really does pay off.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay in my own lane and not get distracted by other people’s success. I’ve realized that this art is mine, and it’s for me to own. The moment I stopped comparing myself to others, I was able to focus on my own growth.

I want the world to know that if I can do this at 17, so can you, no matter your age. Take the time to understand the creative process and learn how to promote yourself, and you’ll succeed. It’s not easy, but with patience and persistence, anything is possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can’t go wrong with the iconic spots in the city, but there are definitely some underrated gems worth checking out. Start with Griffith Park for a hike and phenomenal views of the Hollywood Sign, or head to Leo Carrillo Beach if you’re looking for some peaceful ocean vibes. For food, you can’t miss Gladstones for a laid-back seafood experience with a beautiful view, or Casa Vega for classic Mexican cuisine. If you’re craving something casual, Paquito Mas has the best burritos around. For a little culture, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must for any car enthusiast, and La Brea Tar Pits offers a fascinating look at prehistoric life in the heart of Los Angeles. If you’re looking to grab a late night bite, head over to Carnies for some of the best burgers and fries. It’s a mix of the classics and hidden treasures, offering a true taste of LA life!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my friends and everyone who’s believed in me throughout this journey – you all have played such an important part in getting me here.

A special thank you to my mom and dad I love you both. Without your support, none of this would be possible, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me.

Lastly, I want to thank my girlfriend, Chrissa, for being there for me, especially in those moments when I doubted myself. Your belief in me has kept me going, and I can’t thank you enough.

Website: https://www.connorpaulos.photography

Instagram: @ConnorPaulos

Other: https://connorpaulos.darkroom.com

(Where I sell my prints)

Image Credits
Me (Connor Paulos)

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