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

Hi Drew, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I truly believe that artists create their greatest work when they feel supported, relaxed, and empowered. I always strive to achieve that vibe when I’m working with others because this field of work is incredibly people-oriented. Being kind, funny, and easy to work with has gotten me through many doors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been hesitant to refer to myself as an artist because I’m completely self-taught and haven’t received a degree or certification of any kind. I also find the “art” world’s acceptance to be arbitrary and sometimes even elitist. I don’t consider my work to be my “craft”. I’m not capturing people’s souls in “photographs” and I’m definitely not changing the world. I just love taking pictures of things, capturing them in my own intuitive way, and sharing that with people. I never get tired of it and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to support myself financially with it.

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 much to offer! Theoretically, you can ski and surf on the same day during a visit. You can try every cuisine imaginable. There’s architecture, history, museums, theme parks, and plenty of outdoor activities. I don’t think you can take in the full scope of the city in one visit. That said, I would take a friend to cafe Gratitude on Rodeo for breakfast, then head to the Santa Monica pier, followed by a trip to the Getty Villa, followed by a dinner at Nobu in Malibu.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband’s support. He has believed in me since day one when I didn’t even know how to operate a camera but desperately wanted to. He has worked as my agent, my assistant, my stylist and my therapist over the course of the last six years. Without him I would be nowhere.

Website: www.drewblackwell.com

Instagram: @drewblackwellphoto

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