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

Hi Greg, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
If I didn’t take risks I’d never start anything, so going out on a limb is critical for me to make any progress. The problem is that extending myself isn’t natural for me. It’s not failure that scares me, failure I don’t believe too much in. It’s more the risk of being seen, the risk of being vulnerable.

My instinct, my defense, is to try to control things, so that I can make the “best” work possible. Spoiler: that thinking is flawed… it’s based in fear, it doesn’t work, and it’s not true. My best work actually occurs when I’m not in control of everything. When I don’t know how it ends.

For example, I remember hesitating on a personal project called A La Mode because I wanted different equipment, the perfect location, etc. These were excuses. I was afraid I wasn’t going to get it right. Once I decided to jump in, the project took off in all sorts of wonderful directions I hadn’t anticipated. In fact I originally thought the project was about ice cream, but it revealed to me that it’s also about appreciating the moment. The experience was profound and it yielded images that reflect the process.

A La Mode taught me a lot about myself. It turns out no one cares if I get it right, it’s better to get it done. And it’s best to not focus on what you don’t have. Better to take what you do have and make the best thing possible. For me, each project is an education. With each risk, an evolution.

My favorite projects are the ones where the mission is to better understand myself and how I relate to the world around me. To grow. No risk, no growth.

If I know all the answers before I begin a project, the possibilities are finite. But when I’m open to the process, when I trust it and respect it, and I allow it to lead me… anything is possible. It’s healthy to be a little scared and I’m slowly getting better at it. Sometimes the risk is the reason I start the project.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded Atwater Photo Camp to empower kids through photography. We’re not just teaching kids to make pretty pictures, but rather helping them believe in themselves. We liberate their creative vision and inspire them to see the world through their own unique lens. It’s super exciting to ignite passion in someone and watch it catch fire. I’ve witnessed APC make a difference in its campers and help them see in new ways. It’s thrilling. I’m so proud of the work we do, the team who does it and the kids involved. It’s an honor.

The daily challenges that surface in any business present difficult decisions. I’ve learned that having a clear mission statement is like a compass, it makes choosing a direction much simpler. Years ago I decided to only involve myself in work that I whole heartedly believe in. This makes navigating the mountains and pitfalls more manageable.

The camp is similar to my own photography in that I’m motivated by my desire to learn and grow and evolve. Teaching keeps everything fresh for me. A new photographer’s honesty, enthusiasm and curiosity is infectious; and it often helps me access a state of wonder, which is so easily lost among day to day activities.

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.
An LA adventure begins in our home turf of Northeast LA, which may include breaking bread at Kitchen Mouse or Guisados, or Grand Central Market in DTLA. Maybe a walk through the peaceful Self Realization Center in Mt. Washington. Spend some time at the Getty Center or the Geffen in Little Tokyo or the museum at the top of Forest Lawn Cemetery. Catch an exhibit at Hauser & Wirth or the Perfect Exposure Gallery. A day at Matador Beach followed by sunset at the Malibu Fish Stand or the Reel Inn. A picnic at Hollywood Forever’s Cinespia. Live music, like my friends Jim Bianco or the Evangenitals, or a show at UCB or the Improv. And I better not forget Historia, NELA’s own the personal essay show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my 20s I read Elia Kazan’s advice to Wesleyan students: What Makes a Director. It suggests that myriad experiences inform his craft, including music, art, poetry, dance and film as well as sports, war, weather and animals among many others. Everything that has led up to this moment has informed my work and who I am today… cooking in countless kitchens, working in an Alaskan fishery, Asbury Park summers in the 70s… The list is endless, but a few things that come to mind are my parents who have infused me with a passion for culture and taught me about integrity and empathy and love. My grandmother, who wisely once told me that “the most important thing in life is laughter, something to laugh about.” Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, notably the poem The Mustn’ts. I recently rewatched Funny Bones, love that film, it’s about taking risks. My dear friend Sean Sullivan for everything, including the important introduction to John Prine. The infinitely inspiring (and funny) Robin Reiser, whom I happen to be married to. And of course the kids. Mainly my son, who teaches me something new every day, but also my students & campers, who are a deep and endless well of wisdom.

Website: http://www.gregcohenphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deggyphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregcohenphoto

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atwater-photo-workshops-los-angeles-2

Other: https://atwaterphotocamp.com Atwater Photo Camp IG: https://www.instagram.com/atwaterphoto Atwater Photo Camp FB https://www.facebook.com/APWseeforyourself:

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.