Meet Skyler Wagoner | Photographer / Entrepreneur

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

Hi Skyler, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was during the COVID-19 pandemic when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time photographer. With no financial safety net, I lived in my car for four months, relying solely on photography gigs to make a living. At the time, everything was shut down—gyms, public restrooms, and other essential facilities—so I had to find creative ways to get by.

During those months, I faced immense challenges, but I also met an incredible group of friends who offered me places to sleep, shower, and cook warm meals. By the fourth month, I had saved enough from photography jobs to move into a small shared apartment. Looking back, it was an incredibly difficult period, but it reinforced my resilience and commitment to my craft. That decision, though tough, ultimately shaped my career and made me even more determined to succeed.

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 wholeheartedly believe in my art. In a time when many create just to keep up with social media trends, my journey has been a 14-year commitment to mastering my craft. What sets me apart is not just my work itself, but my story, my determination, and my unwavering commitment to pursuing photography—no matter what challenges arise.

I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown, both as an artist and as a business owner. The progress I’ve made in my work and the experiences I’ve gained along the way are a testament to my perseverance. I’ve gotten to where I am today simply because I never gave up. That, I believe, is one of the key differences between myself and others—I remained committed through every setback, trusting that if I stayed the course, the universe would open the right doors.

This journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up in Indiana, I faced a lack of creative community and industry opportunities, which made pursuing photography feel even more challenging. I knew that in order to build the career I dreamed of, I had to move to a place that truly valued art and offered real opportunities to make a living from it. That decision led me to Los Angeles, where I’ve been able to fully immerse myself in my craft.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons—most importantly, to keep pushing forward. You never know when one opportunity, one phone call, or one moment could change your entire life. Imagine if you gave up the day before that moment arrived? That thought keeps me motivated to see how far I can take this dream. I’ve also learned that success is not just about talent or hard work, but about leading with love, being a good person first, and staying true to what you love.

What I want the world to know about me is that I believe life is meant to be lived fully and authentically. The fact that we exist at all is a statistical miracle, and that alone makes every moment extraordinary. I chose to dedicate my life to photography, and in return, it has introduced me to incredible people, taken me to breathtaking places, and given me unforgettable experiences. My advice? Make your life count. Trust your intuition—it will never lead you in the wrong direction.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to make sure they had the best time and really got to experience what makes LA special.

First stop—Malibu. Almost everyone I know who visits wants to see the ocean and spend time in nature, and there’s no better place for that than Malibu. We’d drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stop at some scenic overlooks, maybe hike to a hidden beach, and just take in that classic California coastline.

For food, I’d have to take them to 10 BBQ in Koreatown for some amazing Korean barbecue—it’s always a fun experience, especially if they’ve never had it before. Another must is Kai Ramen in Santa Monica, my go-to spot for some of the best ramen in the city.

We’d also do a day trip to Laguna Beach—it’s a completely different vibe from LA, with beautiful hidden coves, crystal-clear water, and a more laid-back energy. It’s the perfect place to just walk around, check out some local shops, and catch a sunset.

Other than that, it really depends on what they’re into. We could explore downtown LA’s art scene, catch some live music at a cool hidden venue, or just spend the night driving around the city, stopping at some of my favorite lookout spots. There’s always something to do here, and I’d want to make sure they got the full experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to everyone who has supported me—whether by recommending my work, offering opportunities, or simply encouraging me along the way. I’m especially grateful to those who have taken the time to listen to my story and understand the dedication it takes to pursue a dream. Their belief in me has made all the difference, and they know who they are.

Website: https://www.skylerwagoner.com

Instagram: @skylerwagoner

Youtube: @skylerwagoner

Image Credits
All Images taken by me Skyler Wagoner

Names of people featured:

Studio with Gold Teeth – Rashawn Banz
Studio with Cig – Olivia Ruby
Cowboy Silhouette – Drew Venegas for For Those Who Sin
Two Women – Deja Monet & Maureen Tang
Red Gloves – Rashawn Banz
Last Photo – Myself and Zack Bond