Meet Andrew Ortega | Freelance Photographer

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

Hi Andrew, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I believe there are some good rules of thumb when it comes to habits to help you succeed. My most important, highly ranked habit for success would have to be punctuality. A lot can be said about someone who shows up when they say they would and delivers a product or service in the time allotted. Punctuality can instill trust and faith in an individual; I believe that is something everyone needs to succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography is something that I have more recently gained an affinity for. Some people like to narrow themselves down to one or two niche fields and really master that craft, but I haven’t found “the one” type that I love most. My photography interests pull me to product photography, street photography, landscape, lifestyle, concert, event, and of course portraits. This is actually more downfall than it is a positive believe it or not. A jack of all trades but a master of none, as they say. The way I have been able to overcome this minor hindrance is by surrounding myself with people who are more versed in those niches and learning everything I can from them. Trying to build skills in all aspects of photography makes you better in every way. These lessons in specific fields can be carried over to other disciplines making you more well-rounded. This is also a great way to network and find work within many forms of photography.

Through my short journey in photography, I’ve learned that, while making money is important, sometimes free work can be just as valuable. I’m by no means saying to do everything for free but there are opportunities that may arise that help you in more ways than one. Don’t pass down an amazing networking opportunity just because it “doesn’t pay enough”. The connections you make could be more valuable than a few hundred dollars. It’s always important to weigh out the pros and cons of any event, especially if they aren’t paying you.

I always thought myself to be very analytical, not so artistic. Photography has shown me that you can defiantly be both and there is nothing more exciting than showing yourself you can do something even when you didn’t think it was 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.
Oh man, where to start? Well, I would have to say after they landed or drove in we would all need some food. I would have to take them to one of my favorite sandwich spots, Cheba Hut. If we need to be more specific, one on Champa Street. What better place to start a week than with good food and 16th Street Mall? This is one of my favorite places to capture street photography because there is always something going on and a plethora of unique people. And if we’re talking food, who could pass up some mountain pies and honey on the crust at Beau Jo’s, specifically the one in Idaho Springs.

We would defiantly have to go check out Red Rocks, of course. A Colorado trip isn’t a Colorado trip without Red Rocks. Ideally, we would go to a concert because there’s nothing better than music under the stars at Red Rocks.

Visiting any of the mountain towns is also a must, if the time were there somewhere like Ouray or Telluride would leave a newcomer to Colorado speechless. But even somewhere closer to the Denver Metro area like Aspen, Breckenridge, or Estes Park. These places are beautiful at all times of the year and offer endless places for great food and fun. Checking out some of the hot springs would also be a great time if you’re fleeing to the mountains for the week.

I enjoy a good off-road trail and some camping, especially during the fall leaf color change. That would also be an amazing way to spend your time in Colorado Rockies.

You know, just like my photography, I couldn’t choose just one thing to do here in Colorado. I love both the mountains and the city life, thankfully this state has plenty to offer us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In any journey, there are many people who deserve recognition for one’s success. I would be lying to say I would be where I am at, not only on my photography path but in life in general without the support of my wife. She has always supported me no matter how outlandish my ideas have been. She’s surprised me with gear to help push me forward and is always my biggest fan.

I also can’t say enough about the people I have been grateful enough to surround myself with. There are amazing photographers, videographers, and creatives in general that have taught me more about life than anything else. These people are always an inspiration and I’m glad to call them friends.

Website: https://www.apertureortega.com

Instagram: @aperture.ortega

Twitter: @apertureortega