Meet Cullan McNamara | Photographer, Videographer & Author

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

Hi Cullan, how do you think about risk?
Risk may be one of the most important elements in leading a happy, fulfilled life. An existence devoid of it can lead to resentment, regret, and—at worst—a dreaded lack of meaning. The beautiful thing is, risk is totally relative. Not everyone has to summit Everest to enjoy its benefits.

Risk could mean taking on the wedding videography job you may not feel prepared for; it could be combating social anxiety by going to a local community event. Some days it’s achieved simply by stepping out the front door. But my relationship with risk is less defined by my desire for it than it is my desire to conquer fear.

The more you lean into the unknown and do the things that scare you, the more opportunities present themselves—personally and professionally. None of my successes in life would’ve come without first taking a leap.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While my employable skills traditionally landed me in the Digital Marketing or Paid Media or strategy realms, my passion lies in telling stories. Whether through writing, music, photography, or videography, I’m a storyteller. Because of that reality, I was tenacious in my pursuit to get paid to do what I love.

I spent countless hours creating on account of that passion, knowing I’d likely never be compensated for the effort and time. To my surprise, I found that my personal endeavors impressed more on the résumé and in interviews.

I set lofty goals, such as publishing a book, attempting a thousand-mile cycling trip across the UK, and recording music I’d written in a professional studio. All terrifying things to strive for. But I knew they meant more than the acts themselves. These aspirations would shape who I wanted to become and how the world perceived me—most importantly, they would inspire.

People can sense inspiration, whether they’ve retained it in their own lives or not. And I believe that’s how I got to where I am today… because I’ve always accepted inspiration when it came knocking.

The path was never linear, and it was rarely easy. It necessitated risk and demanded loads of personal time. But, now, I’m a full-time photographer for a food-focused brand.

I often wonder what my eighteen-year-old self would think about my current life. Ultimately, I think he’d feel similarly to my parents: proud.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now this a fun question. We’d get breakfast at either Breakfast Queen or Denver Biscuit Co. (Waffle Bros would’ve been a contender, but, you know… tax evasion.)

If it were brunch, The Cookery at Myrtle Hill would be a top recommendation.

Coffee throughout the week would be provided by La Belle Rossette, Kaladi, and Molecule Effect.

With so many amazing places for grub, it’s tough to condense lunch and dinner spots. But here’s an abbreviated list:

– Avanti Food & Beverage (a lot to offer, including one of the best views of the city)
– Park Burger on Pearl or Platt Park Brewing Co. across the street (then Sweet Cow for dessert)
– The South Broadway quartet: GB Fish & Chips, Tikka & Grill Nepali and Indian Food, Adelitas Concina Y Cantina, and Joy Hill Denver
– Homegrown Tap & Dough Wash Park
– Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina

The list goes on.

Wash Park is always an early-trip stop (’cause friends typically want to go back throughout their visit). Meow Wolf is a blast. And the South Broadway / Baker corridor works perfectly for a night out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have three crucial shoutouts.

One goes to my mom for doing what mom’s have an incredible capacity for: unconditional love and support, always encouraging me even if a singular piece of work wasn’t my best.

The second goes to my dad. For believing in me but never letting me get away with laziness or a lack of intention. His honesty, though not always easy to hear, was instrumental to my growth behind the camera, with putting pen to paper, and with my music. And when he appreciated something I created, I knew that appreciation was well earned.

The third goes to my close friend (and former boss) Ryan. Without his belief in me and the opportunities he provided, I wouldn’t be the creator or the man I am today.

Website: https://cullanmcnamara.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cullanmac

Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit: Maury Page

All Additional Photos: Cullan McNamara