Meet Erick Janen | Videographer/Photographer

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

Hi Erick, why did you pursue a creative career?
I know reality best through a Lens.

Imagine you are on a walk through the woods. You feel the dirt below your feet, and you hear the birds above. You stop to take it all in, but you fail to see past the noise. You don’t know where the beauty is. Not having a goal can sometimes leave you overwhelmed by the scene, and you end up feeling less than you expect from what should be a beautiful experience.

Now what if you have a goal when you walk through the woods? Perhaps you have the goal to capture a photo of a local bird. You studied the birds habitat, when its active in the day, and what the birds call sounds like.

As you walk through the woods you are now more aware of your surroundings. Listening to every bird call with a sense of purpose, you finally here the call you are looking for. You notice it is to the left, a bit off trail. Stepping over a branch, you stumble into a clearing and you see the bird you are trying to take a picture of, sitting on a branch. Framing it up, the branch no longer is one of millions in the woods, but rather to perfect branch, with a little kink in the middle, and a beautiful shade of brown, with one perfect leaf mirroring the bird. You take time to make sure the framing is just right.

That branch would not be appreciated as much as it was if the photo didn’t give you a reason to appreciate it. And that’s why I love capturing reality, because it gives meaning to the mundane.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I am today by not being afraid to reach out.

Less than 3 months after having a camera, I was able to shoot one of my favorite events of all time, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. How did I manage to get a media pass to one on the most coveted events for motorsports photographers? I sent over 60 emails to every competitor. I ended up shooting for a small team from Spain. Unfortunately, the next year that team was not running. I once again reached out to every team and managed to be the videographer for a rookie team. They are planning to run for many more years to come.

What sets me apart is the level of professionalism I bring to the creative space.

I have a background in Electrical Engineering. Working in Aerospace and Manufacturing, I have learned what it means to be professional. Talk with clarity, be on time, work to the request of the client. Be responsible for your actions, take ownership of your work. Learn to work with others you don’t agree with, Learn to LEARN from those you don’t agree with. These principals have caried over to my creative career and have allowed me to be successful from an early stage.

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?
From the time I pick my friends up at the airport, we are beelining it for the mountains. I 70 sure, but I like to take them through Bailey CO, Fairplay, Gunnison, and down to Telluride. The San Juan mountain range is, in my opinion, by far the most beautiful part of this beautiful state.

The mountains of the San Juan’s are different that the other mountains in CO. The prominence is much higher, creating more jagged rocks. Of course the best way to enjoy those mountains are to drive the million dollar highway, from Durango to Ridgway. And it goes without saying, the best time to enjoy these mountains would be during fall.

On our way back, check out Aspen, and more specifically Woody Creek Tavern. That was Hunter S. Thompson’s favorite bar, and I think it showcases the best of Colorado culture. The love for the mountains is evident in Aspen.

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 would like to thank my biggest supporter in the world, my partner Bailey. Bailey is the one that convinced me to buy my first camera and has continued to push me ever since. Every day we work together and we push each other to do better than the day before.

Website: www.therudycollective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickj.zip/?hl=en