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

Hi Ethan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Determination/passion, adaptability, and a good attitude. These three attributes have time and time again proven to be the most important factors in the success that I have found. From the day I picked up a camera some 6 years ago, it felt like it belonged there. And it quickly became a part of who I am. That first roadtrip that I took, the feelings that I felt during it, and the subsequent desire to pursue that feeling. The constant drive that pushes me to be the best photographer, storyteller, and human that I can be. And just taking everything and anything that life throws my way in stride. Finding the balance between working tirelessly to create the life of my dreams, and allowing life to happen as it will.

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 like to consider myself a visual storyteller. Capturing the essence of the places I’ve visited and experiences had. Anything from a beautiful landscape, to a dreamy cabin in the woods, or a stunning macaw flying through the sky. I love to capture it all. To be able to capture and portray the beauty of the world as I see it. I have been fortunate to photograph some of the most amazing Airbnbs and other rentals around the US, and also have been so fortunate to experience and capture some of the most stunning landscapes this country has to offer. Next year I am real excited to start traveling internationally, and start documenting and exploring the different cultures and landscapes that international travel will provide.

The road to where I am today was not an easy one, or a straight one. There were a plethora of speed bumps, twists and turns, and seemingly dead ends. Countless sleepless nights spent editing or shooting that turned into mornings doing the same. Every other aspect of life put on hold in pursuit of this dream. Moments where I felt like quitting, where I felt like it wasn’t worth it and I would never be able to achieve what I wanted. But I knew I had to keep going. I knew that it was all part of the journey. That I would look back one day and smile knowing how much it took and how much I went through. And I’m still in the journey, it’s never ending. Yes, I have found success in this passion of mine, but I still have dreams, and I am so excited for them to all come into fruition.

The one thing I want the world to know about me, and about all other artists, is that what you see as our finished products or final pieces, is just that; the final product. You don’t see the countless hours put in behind the scenes. The tears shed, the blood drawn. We put everything we have into our craft. Our blood, sweat, and tears. It is our life. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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?
If I had the choice to bring someone somewhere to show them the best time ever, it would honestly be where I lived in Costa Rica back in 2020. In Playa Hermosa just south of Jaco. Between surfing some of the best waves, and hiking in some of the most lush jungle, seeing the most beautiful and diverse flora and fauna, there is just an unlimited amount of things to do and beauty to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To Amy, The first person to ever believe in me and see something in me that even I didn’t know was there yet, took a chance on me professionally. What we cultivated not only opened the door for countless opportunities, but also gave me the confidence I needed to chase my dreams and pursue my passion.

And, to Lauren and Chris,
My first. Your endless support and continued friendship mean more to me than a few sentences can express. All I’ll say is growing parallel with Wildwood Collective has been a dream in and of itself and I’m equally as proud of your success as I am of my own since we’ve met.

Website: https://ethan-abitz.squarespace.com/

Instagram: @ethanabitz

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/EthanAbitz

Twitter: @EthanAbitz

Youtube: www.youtube.com/EthanAbitz

Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/EthanAbitz TikTok: @EthanAbitz Foundation: https://foundation.app/@ethanabitz

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