Meet Justin Chan | Photographer

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

Hi Justin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Since starting my own business, my work life balance has changed significantly. I used to work for a company pushing nearly 100 hours a week and quickly realized I was putting in all this work for someone else’s dream. I was compensated for the time I worked but it never really added up, I was more stressed, tired and hardly had anytime to myself after work.

I then decided to go in my own direction and have been a big advocate of taking time for myself and setting boundaries between work life and personal. I try to keep my schedule flexible leaving time to walk my dog or play in the park or even have lunch with friends or family. I am very grateful to be my own boss and have the privilege to make my own schedule throughout the year but sometimes it’s difficult to stay focused and keep things moving along. I understand we all need to work but if time and circumstances allow, I strongly believe in making more time for yourself and those around you because it has helped me be happier, less stressed and find more gratitude in everyday life. So I vote to take that PTO, sick day or even a much-needed mental health day and take a step back, put down the phone and enjoy your day! Work is important but it’s not everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lots of questions here! I believe what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and overall personality. I can easily talk with people and make them feel comfortable around me to get the best photos or talk business opportunities. At the university I previously worked at, I was taught to have a keen eye for detail, and it’s been a blessing and a curse, mostly the latter as I tend to focus on small things no one will ever see.

I’m most proud of where I’ve progressed and where I am going. A younger version of me always dreamed and strived for the position I am in now. Even in the difficult times I remind myself that I need to keep going and continue doing the job that I love and have wanted since I was young.

It hasn’t been easy along the way, but I’ve had a great support system in and outside of work to help me get to where I am today. I think word of mouth has helped grow my business and clients over the years whereas marketing and social media really hasn’t brought as much return for me. I’ve had several challenges recently, especially finding new clients in Denver. After moving to Colorado in mid 2021, it was hard to leave my clients of 5 years or more to be in a different area of the country. Thankfully, I was able to fly back and forth and I am extremely grateful for their willingness to continue working with me. Other challenges include learning business strategies, taxes, and all things that come with running your own business. Going to art school we were taught a lot of things, and unfortunately running a small business on your own wasn’t one of those. Even today I am still learning from experiences and hope to continue to do so and pivoting as times progress.

Overcoming some of these obstacles wasn’t easy, and still isn’t. When things get slow and I don’t have the shoots or clients coming in, I get in my head and must remind myself to take a break and a step back. Too much time on my hands make me think too much and creates self-doubt and lack of confidence but as with most things, it ebbs and flows but preparing myself for the ride is all I can do.

I love to tell a story through photography, I want to be able to create different images highlighting the people in this world and all the amazing things they can do. My favorite shoots are ones with other small businesses, artists, and individuals who have a passion for making a difference and blazing their own path.

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.
I haven’t been in Denver for too long but have found some favorite restaurants that are mostly Asian options, I’m still finding new areas and places to explore every weekend but here are my favorites so far. The Empress for Dim Sum, Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken, Seoul Mandoo (Korean dumplings), and ShareTea (Bubble Tea) are top of the list and are “go to” restaurants for any guests I have in town. Other contenders include Denver Biscuit Company, Cheeba Hut, or even Dave’s Hot Chicken. More recently, we’ve stumbled upon a place called Hey Bankok and we will be recommending and going back!

I’m not much of a drinker but I do enjoy hanging out in the LoHi and Rino neighborhoods. I enjoy the industrial feel and art in Rino and enjoy the shops and food/drink options in the area. Speaking of art, stopping at Meow Wolf is a must!

If going for a mountain drive, I would usually go through Loveland Pass to Sapphire Point overlooking Lake Dillion and then down to Breckinridge and take the scenic route back through 285 into Denver stopping at Red Rocks on the way back. Favorite hike so far is Chief Mountain, not easy for some guests due to the elevation gain but the views are worth it! Looking forward to exploring more of Denver and the surrounding area and adding to the “Go To” list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ll start of course with my parents who have helped support me every step along the way from realizing my passion and following through after starting my own business. They have always been there to help me understand my life, taxes, and everything in between. Along with my parents, my friends and family here in Denver and Atlanta have always been a big support to help push my passion for photography. Furthermore, my fiancé, Austyn deserves a quick shoutout for consistently believing in me and pushing me to pursue my passions and dreams. She is always available to talk through tough times and help get me from one building block to the next.

I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and mentorship of Ben Dashwood and Dane Sponberg at Raftermen based in Atlanta. I began working with them early after graduation and they quickly took me under their wing as I decided to create my own path. They have helped me grow as a photographer, business owner and artist. They have brought me along on numerous jobs around the country and have helped shape my business today. I’m so grateful to have an amazing support system through friends and family and greatly appreciate everyone that has helped me along the way.

Website: www.justinchanphotography.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thejustinchan