Meet Peter Loyd-Vuolo | Interior & Architecture Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Loyd-Vuolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that in most careers we are required to take risks. Especially when it comes to changing careers or starting a business. I look at risk taking as a necessary part of my professional career and I try to approach it with a decent amount of forethought and planning. However, sometimes I’ve just had to take a “leap of faith”.

Prior to starting my architectural photography business I worked as a stock trader and had never used a DSLR or mirrorless camera in my life. Photography was something I had always had an interest in and one day I decided that I would enroll in a college program for Commercial Photography. While I was working full time, I began taking classes full time as well, and after about a year I started to build my business. I got to the point where I was booking photography clients but not having enough time to work with them all because of my class and full time work schedule. I felt like I had a decision to make… Quit my full time job and pursue photography wholly, or play it safe and just take on a few clients at a time while continuing to work my normal job. I think this fork in the road that I experienced, is one of the best examples of how risk has played a role in my career. I also think that a lot of people pursuing careers in creative fields find themselves having to make a similar decision.

For me, the decision was easy. I knew I wanted to do photography work full time so I quit my job and took on as many clients as I could while finishing my commercial photography program. There were some times where I felt a lot of pressure and uncertainty but ultimately everything worked out. I’m very grateful for where I am today and I wouldn’t be here had I not taken that risk.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am an interiors and architectural photographer. I have the privilege of working with interior designers, home builders, and landscape architects to photograph the spaces that they design and build. It has been the most rewarding and inspiring work that I’ve done in my career. However, this was not my first career and it took me a while to find photography.

Prior to starting my photography business I was fortunate enough to do some cool things professionally. I spent eight years in the Air Force where I worked on planes and then controlled air traffic as an air traffic controller. I enjoyed my time in the military and it definitely helped shape the person I am today. After eight years I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in finance so I left the military and began working for a brokerage firm where I became a stock trader. At this point in my life I felt like I had a prestigious career where I could make a decent living. However, the down side was that I was constantly anxious about my work and worried about how I was going to climb the career ladder. After a few years of this I came to the conclusion that I wasn’t a good fit for this type of work and maybe it was time to try something new.

Having been in the military, I had access to the Post 911 G.I. bill which would pay for me to go back to school. I decided to enroll in a Commercial Photography program at Arapahoe Community College. At this point I definitely felt like dropping everything to pursue a career in a creative field, in my mid 30’s was a risky move. However, I knew that I wanted to make a change and I was excited about the possibilities that photography could offer me.

Photography ended up being the perfect blend of business acumen, interpersonal relationships, and technical skills that I was looking for. What I enjoy most though, is being able to work with talented and creative people who are just as passionate about their work as I am mine. A few years ago I took a risk and quit my full time job to pursue photography and build my business. I feel like this was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’m grateful for opportunities and challenges leading up to it. Without those I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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.
As a Colorado Native I’m always excited to share the awesome things that the front range has to offer. If someone was visiting me from out of town, I would take them to do some outdoorsy things and some stuff in the city. At the top of my list would be Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Roxborough State Park, and the Flat Irons. I think these are iconic places on the front range and a must see when traveling to Denver. When considering what I’d take them to do in Denver, I’d have to say visiting the Denver Zoo, Meow Wolf, and the Aquarium are some of my favorites. I’d enjoy taking them to a favorite restaurant of mine- City O’ City as well as some that I’d like to try. Like Linger in the Highlands or Pasque at the Populus Hotel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Arapahoe Community College and their Commercial Photography department. When I decided to go back to school for photography, I was fortunate enough to find their program. The guidance, support, and industry connections that my instructors offered me throughout the program, played a huge role in the success I’m experiencing today.

I definitely recommend their courses for anyone interested in professional photography and/or becoming a better photographer.

Website: https://PLVPhoto.com

Instagram: @peteloydvuolo