seeing things through a new lens
In the last four months, I’ve been to three very different places: Cartagena, New York City, and Montreal. Each trip gave me a new perspective on how I not only see things and places but how I’m capturing them with my camera.
Even though I have a consistent photographic style, these experiences reminded me that it’s okay and necessary to see things differently. That is part of growth and the ability to put aside preconceived notions and see things with new eyes, or a new lens.
The same is true for your brand. No one else sees the world the way you do. No one else explains things the way you do or delivers the experience you do. That is your differentiator. When you lean into it with intention and highlight your uniqueness, that’s where your authenticity and unique perspective live.
What doesn’t work is trying to look like everyone else. You can spot it when a brand feels staged or overly polished. We are always growing and changing. For example, perhaps you have a new haircut, a new wardrobe, or a new offer in your business - that may influence a change in your brand but you are still you to your core. That should always come through in your branding.
Your personal brand evolves as you do. Each season of your life brings a new lens. The question is: are you willing to see and show yourself in a new way? Let’s explore how my growth and new way of looking at things affected my photography style.
CARTAGENA
In Cartagena, I stayed in a part of the old city I’d never stayed in before. The vibe was completely different, and so was the experience. Looking back at my photos, I can see how they stand apart from my usual style because I saw the city in a new way. Part of it is simply growth - I’m older now and my perceptions are different, which influences how I see and capture the world.
However, staying in a different part of the city allowed me to really see what was in front of me. We can often miss details or overlook the things we are used to seeing. This visit I was able to look at the city I know well with new eyes, and the difference in my photos blows me away. I tapped into a new creative realm — a new perspective.
NEW YORK CITY
In New York, I stayed in Greenwich Village with my son, and it rained almost the entire time. The hotel we stayed in had an old-school retro aesthetic. The room even had a vintage radio with knobs! Between the weather, the neighborhood, and the hotel’s atmosphere, everything felt moody and nostalgic. My images reflected that mood. They don’t look like the New York photos I’ve taken in the past, and that’s what made them interesting to me. I captured the feeling and vibe that the neighborhood and weather were giving.
MONTREAL
And then Montreal. I hadn’t been there in more than 20 years. It rained there too, but what struck me most was the mix of cultures and the energy of the city. I pushed myself to create a different aesthetic that felt true to the place and the moment, and I came home with images that again surprised me.
