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

Hi Ethan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been on a “independent” mindset. Throughout any job or project I had I was always trying to learn and be the best I can at it. Small or big job I stayed the same. I like to be a leader, someone that takes control and is okay with the uncomfortable. I’m always saying yes and taking risks. In college right before I dropped out I saw this quote “I will create a life I don’t need a vacation from.” Since that day it’s made an impact in my life. I continue to chase freedom, wether that is finically or mentally. I like control of my life. With photography it became something I loved doing and over time I got better and made connections. A lot of people don’t know this but, this year marks my fifth year pursing photography. Four out of those five years I have been working for free. This is the year of growth of making it into a true business.

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 am proud that I never gave up. The first four years of pursing photography was not easy. Not getting paid, used, bad relationships, etc. Looking back at it I’m glad I went through it because not only did I learn from it, I know what I need to do to succeed. I’m looking forward to see what happens this year. I have a couple big campaign shoots coming up and I’m excited for those and ready to connect with new people. I got to where I am today because I sacrificed creating my future over relationships. I spent my time working a 9-5 and working on my photography on the side. Any chance I got I traveled. Wether that was in state or states over I made it happen. I reached out to influencers and brands through instagram. Each connection with an influencer I went to them and we would collaborate with a photoshoot. I saw this as a stepping stone to get in the photography world and grow my name. Four years of free work gave me connections that I never thought I would have, extraordinary growth, and taught me to be persistent. Anyone reading this and wants to pursue something new that you love. I encourage you to do so. You never know what might come out of it. Go at it 100 miles an hour. Always say yes and take risks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is the spot. Spend most of the day time on Miami Beach. Get a few drinks, relax. Once evening hit go out for dinner and have a couple drinks. Go out on some late nights at the bars. A relaxed week in Miami we could all use.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give credit to my three best friends, Kiana, Taylor, and Jordan.

I owe so much to Kiana. She’s helped in so many ways. She offered her place to me the first couple months moving out to California. She helped me get on my feet. Ever since, she’s always encouraged me to do better and supported me no matter what it was. She is my biggest fan.

Taylor has been there since the very beginning. We were friends in high school and always stayed in touch. When I first started this journey he was always there supporting me and helping out with videoing bts. We spent 6 months constantly on the move. Every weekend new place. Traveled all over Texas and even out of state once or twice.
He has always seen my potential. I’m very blessed to have him as a friend.

I met Jordan back in 2019 when I lived in Florida. We connected very fast. Both hungry for success. We went our separate ways but we always stayed in touch. Turned out we both were from Texas. After us both moving back to Texas we met up and grew the friendship even more. He has always been supportive no matter where we were. He has put me in connections to help grow my business and I can’t thank him enough.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.thorntonn/

Image Credits
Models: Sean, Brooke, Catie, Noah, Brooklyn, Nikki

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