Meet Travis Griffith | Light and Magic Photographic Art

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

Hi Travis, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My journey in photography started accidentally. I had experienced a divorce and found myself alone. I started taking photos of things I found beauty in as a way to help heal my soul. I started sharing those images online along with my thoughts on how the scene made me feel. Turns out, people resonated with that and have been so incredibly supportive.

People ask how I choose locations for my shoots. I usually don’t. As esoteric it may sound… the locations choose me. I wander and just see what shows itself to me.

It’s the journey of finding the photograph that I love so much. Which is why Southern California is such a good fit for me. I can explore mountains, forest, desert, city, and coast… all in a day if I want.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art started as a way to tell myself I’d be okay. I’d found myself alone in midlife; sad, scared, and not sure what the future held. I started taking pictures of the world around me as a way to steal some joy from it. I found the awe in a sunset, the mystery in the fog, the hope of a sunrise. Simple stuff. I started to share those images in Facebook groups along with thoughts on how those scenes made me feel. Basically I wrote to myself the things I wanted people to say to me.
Turns out people resonated with that. Soon people wanted to buy prints.
It’s all led to where I am now… still growing and learning but more publicly and with the support of a beautiful community.

There have been plenty of challenges. The ocean took a camera. I’ve had a few “dodging death” experiences out on my wilderness adventures. But I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve learned that I’m strong and powerful just because I exist. I don’t need validation from a spouse or partner or even from strangers. I’m just fine as I am, and I’ll continue to be me and follow the path that brings me joy. Anyone is welcome to walk with that path with me.

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.
This answer has sure changed a lot in the last week. My love to everyone in LA and Southern California.
For friends visiting, here’s where I’d go:
We’d drive out to the Anza Borrego Desert for some profound silence.
We’d get some food at Doomie’s/NextMex in West Hollywood
We’d go into the San Bernadino Mountains
We’d walk the strand in Manhattan and Hermosa
We’d drive the strand in Oceanside
We’d do a sunrise in the Laguna Mountains
We’d do a sunset at the Montage in Laguna Beach
We’d walk the canals in Venice
I’m about the adventure, the experiences, the vistas, the awe. I’d look for the epic and go there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can’t even begin to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. My parents, the mentorship from other photographers, support from The Osider Magazine, the entire Oceanside community, and every person who has ever left a comment, positive or negative, on my work.

Website: https://www.lightandmagic.art

Instagram: https://instagram.com/light_and_magic_art

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lightandmagicart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravisDoingLife

Other: https://www.youtube.com/@lightandmagicphoto

Image Credits
Photos by Light and Magic Art