Meet Carmen Dickinson | Photographer

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

Hi Carmen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I wanted to pursue an artistic career because I love how it made me feel. Being creative, thinking outside the box, making art is such a powerful tool. Being able to pause moments of time with a photograph and allow people to relive and revisit those memories every time they look at that photo is just incredibly special to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Where do I begin? I love what I do. But nothing you love ever comes easy, and I definitely faced my share of hardships along the way. There are so many challenges you face as a creator. Imposter syndrome is real and it definitely got in my head. I found myself questioning my work a lot and wondering my people were paying me when there are so many incredible photographers out there. I had to learn to not compare myself with others. I believe that I have something special that connects me to my clients. My personality is one that instantly sets people at ease and makes them forget about the camera in front of them. I am able to capture genuine photos that are filled with emotion.
I am proud of how far I have come as a creator and excited to see where this journey takes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The amazing thing about living in Southern California is that you have it all and I have been so lucky to have such amazing places to explore in my backyard. I also love getting to show off the places I’ve visited to. I always take everyone that visits to Laguna beach. With secret pools, secluded pools and a castle, it makes for the perfect spot to spend the day and have a picnic.
I would also take them to LA. My favorite places in LA are Griffith Observatory, Elysian park, and Ascott hills. With miles of trails to explore you can never get bored. All that walking making you tired? Grab a coffee from Philz, one of my favorite coffee shops in the city and head over to relax at the Last Bookstore, an iconic bookstore in downtown filled with tunnels, bank vaults, and vinyls. I also love taking people to go plane watching by LAX and of course stop by the iconic In-n-out for a burger and shake while we are there.
What is trip to sunny SoCal without a visit to San Diego. Seriously, you can’t go wrong anywhere you go here but if I had to narrow it down I would take my friends to Coronado Island, Balboa park, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, and Sunset Cliffs. For food, Snooze Am, Pizza Port, and Tacos El Gordo are a must for food places in San Diego

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is definitely not something that I can take all the credit for. I have so many people that are a part of my story and this journey. My parents are the ones who inspired my creative outlet. It began with music and later transferred over to photography. My siblings, also, for believing in myself and my passion even when I did not.
And of course my husband for being my biggest supporter in all of this.

Website: carmendickinson.com

Instagram: @throughcarmenslens