Meet Martin Banks | Photographer | Writer | Adventurer

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

Hi Martin, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most important thing I did for my children, and my family as a whole, was to leave my career for five years back in 1998. It was mostly unheard of then, and there was a lot of shaming around our decision for me to stay home with the kids. I did that until our youngest was in kindergarten. Even after both of our kids were in school, I created a career that I could control and be there for my wife and kids whenever they needed me. I was able to structure my career in such a way primarily because my wife took the responsibility of earning a good income. Everything else fell to me, and it worked out great. It was the best decision we ever made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was a kid, I loved taking photographs. College killed that creative spirit, and I studied Mass Media as a close cousin to photography. It wasn’t the same, though. After creating a resume that would fill a small book, I circled back around to my natural gift of recording a single moment in time – photography. I am two years into treating my photography as a business, and it will take several more years to see the results of my efforts. Having built businesses in the past, I know that this is a long game, and patience is my friend.

In starting over one more time, the biggest struggle I have is with the parts of me that nag with doubt. Even as I write this, my imposter syndrome part pops up to check in and let me know what it thinks. And there is another part of me that says what I am doing is what old guys do in retirement. Well, some old guys do practice photography, but they don’t make a business out of it. That is an important difference.

Making it a business is a lot of hard work, and it is gratifying to see the small steps that will lead to success. The fun part and what I enjoy most are the backcountry adventures I take to photograph amazing places. Editing the photos and learning new skills in post-production is a close second in the fun department. Marketing my work is the most challenging aspect of this career and is where I need the most help. Marketing is also where I am learning so many new things and staying current with social trends. It is a blade that cuts two ways.

Running a business is challenging and not always easy. However, if I wanted easy, photography would be a hobby. In the back of my mind, I know, to keep going, I need to be kind to myself and take a break when burnout sets in.

The next time you are in a restaurant, hotel, or other public space, look around and notice if there aren’t photographs decorating the space. Paintings and sculptures are important in creating a particular environment. Photographs have found their place right alongside other art in evoking emotions that make those spaces welcoming. If a photo can make you feel a certain way, it is art.

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.
If my best friend were in town for a week, checking out the San Diego music scene would be a priority. The Observatory in Northpark and Belly Up in Solana Beach would be at the top of the list. And also Music Box because they book some really out-of-the-ordinary acts. We would spend some time downtown and catch a Padres game. Not because I’m a big baseball fan, but because Petco Park is such a fun venue and game day is just a blast with the food and all.

Beach time is a must; whether it’s swimming and boogie boarding in the surf or a kayak paddle at La Jolla shores, we gotta get out there. Maybe we’ll do both and spot some leopard sharks while we are at it.

Since my best friend has a fondness for the bazar and unusual, we’ll take a drive out to the desert and check out Salvation Mountain and Slab City. We’ll make our way to Slab City first because we’ll have an offering of cold beer for the locals, and we don’t want the ice to melt and the beer to get warm. We’ll hit Salvation Mountain on the way home and try to catch it at sunset just because that seems fitting.

Finally, we’ll head down to Tijuana to visit Parque de la Amistad, which is Friendship Park on this side of the border, and take in the local vibe. Then we’ll walk south Avenue del Pacifico for some fish tacos or other fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my wife and life partner, Yunhui Chae-Banks.

Website: www.martin-banks.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/martinbanksphotography

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/themartinbanks/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/martinbanksphotography