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

Hi Riley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business was driven by a blend of passion and practicality. As a photographer with 8 years of experience, I had developed a deep love for capturing moments, whether it was real estate photography, portraiture, or even lifestyle shots. I recognized the potential to take that passion and turn it into something that not only allowed me to express my creativity but also serve clients in a meaningful way.

I saw an opportunity in real estate photography, where I could combine my technical expertise in shooting and editing with a strong attention to detail. Living in a vibrant market like San Diego, I noticed a need for high-quality, visually compelling imagery that could make properties stand out. My experience with advanced techniques like the flambient method, as well as my ability to deliver professional, polished content in a timely manner, allowed me to provide real value to clients.

Beyond photography, I also wanted to help small businesses grow by enhancing their brand visibility through engaging content. My approach to content creation has always been strategic, ensuring that my work not only looks great but helps clients reach their goals. It was a natural progression for me to turn my skills into a business where I could work on both sides—capturing beautiful images and helping brands expand their reach.

At the heart of it, I wanted the freedom to work on projects that genuinely excited me, whether that was shooting a property, organizing print assets, or even digitizing old memories for clients. Starting my own business gave me the platform to do all of that, while also allowing me to prioritize efficiency and the kind of big-picture thinking that has always driven me.

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 discovered my passion for photography back in high school, capturing moments at football games and parties for friends. Those early experiences showed me how powerful photography can be in preserving memories and telling stories, and from there, my interest only grew. It felt natural to continue this path into college, where I studied both photography and design, expanding my skills and creative vision.

This foundation laid the groundwork for my career, and while the journey hasn’t always been easy, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve learned that challenges are a part of the process. Whether it was learning how to stand out in a competitive industry or perfecting my craft, persistence and adaptability were key. I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and continuously growing, both creatively and professionally.

What sets me apart is my commitment to storytelling through my lens. I don’t just aim to take good photos; I want my work to evoke emotion, capture the essence of a space or person, and leave a lasting impression. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about the endless possibilities ahead. My brand is built on authenticity, passion, and a genuine love for what I do. I want the world to know that my journey in photography is not just about taking pictures—it’s about connecting with people, places, and stories in a meaningful way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: We’d kick off by exploring Encinitas. Start the morning with a delicious breakfast at Goodonya Organic Eatery, then head over to Moonlight Beach for some sunshine and relaxation. In the afternoon, we’d visit the San Diego Botanic Garden for a peaceful walk through lush gardens. Dinner would be at The Crack Shack in Encinitas, where we could enjoy creative chicken dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.

Day 2: We’d head over to Carlsbad to spend the morning at the Carlsbad Flower Fields (if it’s spring). Afterward, we’d explore the charming downtown area and grab lunch at Campfire for some farm-to-table goodness. In the afternoon, a stroll along Carlsbad State Beach and catching the sunset would be a must. Dinner would be at Jeune et Jolie, a French-inspired spot that’s perfect for a special evening.

Day 3: Time for a day in Del Mar! We’d start with breakfast at Stratford Court Café, then hit the beach or explore the shops in town. Lunch would be at Jake’s Del Mar, offering beachfront dining with stunning views. In the evening, we’d head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for some live music or a seasonal event, like the county fair or horse races.

Day 4: We’d make our way downtown for a full day in San Diego. Start with brunch at Morning Glory in Little Italy, followed by a visit to Balboa Park to explore museums or the San Diego Zoo. Afterward, head to Seaport Village for a stroll along the waterfront. For dinner, we’d hit up Born & Raised, a modern steakhouse in Little Italy, and finish the night with drinks at the rooftop bar Kettner Exchange.

Day 5: A visit to Coronado Island is a must. We’d take the ferry or drive over the famous Coronado Bridge to start the day with breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a classic diner. Then, we’d spend the day lounging on Coronado Beach or exploring the historic Hotel del Coronado. In the evening, we’d have dinner at Serẽa at the hotel, offering fresh seafood with ocean views.

Day 6: A chill day in Solana Beach is next, starting with brunch at Claire’s on Cedros. We’d explore the unique shops along Cedros Avenue Design District and maybe catch a live show at Belly Up Tavern in the evening. Dinner would be at Pizza Port for some local brews and delicious pizza in a casual setting.

Day 7: For the last day, we’d stay local in North County and do a bit of everything—grab breakfast at Leucadia Donuts, check out some surf spots along Beacons Beach, and do a little hiking at Batiquitos Lagoon. For the final dinner, we’d head to The Compass in Carlsbad for great food and a fun, casual atmosphere, capping off the week with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

It would be a perfect blend of beach time, great food, and some of San Diego’s best experiences!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a big shoutout to my dad, Steve Golden with Gold Coast Real Estate, for his unwavering support and guidance. He’s the one who first introduced me to the real estate industry, and it’s through him that I found my passion for real estate photography. His encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this path, and he’s been there every step of the way as I’ve grown in my career. I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons he’s taught me and the example he’s set, not just professionally but in life overall.

Website: https://www.gold-visuals.com

Instagram: @thegoldenlife & @goldvisuals.us

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-golden-9b2343170/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095285435287

Image Credits
Riley Golden

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