Sossusvlei, Namibia
“I have a 1-year visa with your name on it but you have to be here in 2 weeks.”
My name is Vincent. I picked up a camera at the age of 28 out of boredome.
I was working in NYC as an account manager, and when 5pm hit, I would grab my camera and adventure the streets of NYC. The camera made me curious about other cultures, it allowed me to approach strangers, and it made me judgement-free.
It was exhilarating!
A couple years later, my best friend Skyped me from Bhutan. He said, "I want to launch a travel company," his voice breaking up due to a terrible internet connection, "and I want you to lead the photography."
He continued, "I have a 1-year visa with your name on it, but..." I waited, “you have to be here in 2 weeks. It’s the only way I can make it happen.”
"Two weeks?!", I said, "I would have to:
Quit my job today,
Book my flights today,
And pack my bags for a year TODAY!”
I had been waiting my whole life to travel. I always made some excuse to stay. This was finally my chance.
Within an hour, I called my parents, gave my 2-weeks notice, and booked my flights.
Two weeks later, I was on my way to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan through Bangkok and Abu Dhabi while celebrating my 30th birthday.
Ten years later, I've amassed a book's worth of travel stories after living with shaman in the Amazon jungle to photographing yacht parties in the middle of the ocean. In my opinion, I've received the greatest education in the world.Looking back, the best thing that ever happened to me was cubicle boredome. It’s not really about taking pictures—even though making beautiful images is very fulfilling—it’s about the experiences and freedom the camera brings me.
Today, I focus on bringing that same creativity and passion to events and brands that want to break the mold. In some way, I'm back at the office trying to make life interesting.
