We recently had the chance to connect with Adrian Gooden and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrian, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Absolutely.
I’ve never been one to shy away from my political and social viewpoints, nor have I ever been afraid to include them in projects I’ve created. I’ve made it a priority to allow my work to be an outlet for Black and POC creators, whether behind the scenes or as talent. I’ve also made my voice and stance clear on specific political and social issues. I’m sure this has caused some potential clients, partners, and entities to distance themselves from me or my work. However, it’s brought me so much more, in terms of peace of mind, knowing that I can further my creative career, without sacrificing my own principles. I will always stand up for what is right.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Adrian Gooden. I’m a commercial, portrait, and event photographer. I’ve been in business for about 5 years now creating content for local and small/medium sized businesses, as well as providing corporate branding materials and event coverage.
I think what makes my work unique is that I consider myself a world builder.
I dont just capture a moment, I build the world around it as well. I take into account the moment, as well as its tone… it’s feeling… it’s relation to the people in it. I build the world in an image.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I think I’m fortunate and blessed enough to say that I am that right now.
I went through a phase in life where all that mattered to me was outside perception. At my core, though, I was always a curious, ambitious, patient, and confident person. The world will make you believe you need approval to be who you want to be, and that is just not true. YOU decide what you are. You don’t find yourself in this world, you create yourself day by day. Choice by choice. You create who you want to be in this world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I probably have a moment at least once a year, where I want to give up. Especially because I have another career that is totally different than what I do creatively, that creates a solid security in life. Not every project I do is received well. I’ve had clients ignore my creative suggestions, and hire others to do the EXACT thing I proposed. I’ve suffered from laziness, procrastination, lack of preparation. Anything you can name that could be my fault OR someone else’s… I’ve encountered it, but those are all lessons. Giving up only promises you that the goal will never be reached. If I have even a SLIGHT belief that I can reach a goal, that’s enough for me to fight through the short term desire to give up.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That algorithms, online metrics, and virality matter more than community and expression. As someone that enjoys making money and the financial successes in life, there’s nothing better for the industry of photography/videography and content creation than genuine human experience and input. A piece of content with real thought behind it will always benefit the industry and the world as a whole, much more than just another piece of “viral” content.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Romanticizing my life.
Everything from my morning coffee, to my skincare routine at night is romanticized. The small moments mean a lot to me, because they come about more often, so I in turn have more things to be happy with from day to day. I feel like most people look at a person that lives this way and say they’re “high maintenance” or “unrealistic,” but why should I feel like a side character in my own personal life? So I’ll keep taking myself out to dinners, and shopping and enjoying special cigars and whiskey and all the things that people wait for an occasion to celebrate with.
I wouldn’t even necessarily say that people don’t understand this, but maybe they just don’t see the value in it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: adrianinhd
- Youtube: adrianinhd
