From The New York Times to Luxury Hotels: My Big Pivot in Photography

As photographers, we never know which assignment will change the trajectory of our careers. For me, it was when my New York Times editorial work started crossing into travel photography. That shift led to regular assignments with Condé Nast Traveler—and ultimately, to luxury hotel and resort photography around the world. In this video, I share how photographing the stunning Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam became a turning point. Seeing my images next to glossy hotel ads gave me the confidence to realize my editorial style had a place in commercial work. Balancing the grit and authenticity of The New York Times with the polish and refinement of Condé Nast Traveler shaped the signature style I still carry today. Those “hybrid years” pushed me to pitch myself for hotel shoots, eventually leading me to become an approved vendor for IHG and build Mott Visuals, my Vietnam-based production company specializing in hotel and resort photography and video. Whether you’re a Leica shooter, an amateur finding your style, or a pro adapting to industry changes (yes, even AI), the lesson is the same: stay sharp, stay adaptable, and be ready to pivot when opportunity knocks. Join this channel to get access to exclusive content, access to my monthly photo competition/assignment, weekly members-only live streams and much more. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cwfSfapW2uLCXGGmQFR4g/join