Ethan Thornton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ethan, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently I’ve been proud of the progress I’ve made. When I first started photography, one of my goals was to make prints with my art. Now the time is here and I’m sharing my work with others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ethan Thornton, a photographer, visual artist, and entrepreneur.
In 2019, I saw the quote. “Create a life you don’t need a vacation from.” Since then my life has changed and started chasing my dreams. To be one of the best photographers, have my own custom framed prints and a clothing brand.
Energized by my innate passion for adventure, I’ve traveled across the globe with my camera while capturing the beauty of people and the world wherever I go. I specialize in travel and lifestyle photography with helping brands and models tell their story through content creation.
Brands: BikiniBlock, Coralswimx, Oceanfoam, JustCBD, etc.
Collabs: Addison Rae, Gabi Butler, Claire Stone, etc.
Traveling the world and meeting amazing people, I’ve always wanted to bring it to you. Now you can have custom framed prints with photos I’ve taken across the world.
Instagram: @e.framedprints
Lastly, One of my dreams is to have my own clothing brand. After years of learning and experience that time is close. I’m currently working on mock ups and figuring the marketing strategy I want to take. I give it a month or two till the release.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My best friend, Kiana. We met in California, 2020. We instantly clicked and have been close ever since. She met me at the beginning of pursuing my career. I dropped out of college to chase my dream and had second thoughts of course. I was taking the harder route to build something. She truly has believed in me since day one, always encouraging me at the lows and highs.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
At the early stage of pursuing photography, I lived in Florida and California to build my business. I’ve had many collabs and brand deals but not all are good moments. Chasing a dream there’s obstacles, you lose trust in people, they use you. After months of struggling mentally, I had to give it a break. I was depressed. I felt like I had no value or talent. I got help and got stronger mentally. I asked myself during this break if I wanted to go back into the industry. I was unsure, I didn’t want to fall backwards again. But, the little kid in me reminded me we still have this dream and we can’t give up just because it gets hard. After two years of a break I jumped right back into it. I had the craziest year following the two years off. I traveled the most I ever had, had brand deals, and met amazing people. I’m glad I didn’t give up because I never would have those new experiences and connections.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Creating the life I don’t need a vacation from. To be the best photographer in the world, have custom framed prints and having a clothing brand.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
At the beach.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.thorntonn/
- Facebook: Ethan Thornton
Image Credits
Olivia Stahlman, Ashlyn Clint, Lexie Wolford, Madigan Davis, and Mia Clark.
