Photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about capturing a journey, both literally and metaphorically. Today, I want to share Hilary Ann Yang’s story with you. She’s not just any photographer; her life and work are all about adventure, bouncing back, and growing creatively. Her journey? It’s super inspiring! It shows just how awesome it can be when you mix what you love with your work. And it’s especially cool if you’re at a point in your life where you’re figuring out which way to go next.

Ready to learn more about her story? Keep reading!

From Corporate to Creative: A Leap of Faith

Hilary’s pivot from a stable corporate job to the unpredictable world of adventure photography is nothing short of daring. She took a significant risk, driven by a deep-seated desire for a life that resonated with her core values. “I could keep doing this for the next 30 years – and I really don’t want to keep doing this for the next 30 years,” she reflected on her corporate days. That’s when everything changed – now she gets to combine her love for endurance running with her amazing visual storytelling skills.

Embracing Change: LA Living and the Allure of the Trails

Hilary’s move to Los Angeles wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a leap into a whole new life – a new culture, a new community, and new opportunities. She describes the shift as a major part of her recent journey, saying, “It’s been a really big year… totally uprooting my life, my career, everything and dropping it in a new country.” But, LA’s unexpected trail running scenes became a source of joy, juxtaposing the city’s urbanity with the tranquility and challenge of its trails. “The trail running in LA is like, shout out to the trails here, it’s actually amazing,” she exclaimed, finding solace and surprise in the city’s hidden natural wonders.

LA didn’t just bring her sunshine and better weather, but also a refreshing new perspective on life and running, showing her that every big move comes with its own set of surprises and delights.

Navigating the Pandemic: Adaptation and Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic was a curveball that really tested Hilary’s adaptability, pushing her to reconsider and recalibrate her career and personal life. The forced pause was a time of introspection and, ultimately, growth. “COVID was a huge shift for so many of us. And for me, it felt like my whole world got turned upside down and all these plans just got messed up,” Hilary acknowledged, emphasizing how the pandemic’s disruptions paved the way for unforeseen opportunities and a reevaluation of what truly mattered.

A Renewed Focus: The Synergy of Creativity and Collaboration

Transitioning from in-the-field photography to remote media production, Hilary embraced a new role that expanded her horizons and skill set. By mentoring other photographers and managing projects from afar, she gained unique insights into the creative and logistical aspects of her profession. This period was rich with learning and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in one’s career.

The Creative Spark: Rekindling Passion and Embracing New Challenges

After a stint away from the front lines of photography, focusing on guiding other photographers and managing projects from a distance, Hilary is now stepping back into the world of photography with a fresh perspective, ready to apply all the insights she gained during her break. 

She’s excited about focusing on personal projects alongside her professional work, and her goal is to blend storytelling through photography and videography. Her approach is thoughtful, aiming for a mix that feels right to her. She mentioned, “I’m leaning more towards a balance of like 60/40, like personal projects and brand projects,” she shared, highlighting her goal of mixing personal fulfillment with professional achievement.

Reflections and Revelations

Hilary’s story is more than just a career shift; it’s a reminder to follow what lights a fire in our hearts. She embodies the spirit of taking leaps, weathering storms, and emerging with stories worth sharing. Her journey inspires us to listen to our inner calls to adventure, creativity, and authenticity.

So, what’s the takeaway from Hilary’s story? It’s about grabbing life by the reins, transforming challenges into stepping stones, and never losing sight of what makes us feel alive. Whether you’re a photographer, a dreamer, or someone pondering a big life change, remember: it’s your journey, your story, your lens through which to see the world. Let’s make it count.

Catch you in the next post, where we’ll explore more tales of inspiration, creativity, and the art of living fully. Until then, keep chasing those dreams and capturing the moments that matter!

About Hilary Ann Yang

Hilary Yang is an award-winning photographer, graphic designer, writer, videographer, creative director, and she’s been a competitive ultra runner for the last decade. After quitting her corporate job to go back to art school in her late 20’s, she has since pursued an unconventional career as a female outdoor creative that allows her to combine her passion for endurance running with visual storytelling. Her overarching goal is to challenge others to push outside their comfort zones, both through her work and her own adventures around the world.

Connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehilaryann

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