We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Ruan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, how does your business help the community?
The images I display with my photography are there to motive others to chase after beautiful experiences. When I take pictures of beautiful landscapes like that of Sedona I think about how my pictures will inspire others to travel and take in the scenery the photo displays. My photography page is called lifeofhonorphoto. The theme is sharing imagines that inspire others to live their version of an honorable life. To me that is a life where I fearlessly go after my dreams without forgetting where I come from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m looking forward to merging my love for photography with my love for martial arts. I am starting in an “avatar the last airbender” fan film called “the blue spirit.” In between filming our team takes photos of the main character in the suit. The blue spirit looks like a character from Japanese mythology so It makes for incredible photography. I would encourage everyone to explore any interest they have in life. They never know where it might lead. Originally I just had an inkling of an interest in photography. Over time, I grew to live the art form and it developed into an alternative source of income. I believe creativity can be a key to financial freedom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am originally from Orange County California. I would definitely recommend going to sunset beach to experience the ocean and ending your day indulging in delicious Vietnamese food in little Saigon. Orange County will always have a special place in my heart.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To be honest I would like to give a shout-out to everyone that is relentlessly pursuing their dreams. In this day and age there are influencers that attained their success through exposing their talents on social media. The incredible thing about witnessing this phenomena is that it reveals that if you work hard towards your passions you can create financial opportunities for yourself. To me this is a form of freedom.

Instagram: @lifeofhonorphoto & @gaberuan

Youtube: ruanmedia https://youtube.com/channel/UCaCYE1a5je4cRB8UQSEq-hQ

Other: My newest video! https://youtu.be/QfZObFC3JWg

Image Credits
@lifeofhonorphoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.