Meet Noah Lang | Photographer & Blogger

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

Hi Noah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I started my business very passively, because I live in Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiʻi, I was able to meet countless like-minded people all doing the same thing. Whether they were photographers, bloggers, videographers, etc., I was surrounded by that crowd, so I started doing what I was doing to fit in. I think it’s important to say that when I started my photography business and blogging, I was doing it without the intention of making any money.

However, when I realized that this all was something that I may be good at, it was the monetization process that didn’t come so easily. It’s fun to do it as a hobby until practically speaking you have to pay your bills. That’s why I look back at starting my business as a two-part process. At first, it was my hobby which was foundation of my business, but in terms of an actual business, that started when I decided that making an income from that hobby was something that I wanted and needed to do.

Overall, my thought processes was fun and necessity. I wouldn’t have had the necessity to start the business if I didn’t first find it as a hobby.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I personally believe what sets my photos apart from another is how much harder I am willing to work to get that photo. For example, my hobbies take me into the most remote backcountry. It’s not just drive-up Instagram spots and easy hikes. My own interests took me to the summit of Denali, which wasn’t for a photo, but along the way I was able to capture that mountain in my own unique perspective because I’m willing to work harder than the average photographer. I would say I’m most proud of my work ethic to always push myself harder physically, because that’s what I truly love.

I got where I am today professionally simply by teaching myself photography and the business side of things, and by learning from my friends. My friends have taught me a lot about building a brand beyond what I could have figured out myself.

Was it easy? No. Never. No one really teaches you how to make that first $100 beyond what they say in a Youtube video. It’s all trial and error, but I knew I had something going for myself that I just didn’t want to give up on. I overcame challenges by simply not quitting on myself and I’m still doing that to this day. My business is nowhere near figured out or running by itself. But day by day I keep overcoming the challenges of that day to continually make it better. I’ve learned along the way that sometimes you will put 110% of your effort into something and see nothing in return. However, just because one business venture didn’t work out, doesn’t mean that you should quit. I’ve learned a lot from failing.

I want the world to know that I really care about the places I visit. It’s not just my home in Hawaiʻi, but anywhere I go to. The whole “leave it better than you found it” saying really sticks to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If were going to get food, I’m obviously taking them to the best Ramen spot in Honolulu called Menya le Nood on Pensacola Street. No other ramen in the city comes close to how good Menya is.

When I get the chance to take them for a hike, I will take them to a secret spot or two that I can’t name on here. I know Oʻahu like few people do, so when I say secret, they really are secret places that I would want to keep off of the internet.

After that, there is a few nice beaches and sunset spots that I would try to show, like some more secrets on the mountain just behind my house.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It was a group of about 5-6 friends all trying to do the same thing. Some succeeded and some are still getting their start. Regardless, everyone is living a life they’re happy with, even though life happens and people moved apart.

Website: https://noahlangphotography.com/

Instagram: @noahawaii

Twitter: @noahawaii