Meet Santa Monica Photographer and Acrobat: Charles-Ryan Barber

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles-Ryan Barber.

Charles-Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While in college, I developed a passion for travel, exploration, and photography. I went on to study Photojournalism and earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. In late 2011 I relocated, via a nearly insane Winter cross-country epic solo motorcycle adventure, no less– to the gorgeous coastal West Side area of Los Angeles, where I continue my work as an artist and freelance photographer, taking time to travel and adventure whenever possible. I am also an acrobat and I both teach and perform. I work on the Santa Monica Pier as a Trapeze and Trampoline instructor. I try to make each and every day a new adventure, living life to the fullest.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have always tried to keep a positive outlook, which I believe is a key to my success, but the road has most certainly been very challenging. I can recall shortly after moving to LA with few regular clients and crippling rent I had 3 plugs in my motorcycle tire and couldn’t afford food, much less repairs, and new tires. I remember thinking that if my bike, my camera, or my computer failed me at this crucial time I would be on the street and in very bad shape. But no matter how close things got I refused to give up and sure enough, my perseverance began to pay off. There have been several such “leap of faith” moments in my life where I had to just jump with no safety net and trust that things would work out. Trial by fire has toughened me without burning away my youthful sense of wonder. Now I feel empowered; If I can make it in LA I know I can make it anywhere.

Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
Well, I wouldn’t say that I believe in the more superstitious concepts of “luck”, yet I would be arrogant not to acknowledge that I have found myself extremely fortunate in many things along the way. Many of my best clients and work opportunities have come seemingly out of thin air. I don’t really advertise my services and I am admittedly not good at “selling myself”. I’m an artist, not a salesman. But what I love about LA is that this is a place where you truly can stumble and bumble your way into success if you are dedicated and persistent and passionate about what you do. This is a town that thrives on freshness. People notice!

Do you feel like there are certain traits that increase the likelihood of success?
Positivity. Life seems to give you back what you put in. Facing daunting struggles and challenges I could have chosen to complain or be depressed or give up. Honestly, I doubt anyone would have blamed me, given the circumstances. But staying positive kept me grounded. On track. Kept my head out of the water. And sure enough, things soon turned around. People are attracted to positivity and success doesn’t happen on your own. It’s always some sort of team effort.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I might be a little biased here. It’s no secret to any of my friends that I am absolutely and unashamedly in love with this city. I have lived and traveled all over the country and the world and still no place has felt like home the way LA does for me. The very first time I set foot here, in 2011, I was on a West Coast tour that included a large chunk of time in Hawaii. I actually cut my Hawaii time short so that I could fly back to LA to spend more time there instead! I love the activity. So many things going on all at once. Anything you could possibly want to do, we have. Lots of things you never even knew existed! And still, if you want to get away, relax, explore nature, you can easily do that too. With our near-perfect weather, adventure is just a motorcycle ride away. Speaking of which, I suppose that leads into the downside of LA. If you don’t have a motorcycle then traffic and parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Buses are even worse. Transportation seems to be the Achilles heel of this city. But we are improving. Cheap Uber rides and the new light rail to Santa Monica are bringing things in the right direction. If none of us had to worry about traffic or parking I bet LA would be the ultimate paradise for a lot more people!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charlesryanbarber.com
• Phone: 9122302087
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: iamcharlesryan
• Facebook: facebook.com/iamcharlesryan