We’re looking forward to introducing you to RalphGM. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning RalphGM, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The field of time-lapse photography and stock footage is frequently misunderstood and undervalued. With the rise of the Internet and, subsequently, social media platforms, artists are often forced to navigate complex copyright infringement challenges. Many individuals fail to recognize the significant time, effort, and financial investment required to produce this form of visual art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is RalphGM, and I’m a professional photographer, co-founder of the largest Los Angeles time-lapse photography archive ever created, titled TimeLAX.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s hard to point to one single moment that changed how I see the world. The more you live, the more you experience—and some things grab your attention, while others quietly pass by. With all the information we have at our fingertips today, it’s even tougher to choose just one defining moment.
For me, time-lapse photography became something meaningful not because of an inspirational video, but because of the energy of Los Angeles. It’s a city that draws creative minds from all over the world. From North LA down to San Diego near the border, Southern California feels like one massive film set. Art’s everywhere—murals popping up overnight, graffiti that feels like storytelling, impromptu music video shoots, and productions happening on random streets.
That constant visual buzz drew me into time-lapse—I wanted to capture the rhythm of the city in a unique way. What made the journey even more special is that I wasn’t alone. My brother, RandyFX, joined me in the process, and together we built what eventually became the TimeLAX project. It was a shared vision fueled by curiosity and creative drive.
And over time, the impact became clearer. I’ve received messages from people around the world who connected with our work. One that stood out was from a girl who had been thinking about leaving her city—but after seeing our first TimeLAX video, she decided to stay. That moment reminded me of how art moves people in ways you don’t always expect.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Giving up has never really been in the cards for me. I’ve faced plenty of obstacles—and still do—but when you believe in what you’re doing, it’s all about keeping your focus on what matters. Challenges aren’t just roadblocks; they’re lessons. They push you, shape you, and help you grow.
I started the TimeLAX project back in 2011, and when the world hit pause in 2020 during the so-called pandemic, I didn’t stop exploring Los Angeles. Actually, I made the most of that strange time. With nearly empty freeways and streets, I could zip from one spot to another without sitting in traffic or burning through gas. The city was quiet—almost surreal. After 7 PM, it felt like a ghost town.
Sure, I couldn’t capture the usual hustle of traffic and crowds, but there was something oddly fascinating about filming LA with empty boulevards and clouds drifting overhead. It was a version of the city you’d never expect—quiet, eerie, and somehow beautiful. Everyone was in a state of uncertainty, dealing with this psychological shock, afraid of what the virus might bring. In the middle of all that, my camera became a way to document not just a place, but a moment in time.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are a ton of myths floating around in the photography world. One of the biggest? That a fancy, expensive camera guarantees amazing shots. Truth is, it’s all about the photographer’s skill—not just the gear.
Another popular misconception is that anyone with a camera can instantly become a successful commercial photographer. In reality, it takes serious know-how, loads of practice, and a whole lot of dedication.
And while having a strong social media presence can help, it’s not a golden ticket to success. Lastly, let’s talk about the idea that photography is some kind of fast-track to wealth. Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s a competitive field, and perfecting your craft takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m driving through the quiet, forgotten corners of the city—heading toward a hidden spot to capture the glow of city lights, the dance of stars, or a thunderstorm rumbling in the distance. But equally, I find serenity when I arrive at a place surrounded only by nature and silence.
Los Angeles is full of incredible places that most people never experience—especially at night. The Verdugo Mountains between Glendale and Burbank are my favorite. I’ve broken the number-one rule of hiking there—’never hike alone’—but sometimes the risk is worth it to frame the whole metropolitan tapestry of the City of Angels, demons, and wizards, as I like to call it.
Turnbull Canyon is another spot etched into my memory, particularly the old water tower—a tank now draped in antennas and heavy with local lore. It was one of the first locations I discovered during the early days of the TimeLAX photography project. Sadly, the park was later closed from sunset to sunrise, likely due to vandalism and concerns about wildfire risk. Now it stands behind a fence, wrapped in razor wire, no longer accessible for night photography.
And then there’s Malibu—stargazing there at one in the morning is pure magic. Just you, the sky, and the sound of waves—a quiet reminder of how beautiful the world can be when everyone else is asleep.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timelax.com
Image Credits
Images are copyright © RalphGM & RandyFX. All rights reserved.
