Tucson, Arizona Changed the Way I Think About Brand Collaborations

I recently flew out to Tucson, Arizona—and it was incredible.

To be honest, I never imagined something like this would happen to me. I was invited to spend a few days in Tucson to create videos that showcase the beauty of the city and everything it has to offer. I knew the trip would be exciting, but I had no idea how much fun it would be.

Brand collaborations are usually a mix of excitement and pressure. Even when I love the product or destination I’m working with, the process of creating content can feel heavy. There’s so much focus on getting every detail right—recording quality, camera angles, audio clarity. Things I usually prioritize after storytelling and audience connection suddenly take center stage. And when a brand has a specific vision for the final product, it can start to feel like you’re just checking boxes.

But Tucson wasn’t like that.

At the Center For Creative Photography holding Ansel Adams’ Contax

I worked directly with their marketing specialist and content creator coordinator, Dave. From the very beginning, Dave was welcoming, easy to talk to, and most importantly—he trusted me. There was a moment when I told him I’d need to change the itinerary and wouldn’t be able to film in the Saguaro Desert. His response?

“Dude, I don’t care what you do!! I know you’re gonna get me four videos—just do your thing!”

And that was it. No micromanaging. No hovering. Just complete trust in my vision.

That one conversation changed everything. Most companies want to steer the creative direction to make sure their brand is represented a certain way—which is totally understandable. But Dave cared more about what I brought to the table as a creator. He gave me the freedom to follow my instincts, and that gave me permission to relax.

I knew I’d deliver the work. But I also got to enjoy the process.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

That simple act of trust turned what could’ve been another fast-paced work trip into a vacation. I was present. I had fun. And I got to make videos that I’m genuinely excited to share.

Tucson reminded me why I love doing this in the first place.

Working with a brand that gave me real creative freedom made me realize how important that trust is—and how rare it can be. Most of the collaboration inquiries I get are requests to make straight-up ads. That’s not what I want to spend my time doing.

I don’t want to become a walking billboard.

What I do want is to be a resource—someone who helps people find the tools that make their photography better, more meaningful, or more accessible. But I don’t want to lose myself in the process. I’m not here to sell products—I’m here to tell stories.

And the best kind of partnerships? They’re the ones that believe in me and my vision. I want to work with brands that see my creativity as something to support, not shape. I want the products and services I feature to be part of a larger narrative—not the whole story. I want these collaborations to feel like natural extensions of my life, not interruptions.

Tucson reminded me what that feels like. And I want more of it.