What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

The photographic "Creative Community" means support to me. Most of my colleagues have shared their knowledge, experiences, creative inspiration as well as a helpful critical eye just to name a few. That kind of support has been invaluable to me especially when I was starting out and I always try to pay it forward by doing the same.

How did you discover your creativity?

Discovering creativity is a never ending process for me. When I was a kid it was comic book art that inspired me and I'd re-sketch it on notepads bigger than I was. Today I try to be observant and notice the little things. I find creative inspiration in everything from the smell of the ocean to the way light hits a building to a puddle's reflection.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in growing your business. How did you solve it?

Marketing and self promotion have been my nemesis! It's been insanely difficult for me to get my work in front of the right people looking to hire photographers. Solve it? Ha! I'll let you know if I ever figure that one out.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?:

A great photographer is in the right place at the right time with a camera. My big break was a right place at the right time situation. I had worked as the head retoucher for JCPenney and always kept a current portfolio. When a fashion photographer position became available the trust I had built with the studio director, my work ethic and my rag tag portfolio got him to take a chance on me. Next thing you know I'm shooting fantastic models with a great team for worldwide marketing campaigns! To this day I'm still incredibly grateful to those who gave me that opportunity.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

Macbook Pro, thumb drives, iPhone power cords and extra batteries, a mini notebook/sketch pad, a few good pens and at least one puzzle (usually some kind of rubik's cube).

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

1. Shoot shoot shoot! The only way to get better and develop a style is through experience.
2. Learn to say no. You have value and don't let anyone undermine it by offering you not what you're worth.
3. Treat everyone like they're important. Someone who gets you a water or lunch now can easily be the next creative director or art buyer and they are going to remember if you were nice or an asshole.

Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?

@beautifuldestinations because I am a travel junkie!
@jamiemahood because she is an amazing tattoo artist who did my work and I love seeing the amazing things she does with a needle and ink.
@theashleygraham because I love shooting with her and find her confidence, beauty and body message to be amazing!
@raybrownpro @jedroot and @kateryaninc these artist reps and the talent under their umbrellas are what I aspire to. I'm available!!! ;-)

What is your MOTTO in life?

Be better!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Knick knacks. Apparently I love collecting things.

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

A camera because there has to be some killer sunsets!
Flip-flops, because I always seem to forget them when I go to the beach.
Wi-Fi!! I got to have me some Netflix!!!!

What do your parents think you do?

My parents have been nothing but supportive. They will always be on my side and I should tell them that I appreciate them more.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Do network! Don't not network!

Full Name: James Bueti

Profession: Lifestyle & Fashion Photographer

Industry: Commercial Advertising

Website: http://www.jamesbueti.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesBuetiPhotography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbueti/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jbueti

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbueti