An Inspired Chat with Sammy Saladino of Midtown

Sammy Saladino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sammy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve always seen myself, and probably always will, as more of a wanderer who occasionally stumbles upon a path. Right now, I’m certainly on a path towards financial freedom and artistic success, and I’m pushing hard in that direction.
However, I fully expect to stumble off that path from time to time. That’s where I often find new and interesting things to do and see, discovering unexpected opportunities or creative avenues I wouldn’t have found by sticking rigidly to a predefined route. It’s in those detours that some of the most exciting and enriching experiences often lie.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer based out of Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in both portraits and captivating landscapes. You might know my work from my travels across the country, where I capture some of the most breathtaking scenery this nation has to offer.
My journey behind the lens has been quite a ride. Like many, I started without much direction, but I quickly found my stride. Within my first two years of picking up a camera as a hobby, I was thrilled to have my work published in a magazine. Since then, things have really taken off! I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured in over 20 magazines and showcase my art in more than 75 exhibits across 40 cities worldwide.
This passion has turned into something far bigger than I ever imagined. I’m truly enjoying every step of this adventure as new opportunities and creative paths continue to emerge.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world started to shape my path, I was just a small-city guy from Peoria, Illinois, without much direction. For about five years, I drifted in and out of community college while working in the hotel industry. I had plenty of interests back then, and honestly, I still do today, but I really struggled to find the motivation to pursue any of them seriously.
Maybe it was just a phase of youth, wanting to spend all my time with friends rather than taking responsibility for anything significant in my life. Even though I’ve always had a creative outlook and mind, I never imagined I’d actually forge a career in a creative field. If it weren’t for a humanities class in college, I honestly have no idea what I’d be doing right now. That class was where I first discovered photography, not as a career, but as a potential hobby of mine. It’s wild to look back and see how that one moment completely redirected a life that felt so unmoored.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
What has held me back the most in life? Without a doubt, the fear of failure has been a constant thorn in my side for years. Dealing with mental health problems for most of my life certainly contributed a lot to that feeling. But, honestly, I secretly think most people who run their own businesses, and especially other artists, have experienced this during their own journey. It’s a common, yet often unspoken, battle.
Recently, I heard a quote that really resonated with me: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then you need bigger dreams.” The more I think about that, the more I realize I need to continue to stay on my path to success, even when it feels daunting. That quote has truly become one of my main driving forces of late, pushing me to keep moving forward with my career.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. I genuinely believe that being your authentic self is one of the most important values in life. The public version of me is the real me because that’s how you build genuine trust and lasting relationships with the people you meet every day. There’s a strength and a freedom in being true to who you are.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m immersed in nature and hiking. There’s just something about being out in the fresh air that brings me incredible clarity about life and where I’m headed. It’s a powerful antidote to any stress from financial concerns, relationship hurdles, or work pressures.
These moments in nature are also when I feel most creative. Bringing my camera along and listening to music through my AirPods transforms it into my own personal safe haven. It’s where I can truly disconnect and recharge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.photographybysammy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammyjr_artist?igsh=d2RjcGl5ZGhldDJy&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammysaladino?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammysaladinojr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sammyjr_artist
• Other: Etsy: https://photosbysammyjr.etsy.com/