It’s admittedly true that Greg Von Doersten embodies the caricature of the globe-trotting, veteran photographer, with his wind-swept hair, tanned skin, camera in hand, ascending a skin track toward a remote summit. 

But the reality of his success is rooted in something less glamorous, but essential: The hustle. With so much competition out there, you have to get your work seen. Companies and editorial decision-makers are seeking out unique skill sets. It’s up to creatives to let those decision-makers know who they are and why they are the person for the job.

“The hustle is getting your name out. Sometimes that’s word of mouth, but it also requires sending out emails, pitching ideas, cold calls,” Greg says. 

At this point in his career, Greg doesn’t have to hustle as much as did when he got started. Thanks to the longevity of his career, he gets a lot of work from word-of-mouth and the calls come to him, like the time a producer on The Deadliest Catch reached out to shoot portraits of some of the award-winning show’s characters. But as someone who’s been creative his whole life, Greg has no intention of slowing down. That hustling edge stays with him.