Good idea! - I am still doing work in my garage and piecing it together. I'm currently waiting on new garage doors to be made etc. Once it is all ready to go, I will definitely put together an article on it!
Would be curious to learn more about how you think about use and purchase of higher tier ‘toys’ like a la marzocco, Rimowa, or even higher end hotel stays.
These are all things that could be accomplished for less, but there’s also something about using and enjoying the best of the best.
Interested in the philosophy of appreciation for finer things and how you seem to take your pleasures seriously
To me, there's a difference between things I use every day ( or a lot of the time ) that I don't believe you should skimp on. This took me a long time to realize, and now I believe it wholeheartedly.
Yes, you can make fantastic espresso with a stovetop Bialetti ( which i did for years and still do on occasion for the fun of it). Although pulling a shot from a La Marzocco is just different and of course, better quality output.
When you spend more time in airports than you do at home, having premium made luggage that (usually) doesn't break, just takes 1 hassle off of my plate. Whether thats Rimowa or many other well-built luggage companies with lifetime warranties.
I'm still a sucker for a cheap hotel. Sometimes it's all you need, and that's beautiful. For hotels in general, its all about location to me. soemtimes a location is just that great that a little Airbnb or cheap hotel to sleep in is just fine. Sometimes, a 5 star hotel is just worth treating yourself to if it gives you the perks you appreciate.
I can definitely have a bunch of fun driving a 2002 Honda Civic on a beautiful canyon road, but that experience is just much more fun and appealing to me in a 1974 Porsche 911 Targa.
When it comes down to it, the feeling something gives me while using it is 99% of the reason for having it.
Forgive any redundancies from past posts that may have touched on these subjects… Feel free to respond to either of these:
Your line of work is very admirable and, frankly, cool. How did you end up as a professional stuntman/photographer?
As a guy in his early 20’s, your lifestyle is somewhat of a Pinterest board for both myself and my friends. Any advice for navigating life as someone around my age?
Love the Substack and will be a continued supporter.
In regards to work, I grew up in a family of stuntmen here in LA. It's basically the family business and I got roped into it very young. It's all I've ever known. Over the years I've transitioned and broadened what I do, but stunts remain the foundation. I think it's lent itself to my creativity in photography and other areas. Photography was always a hobby that's now become the primary focus.
Glad I could add to your Pinterest board. I actually use Pinterest for inspiration all the time and have to scroll past my own photos constantly, which is a weird problem to have but here we are.
As for navigating life in your early 20s, all I can say is steer your own ship. Look at what everyone else is doing and run the other way. Differentiate yourself, but make sure it's rooted in something authentic.
I’m a self-employed father of two, and lately I feel like there’s simply no time left for my hobbies.
I have so many interests — photography, motorcycles, sports, reading, fashion, classic cars. The problem is that when I finally do have some free time, I don’t even know where to start. There are too many options, and instead of choosing one, I end up feeling overwhelmed and sometimes fall into a kind of “paralysis” where I end up doing nothing at all.
My question is:
How do you deal with having many passions but very limited time? And how do you decide which hobbies to prioritize so you can actually enjoy them instead of feeling stressed about them?
Man, I understand this feeling entirely. I struggle with the same thing most days. It's a weird transition nobody talks about, putting a lot of your personal hobbies on hold as you start raising kids.
I'm shocked by how much attention and energy these little amazing humans require on a daily basis.
For me, I still try to do all these hobbies. which seem to be similar to yours. I just had to change what they look like.
Instead of only photographing the things I'd normally shoot, I get my fix by shooting my daughter and family moments more. My motorcycle rides might look like a quick trip down to the post office on a beautiful day, or a 4 p.m. date night ride with my wife when we have help, instead of having it in constant rotation. Working out has turned from a mid-morning leisurely activity to a 6 a.m. quick and effective workout at home before the family wakes up.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I had to work harder at scheduling my hobbies second to fatherhood. Which I'm still figuring out how to do.
The thing I keep reminding myself is that the kids need us for a very brief window. One day in the future we're going to have all the time for our hobbies and probably some new ones.
If you were starting photography from scratch today with a budget under $1,000, which camera would you buy? And, if you were starting a restoration project on a vintage car today, which model, brand, and year would you choose?
Would you be open to creating long form content on Youtube? I think its something me and a lot of other people in your community would be interested in.
I have toyed with this for a while now. I have been stagnant on YouTube for 10 years. - I have a solid amount of subscribers on there still, and definitely will utilize it soon.
I'm a bit stuck on what kind of long-form content people would enjoy or what kind I would enjoy making.
I've thought about just making fun 10-20 min simple videos when I go on certain trips, like being invited to drive a new car with a cool manufacturer, etc. I wouldn't make it family life or anything too personal. I'm open to hearing any and all ideas!
Would genuinely love to learn more about the Sunday morning ritual. If you’re open to sharing, I’d be really interested in hearing what that time looks like for you and what makes it meaningful.
Every sunday is different, but if you missed my post a few weeks ago called "The Reason for a Sunday Drive" this is a great starting point.
Most of them involve an early morning coffee meet-up with a select few friends and going for a drive in the canyons. Others are slow, being outside as much as physically possible. Taking my daughter for a walk or to the park a few times throughout the day and always cooking something amazing at home for dinner. Taking my time to cook a great steak etc.
Thank you for all your incredible work, your photography and writing are excellent! I’m curious how you got to know Ben Clymer and if we’ll ever see you on a talking watches?
I've known Ben for quite a few years now. Just similar circles of friends and found myself at the same places as him often. I dont think im knowledgable enough to be on talking watches! haha. love watching it though.
This here is more exciting to read than past professional interviews, haha.
As someone who juggles multiple disciplines: How do you structure your admin days in the office so you don't get bogged down in trivialities? What is your routine, start and end times, etc.?
And what is the current ratio between the “physical” job (stunts) and the “visual” job (photography/content)? I would be interested to know how this balance has developed over the years.
Thanks man! To be honest, I'm working on figuring that out every day.
I have tried a lot of different routines and structures to see whats most effective for me. Having a kid now, my options have been a bit slimmer which is kind of good. It has forced me to get a lot of my important stuff done early. I wake up around 5:45-6 and get a mile walk in with the dog before anything, then i just crank out emails that are needing attention and then i take the day as it comes.
I recently tried (and am still generally doing) a version my wife recommended where I structure my week broadly by day on "creative days" and "Work Days". I can then let my brain fully settle into those things and get more work done.
The ratio between stunts and photography/content has shifted a lot. The movie industry has slowed down the last few years. I started focusing on different revenue streams early on as side projects and now they're more lucrative than the uncertain waves of entertainment. I love stunts and that industry gave me everything I know, but it's just not what it was anymore.
How are you finding traveling with the little one? I’ve got a two year old that we’ve done a few domestic trips and a few international trips when he was a little younger. We’ve got a trip coming up in two weeks that we are trying to get dialed in for. Do you guys have any systems that work for you?
Starting them young has been the most important thing. Getting them used to travel days early definitely helps.
Every age has its own battles so what works is always changing. Our current system is much lighter than it used to be. We bring this tiny foldable stroller that fits in the overhead on the plane which has been a game changer. Even though my daughter would rather walk most of the time it's good to have. Tons of books and things to keep her entertained in the seat is mandatory.
International trips are a different animal but honestly it's just about doing it and adjusting as you go. Being okay with dropping things they outgrow. Staying light and agile so you're not the dad lugging a bunch of stuff through the airport.
Hey Riley, love your content! How are you finding the G550 and do you miss your Defender? Any other cars in mind for the future? Can see a nice Aston on your driveway someday!
Hey Matthee. I am loving the 1980's edition G550. Its really an amazing daily. It's technically my wife's car, and I drive it a lot when we are together etc. The inline 6 I have fallen in love with, which I didn't expect.
I currently have a new 911 Carrera T on order which should arrive late May or early June. I'm very excited about that.
I have spent so much time in Astons and I really love them, but its just not a car i would spend the money on. I'd much rather do that on a Porsche :)
With as much as you have traveled, do you find the luxury stays are worth it more than just going to the destination, going budget and really throwing yourself into the spot?
Good question. I think it depends entirely on the trip and what you're trying to get out of it.
There are times when the hotel in its entirety IS the experience, where the property itself is worth staying at, not just as a base. In those cases, yeah I think the luxury is worth it. You're paying for the setting, the service, the fact that you can just exist there and it feels special.
But there are also trips where I'd rather spend less on the room and more on everything else. If I'm exploring a new city or trying to really dig into a place, I don't need to be at the nicest hotel. I need to be out walking around eating at local spots and getting lost.
In those situations, a clean well located place to sleep is all I'm looking for.
I also think there's a middle ground that doesn't get talked about enough. You don't have to go full budget hostel or full luxury resort. There are plenty of places that are reasonably priced that give you the best of both worlds.
For me, it's about being intentional with where the money goes. Some trips call for luxury. Some trips call for more unknown. Both can be incredible if you're clear on what you're after!
Why not do a garage tour? Not only of your vehicles, but also of how you set up and furnished the space to fit your needs
Good idea! - I am still doing work in my garage and piecing it together. I'm currently waiting on new garage doors to be made etc. Once it is all ready to go, I will definitely put together an article on it!
Would be curious to learn more about how you think about use and purchase of higher tier ‘toys’ like a la marzocco, Rimowa, or even higher end hotel stays.
These are all things that could be accomplished for less, but there’s also something about using and enjoying the best of the best.
Interested in the philosophy of appreciation for finer things and how you seem to take your pleasures seriously
Great question!
To me, there's a difference between things I use every day ( or a lot of the time ) that I don't believe you should skimp on. This took me a long time to realize, and now I believe it wholeheartedly.
Yes, you can make fantastic espresso with a stovetop Bialetti ( which i did for years and still do on occasion for the fun of it). Although pulling a shot from a La Marzocco is just different and of course, better quality output.
When you spend more time in airports than you do at home, having premium made luggage that (usually) doesn't break, just takes 1 hassle off of my plate. Whether thats Rimowa or many other well-built luggage companies with lifetime warranties.
I'm still a sucker for a cheap hotel. Sometimes it's all you need, and that's beautiful. For hotels in general, its all about location to me. soemtimes a location is just that great that a little Airbnb or cheap hotel to sleep in is just fine. Sometimes, a 5 star hotel is just worth treating yourself to if it gives you the perks you appreciate.
I can definitely have a bunch of fun driving a 2002 Honda Civic on a beautiful canyon road, but that experience is just much more fun and appealing to me in a 1974 Porsche 911 Targa.
When it comes down to it, the feeling something gives me while using it is 99% of the reason for having it.
Forgive any redundancies from past posts that may have touched on these subjects… Feel free to respond to either of these:
Your line of work is very admirable and, frankly, cool. How did you end up as a professional stuntman/photographer?
As a guy in his early 20’s, your lifestyle is somewhat of a Pinterest board for both myself and my friends. Any advice for navigating life as someone around my age?
Love the Substack and will be a continued supporter.
Thanks Casey.
In regards to work, I grew up in a family of stuntmen here in LA. It's basically the family business and I got roped into it very young. It's all I've ever known. Over the years I've transitioned and broadened what I do, but stunts remain the foundation. I think it's lent itself to my creativity in photography and other areas. Photography was always a hobby that's now become the primary focus.
Glad I could add to your Pinterest board. I actually use Pinterest for inspiration all the time and have to scroll past my own photos constantly, which is a weird problem to have but here we are.
As for navigating life in your early 20s, all I can say is steer your own ship. Look at what everyone else is doing and run the other way. Differentiate yourself, but make sure it's rooted in something authentic.
Thanks for supporting!
I’m a self-employed father of two, and lately I feel like there’s simply no time left for my hobbies.
I have so many interests — photography, motorcycles, sports, reading, fashion, classic cars. The problem is that when I finally do have some free time, I don’t even know where to start. There are too many options, and instead of choosing one, I end up feeling overwhelmed and sometimes fall into a kind of “paralysis” where I end up doing nothing at all.
My question is:
How do you deal with having many passions but very limited time? And how do you decide which hobbies to prioritize so you can actually enjoy them instead of feeling stressed about them?
Man, I understand this feeling entirely. I struggle with the same thing most days. It's a weird transition nobody talks about, putting a lot of your personal hobbies on hold as you start raising kids.
I'm shocked by how much attention and energy these little amazing humans require on a daily basis.
For me, I still try to do all these hobbies. which seem to be similar to yours. I just had to change what they look like.
Instead of only photographing the things I'd normally shoot, I get my fix by shooting my daughter and family moments more. My motorcycle rides might look like a quick trip down to the post office on a beautiful day, or a 4 p.m. date night ride with my wife when we have help, instead of having it in constant rotation. Working out has turned from a mid-morning leisurely activity to a 6 a.m. quick and effective workout at home before the family wakes up.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I had to work harder at scheduling my hobbies second to fatherhood. Which I'm still figuring out how to do.
The thing I keep reminding myself is that the kids need us for a very brief window. One day in the future we're going to have all the time for our hobbies and probably some new ones.
If you were starting photography from scratch today with a budget under $1,000, which camera would you buy? And, if you were starting a restoration project on a vintage car today, which model, brand, and year would you choose?
Great question.
Camera: Canon AE1
Car: 1967 Alfa Romeo GTV
Would you be open to creating long form content on Youtube? I think its something me and a lot of other people in your community would be interested in.
I have toyed with this for a while now. I have been stagnant on YouTube for 10 years. - I have a solid amount of subscribers on there still, and definitely will utilize it soon.
I'm a bit stuck on what kind of long-form content people would enjoy or what kind I would enjoy making.
I've thought about just making fun 10-20 min simple videos when I go on certain trips, like being invited to drive a new car with a cool manufacturer, etc. I wouldn't make it family life or anything too personal. I'm open to hearing any and all ideas!
yea those simpler videos sound cool. any car or golf events would be super cool to see more of.
Would genuinely love to learn more about the Sunday morning ritual. If you’re open to sharing, I’d be really interested in hearing what that time looks like for you and what makes it meaningful.
Every sunday is different, but if you missed my post a few weeks ago called "The Reason for a Sunday Drive" this is a great starting point.
Most of them involve an early morning coffee meet-up with a select few friends and going for a drive in the canyons. Others are slow, being outside as much as physically possible. Taking my daughter for a walk or to the park a few times throughout the day and always cooking something amazing at home for dinner. Taking my time to cook a great steak etc.
Might be late to the party, but any tips for a soon to be first time father?
As someone who loves to workout I’d also be interested to know what your training split looks like.
Congrats on the new addition! Just be present and patient and enjoy every moment. Roll with the punches. There’s a lot of them!
My workout split right now is Monday Wednesday Friday heavy resistance training. off days im doing more cardio and walking and sauna / cold plunge.
I would love for you to describe how you learned to use the rangefinder. You have a beautiful eye and something truly incredible in your photographs 🙏
thanks! - i just carried itth with me everywhere i went for the better part of 10 years. trial and error!
Hi Riley,
Thank you for all your incredible work, your photography and writing are excellent! I’m curious how you got to know Ben Clymer and if we’ll ever see you on a talking watches?
I've known Ben for quite a few years now. Just similar circles of friends and found myself at the same places as him often. I dont think im knowledgable enough to be on talking watches! haha. love watching it though.
Hey Riley,
This here is more exciting to read than past professional interviews, haha.
As someone who juggles multiple disciplines: How do you structure your admin days in the office so you don't get bogged down in trivialities? What is your routine, start and end times, etc.?
And what is the current ratio between the “physical” job (stunts) and the “visual” job (photography/content)? I would be interested to know how this balance has developed over the years.
Thanks man! To be honest, I'm working on figuring that out every day.
I have tried a lot of different routines and structures to see whats most effective for me. Having a kid now, my options have been a bit slimmer which is kind of good. It has forced me to get a lot of my important stuff done early. I wake up around 5:45-6 and get a mile walk in with the dog before anything, then i just crank out emails that are needing attention and then i take the day as it comes.
I recently tried (and am still generally doing) a version my wife recommended where I structure my week broadly by day on "creative days" and "Work Days". I can then let my brain fully settle into those things and get more work done.
The ratio between stunts and photography/content has shifted a lot. The movie industry has slowed down the last few years. I started focusing on different revenue streams early on as side projects and now they're more lucrative than the uncertain waves of entertainment. I love stunts and that industry gave me everything I know, but it's just not what it was anymore.
Hey Riley,
How are you finding traveling with the little one? I’ve got a two year old that we’ve done a few domestic trips and a few international trips when he was a little younger. We’ve got a trip coming up in two weeks that we are trying to get dialed in for. Do you guys have any systems that work for you?
Starting them young has been the most important thing. Getting them used to travel days early definitely helps.
Every age has its own battles so what works is always changing. Our current system is much lighter than it used to be. We bring this tiny foldable stroller that fits in the overhead on the plane which has been a game changer. Even though my daughter would rather walk most of the time it's good to have. Tons of books and things to keep her entertained in the seat is mandatory.
International trips are a different animal but honestly it's just about doing it and adjusting as you go. Being okay with dropping things they outgrow. Staying light and agile so you're not the dad lugging a bunch of stuff through the airport.
Hey Riley, love your content! How are you finding the G550 and do you miss your Defender? Any other cars in mind for the future? Can see a nice Aston on your driveway someday!
Hey Matthee. I am loving the 1980's edition G550. Its really an amazing daily. It's technically my wife's car, and I drive it a lot when we are together etc. The inline 6 I have fallen in love with, which I didn't expect.
I currently have a new 911 Carrera T on order which should arrive late May or early June. I'm very excited about that.
I have spent so much time in Astons and I really love them, but its just not a car i would spend the money on. I'd much rather do that on a Porsche :)
With as much as you have traveled, do you find the luxury stays are worth it more than just going to the destination, going budget and really throwing yourself into the spot?
Good question. I think it depends entirely on the trip and what you're trying to get out of it.
There are times when the hotel in its entirety IS the experience, where the property itself is worth staying at, not just as a base. In those cases, yeah I think the luxury is worth it. You're paying for the setting, the service, the fact that you can just exist there and it feels special.
But there are also trips where I'd rather spend less on the room and more on everything else. If I'm exploring a new city or trying to really dig into a place, I don't need to be at the nicest hotel. I need to be out walking around eating at local spots and getting lost.
In those situations, a clean well located place to sleep is all I'm looking for.
I also think there's a middle ground that doesn't get talked about enough. You don't have to go full budget hostel or full luxury resort. There are plenty of places that are reasonably priced that give you the best of both worlds.
For me, it's about being intentional with where the money goes. Some trips call for luxury. Some trips call for more unknown. Both can be incredible if you're clear on what you're after!
Where did you get your beige/yellow jacket that you wore to the quail event?
If I remember corrently its a jacket from Random Golf Club
Do you think you’ll ever release presets for iPhone? Something quick and easy to use daily with Lightroom.
Your sister Kelsey as well — I’m always surprised by the quality of her photos taken only with an iPhone. Talent clearly runs in the family.
I'll never say never, but I just don't see a need with amazing apps like VSCO. But personally, I love unedited iPhone photos