…Embrace the Business Side from Day One: When I first started, people told me to raise the prices for my photography, but I was so thrilled that anyone wanted to buy my fine art prints that I hardly considered how to price them. I remember offering major discounts to all my early clients simply because I had no idea what my work was worth. I priced my prints far too low, I was so excited with each sale it didn’t matter at the time. However, Over time, I realized that if people truly resonate with your art, they’ll be willing to pay a fair amount for it. You have to factor in all the materials, time, planning, travel, fees, and packaging — everything adds up, and your pricing should reflect that. Start with higher prices and go from there…
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Fabregas. Chris is an award-winning photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. He captures landscapes, lifestyles, outdoor activities, and travel subjects, known for bringing the beauty of nature into homes and offices with his fine art prints. His work has been featured on a Times Square billboard, in magazines, and in global news publications, earning him international recognition. Since 2017, Chris has sold thousands of physical prints to collectors worldwide, including sports heroes, celebrities, and world leaders. His images, produced through sophisticated digital technology, capture stunning detail and reflect his passion for nature and photography.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Absolutely! I grew up in Southern California, where I spent most of my time juggling homework, practicing sports, shooting videos with friends, or taking photos of the beautiful California landscape. Even though school didn’t always come easy, I worked hard at it and made it a priority — yet I still managed to carry my camera with me everywhere I went.
When I was about 13, my family moved to Bellevue, Washington, just outside Seattle. It was a whole new world — fewer palm trees, more evergreens, and a lot more rain — but I kept my love for sports alive, eventually playing college and even semi-pro baseball. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in economics and a minor in speech communications, I moved back to L.A. to take a job in sales. Not long after, I joined the Screen Actors Guild and worked on Hollywood productions for 16 years. Through it all, my curiosity about capturing the world around me only grew stronger, and my camera never left my side.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve been interested in photography since I was about eight years old when I entered a school photo contest and unexpectedly won. Maybe it was beginner’s luck, but it sparked something inside me — a sense that I might have a real gift for capturing moments. Fast forward to 2017, I was posting my landscape photos on social media, and friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers started to buy my prints for their homes and offices. That’s when I knew I had to start my photography business and give this passion a real chance, so I became incorporated, trademarked my logo, built a website, and watched HOURS of YouTube videos on how to start a photography business.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the coolest moments was seeing my work displayed on a Times Square billboard. I couldn’t make it to New York at the time, so I watched it go live on a webcam, which felt both hilarious and awe-inspiring. My photo lighting up one of the world’s most iconic spots. It was incredible to see my artwork at the heart of one of the most famous places on Earth. That moment reminded me that what began as a simple curiosity with a camera could truly connect with people all around the world.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I recently flew down to Southern California to capture a landscape photo of Dodger Stadium and downtown Los Angeles during Game One of the 2024 World Series. Being a Dodgers fan and growing up in California, I wanted to create an image that would bring joy to people when they see it. I ended up taking 18 separate photos and stitching them together to form one high-resolution piece. From there, I released it as a limited-edition print and also produced a poster version that included fun facts about the World Series.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Over the years, I’ve had collectors ranging from athletes and celebrities to world leaders buy my prints. Chatting with them, even briefly, is always amazing. It makes me realize that we are all people, just with different life experiences. There was one pro athlete who told me my landscape photograph brought him peace after a tough season — it’s amazing to know something I created could mean that much. Those conversations remind me that photography isn’t just about nice pictures; it can be a way to connect with people on a human level.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
Inspiration is everywhere for me. It can come from hiking through the mountains, the way the light hits the water at sunset, or even just walking through the city and catching a glimpse of something unexpected. Maybe a unique alley or a cool neon sign. I’m also constantly looking for that perfect blend of nature and city, which we have a lot of in the Pacific Northwest. However, a lot of my inspiration just comes from being open to what the world has to offer. I try to see the beauty in everything and look at my surroundings from different angles. I try to tell a story or have the viewer get lost in imagination while looking at my photos.
One of my most memorable shots was a farm road with autumn trees lining each side. The light was a little dark, but all of a sudden, the sun broke through the clouds and lit up the entire scene. A few minutes later, I received a phone call with the news that my grandmother had passed away. That moment and that image became so much more than just a landscape photo. Not only did it capture the beauty of Autumn in Washington, but it also had a deeper connection for me. It felt like she was shining through one last time. That photo will always be special because it holds more than just a memory — it holds a feeling.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I believe in making art accessible, which is why I offer multiple print options so that anyone who loves my work, or art in general, can bring it into their space, no matter their budget. I’ve also teamed up with local organizations to teach photography workshops, sharing my knowledge and inspiring creativity in the community. I also donate prints to local school fundraisers, helping them raise money for PTA initiatives and kids’ programs. I truly believe art can play a meaningful role in everyone’s life.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Pay attention and concentrate on what you truly want from your business. When I first started in photography, I’d pick it up and put it down frequently, never fully committing. But over the years, I’ve learned that when I’m completely invested and super-focused, good things tend to happen — sometimes out of the blue. Like being interviewed for this article. Channeling your energy in the right direction can spark powerful results.
2. It’s okay not to know everything upfront: When I began selling my work online, I had no clue how to run a business or reach people. Through trial, and error, and countless hours on YouTube and Google, I found my way. It’s not easy, but you have to embrace the learning process. You know you’re in the right profession when you love learning and conquering the unexpected every day.
3. As an artist, don’t be shy about sharing your work: Early on, I was nervous about putting my images on social media. But the more I share, the more I connect with people who find something meaningful in my photos. You can also use the analytics of the photos you have posted to see what’s popular and what’s not. If you have a popular post make sure to put that piece of art on your site.
4. Celebrate your small wins: In the beginning, I was always looking ahead and waiting for that “big moment” to feel like I’d made it. What I’ve learned is that each small step, whether it’s selling your first print or getting a positive email from a happy client, is worth celebrating. Acknowledging these milestones not only keeps you motivated but also helps you appreciate how far you’ve come, which can motivate you for your journey ahead.
5. Embrace the Business Side from Day One: When I first started, people told me to raise the prices for my photography, but I was so thrilled that anyone wanted to buy my fine art prints that I hardly considered how to price them. I remember offering major discounts to all my early clients simply because I had no idea what my work was worth. I priced my prints far too low, I was so excited with each sale it didn’t matter at the time. However, Over time, I realized that if people truly resonate with your art, they’ll be willing to pay a fair amount for it. You have to factor in all the materials, time, planning, travel, fees, and packaging — everything adds up, and your pricing should reflect that. Start with higher prices and go from there.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’d launch something I’d call the “Open Masterclass Movement.” The world’s top talents — actors, athletes, musicians, entrepreneurs — each hosting a series of YouTube-like videos where they share insider knowledge, personal stories, and tips from their fields. Viewers could pick a channel that aligns with their passions — an actor’s channel for aspiring performers, a pro athlete’s for sports players, or a musician’s for future rock stars. By making these expert insights accessible for free, we could empower everyone to learn directly from the best and inspire the next generation of creators, innovators, and dreamers. I know what you’re thinking FREE? Maybe each page or video could be paid for by advertisers similar to YouTube.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
I’d love to sit down with Jimmy Chin. As a photographer and filmmaker, he’s shown how creative vision and discipline can bring incredible stories to life. I’m fascinated with his beautiful landscapes and extreme sports photography. Over breakfast, I’d love to pick his brain on how to expand my photography business and what thought processes keep him pushing forward. Besides the business aspect, I’m also interested in the mental tools he uses to stay motivated and how that mindset has helped him succeed in the creative world.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
I hang out most often on Instagram @ChrisFabregas. I love sharing landscape photos, behind-the-scenes, before and after photos, and the occasional silly story. Check out my journey!
Chris Fabregas: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.