Regi Valenzuela: Balancing Nightlife Photography and Well-being
Nightlife photography demands long hours and often involves irregular sleep patterns and social pressures. For Regi Valenzuela, better known as RVP (Facebook), maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside his thriving career is a top priority. This interview explores Regi’s strategies for success.
We spoke with Regi at several events, including the Wacken Metal Battle (link) festival and the Motherbasss 10th Anniversary (link) celebration. His insights into the nightlife industry and personal well-being offer valuable lessons for anyone working unconventional hours.
Maintaining Physical Health in a Demanding Profession
How do you stay fit as a nightlife photographer, especially with irregular sleep?
My background in breakdancing (BBOYing) provided a solid foundation for physical fitness. Even before photography, I incorporated various workouts and bodyweight training. Initially, I didn’t fully understand the potential health risks of the nightlife photography lifestyle—late nights, alcohol consumption, etc. Now, I prioritize physical activity to balance these factors. I aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. On days with late shoots, I’ll often work out around suppertime before heading to the event.
Workout Routine and Preferred Photography Equipment
What’s your typical workout routine, and what lens do you use most?
I enjoy outdoor running. On non-shoot days, I usually wake up at 5 a.m., run, and then do calisthenics. My main photography lens is my 16-55 f/2.8; it’s versatile and suitable for most situations. I frequently shoot with wide-angle lenses as well.
Calisthenics, also known as callisthenics, is a form of strength training using bodyweight exercises like standing, gripping, and pushing. Often performed rhythmically with minimal equipment.
The Link Between Physical and Mental Performance
Does being physically active help with your photography?
Absolutely. Physical activity benefits all aspects of life. I always recommend it to others. It trains your mind as well as your body. Being active builds confidence. It’s about visualizing your goals and embodying that confidence physically. Your mental state directly impacts your physical actions—your body is the vehicle that helps you achieve your ambitions. If you are exhausted, your performance suffers. Prioritizing your physical well-being is vital for peak performance. It improves mental acuity, enabling greater achievements. Invest in your health as much as your career—you’ll see improvements in how you feel, look, and think.
Memorable Events and Professional Highlights
What’s your most memorable event?
LABORACAY 2014 with DJ RON POE (link) was my first event outside Metro Manila. I had a funny mishap—I fell off the stage! Despite this, the shoot went well, and several airline magazines featured my photos. It was a fantastic experience.
Music and Podcasts for Motivation
What do you listen to while working out?
I don’t listen to music when running. I prefer podcasts and audiobooks—I learn and gain knowledge I can share with others. For weight training, I listen to rap metal and old-school hip-hop—something high-energy to push me.
Regi Valenzuela’s Photography Services
Regi Valenzuela specializes in nightlife, clubbing, events, birthdays, corporate events, branding, food, product photography, portraits, clothing, and vlog content photography. Since starting his career in 2013, he’s built an extensive portfolio, working with various clients. His collaborations include Manila Hypin, P&P tattoo, SOAK squad, SecretFresh, and teamRVP.
Read also: Why Do Photography and Nightlife Go Hand-in-Hand?
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