“I don’t know how many mistakes it takes to make something perfect, but we’re going to keep trying until we get it right.”

— Unkown

Hi, my name is

Hector Avendano

 

Who Am I ?

 

Hello there, I’m the photographer behind Neon Highway Photography and Design. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and photography has been part of my life for longer than I knew what to do with it.

As a kid, I’d borrow my parents’ little PowerShot camera to photograph my friends and whatever caught my eye. I loved taking pictures, but growing up in an immigrant family, an artistic career didn’t feel like a realistic path. I enjoyed photography without really imagining it could become my work.


 

How Did I Get Here ?

 

For years, I worked toward becoming a veterinarian. I studied biology, worked in medical research, and kept moving toward that goal. Then, during the pandemic, I took a chance on an internship with a trail crew in southern Oregon.

I spent the summer of my 21st birthday in the backcountry, clearing and restoring historic trails. My crew lead, Trevor Meyer, also became a photographic mentor. He taught me the basics, and I came home seeing photography differently. It was still something I loved, but now I wanted to understand it and get better at it.

Back in Vegas, I gave veterinary medicine one more shot while photographing anything I could. A chance to shoot local street racing led to concerts, events, and portraits. One opportunity led to another, and eventually I realized photography had become the work I wanted to pursue.


 

What Do I Do Now ?

 

Today, I’m a full-time photographer working across portraits, live music, events, and brand photography. I like the variety. A portrait session gives me room to work with someone one-on-one; a concert asks me to pay attention and react quickly. Both keep me interested in what I do.

The name Neon Highway is a nod to where my photography career began: shooting street racing in Las Vegas. What started there grew into all kinds of work, but I wanted the name to keep a piece of that beginning.

Neon Highway is where I bring that experience together. I work with people who have a clear idea of what they want and people who are still figuring it out. Either way, I want them to feel comfortable bringing their ideas to me, working through them together, and walking away with photographs they’re excited to use and share.