How it all started

I often get asked how I got started in photography. It's a tale as old as time. I was 15 years old and I needed to take an art class for school credit. In typical fashion I procrastinated registering for school. By the time I did the only art class that fit my schedule was photography. The first few weeks WERE. THE. WORST. I couldn't even pretend that I cared about the history of photography. Everything changed the second I got my hands on a camera. It was love at first sight. I wasn't the best student in school and nothing changed once I became obsessed with photography. When we were supposed to be in class writing reports I would sneak out and go to the dark room. This didn’t help my GPA. When the next year rolled around, I asked my photography teacher to sign off on me taking AP Photography. She told me something I wouldn't soon forget.

"No. I don't think photography is a good fit for you, and I am not sure you have the eye for it. I don't want to set you up for failure."

Ouch.

What she didn't account for is how dang stubborn and persistent I am. Especially when you tell me I can't do something. I quickly decided I didn't need her or her stupid class to become a good photographer. That's when life happened. I graduated from high school, got a job, and met a girl. Photography had always seemed like a hobby to me, not a career path. So when that girl I met turned out to be THE girl, I put photography to the side and focused on getting a job that'd pay the bills. We got married and I had a job working a graveyard shift. Working nights while being newlyweds is not an easy or fun task. One night when I got to work Katie suggested I check KSL for a new job. Being the good husband that I am, I listened. Lo and behold, five minutes before I got on, a local company had posted a photography position. I immediately called Katie to talk it through. We talked about how I wouldn't be on graveyard shifts anymore but it'd come with a pay cut. Katie told me to go for it. Five days and three interviews later, I had a new job and never looked back.

That was 8 years ago. Now, Katie and I are taking another risk. Starting our own business and shooting for the stars.