What part of the First Coast do you reside in now, and how long have you lived there?
Saint Augustine. Lived here since June 2024. Settled here after serving 20 years in the US Navy. Born and raised in Albany, Oregon.
Why did you get into photography?
I started really getting into photography in 2013 as part of my military treatment recovery plan when the doctor encouraged me to find something that I enjoyed doing as a way to combat stress, anxiety, and depression. I find a lot of joy getting out and capturing life behind the lens.
What photographers are your biggest influences? How did they affect who you are and how you create?
Cathy Hoffman and Bill Bretthauer. I worked with them as a volunteer photographer with Honor Flights Columbus in 2017-2019. They both taught me a lot about angles and the uses of different settings on the camera.
How long have you been shooting? How do you feel you’ve evolved since you started?
I have been our “family photographer” since 2011. I got more serious when I started working with Honor Flight Columbus in 2017 as a photographer. I feel like I have evolved in capturing better angles, perspective and natural lighting.
Tell us about your photographic identity. You know you as a person have an identity that fundamentally makes you who you are. Tell us about that as a photographer:
Catching life as it happens behind the scenes. Never been an up-front vocal person. I like to stay behind the scenes and see my works come to life.
Tell us about the gear that you’re using. Please give us a list with reasons why you chose it. Please be descriptive. We want to know how it helps you translate your creative vision:
iPhone 14 Pro and Canon EOS R50. For the iPhone 14, I like the quick and easy use for those quick, candid spur-of-the-moment shots when you can’t pull out your digital camera.
I use the Canon when I plan to take action/landscape shots from a distance or as part of an organized photo event. The Canon gives me a crisper image when shooting faraway shots.
Natural light or artificial light? Why?
Natural light. I like to be out in nature, capturing life as it happens.
Why is photography and shooting so important to you?
It is very therapeutic and relaxing. Being able to witness life through sites or events gives me joy. I love being able to share those moments with others.
Do you feel that you’re more of a creator or a documenter? Why? How does the gear help you do this?
I am more of a documenter. Capturing life through visiting sites of interest and sharing those with others.
What’s typically going through your mind when you create images? Tell us about your processes, both mentally and mechanically:
First, I think of what I want to capture and post. Once I have that idea, I start to research the best way to capture it. Example for sunrise shots, I look to see what time sunrise is and anticipate arriving 30 minutes prior to capture the color before sunrise. Plus, check out locations using Google Maps to what would be some good locations to shoot at. Mentally, honestly, I just go out and start shooting.
Favorite time(s) of the day to shoot?
I would say sunrise, sunset, or the last few hours of day before sunset.
Please walk us through your processing techniques?
I do a lot of point and shoot. During editing, if it’s on my iPhone, I view the photo through the live feature to see which photo is the best. Then I go into either Adobe Photoshop Express or Snapseed to enhance the photo.
What made you want to get into your genre?
Genre of landscape and places because I love being outdoors and traveling across America. Seeing the beauty and uniqueness of what America offers.
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
Ansel Adams or Cliff Davis, US Navy Retired.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)?
Artistic vision. To be able to have a vision at any location and how to take the best shot.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
My family and friends- capturing our adventures together or showing them wonderful places to visit.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)?
Share on social media with the hope of my work being featured in local art shows or contests. Maybe one day sell more of my work. Or just catching a special moment in someone’s life and being able to share a picture of it.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
Instagram or local photography groups.
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
Edit based on the shot I got.
What is your dream location to photograph?
Banff National Park
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
Not much of a reader, but if I had to choose it would be history.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
One of my photos was selected as the grand prize winner for the 2024 Oklahoma Trading Card Company.
What advice would you give someone who has just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Get out and practice. Join a local photography group to teach and critique your work.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer, what would it be?
What’s the best way to capture night scenes on a budget?
Craziest thing you have done with media?
I created a short birthday video of lip syncing. Only a few selected family and friends have seen it.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
History and the Beach!
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
I have been married for over 17 years now, and we have one daughter. Both are very supportive of my photography. Some of my works come from trips that we call “Dadventures”. Dadventures are places that I have researched through the Roadside America app, various other Instagram accounts, or just scrolling through Google Maps. Some of the places have been great, while others have been a bust. Regardless, it’s fun to explore!
Additionally, I am a Star Wars fan, but more of a traditionalist. Love the original movies, Rogue One, and the Andor series.
As a family, we enjoy going to sporting events in person. Summers we are at Jumbo Shrimp games, fall is the Jaguars, and winter is cheering on the Icemen.
How can we see your work?
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
