My Journey into Photography: From the Army to Passion
Finding My Creative Path: From Military Life to a Passion for Photography
Reintegrating into civilian life after my time in the Army and work in national security
felt like navigating uncharted territory. I was looking for a sense of normalcy—a way to
reconnect with myself outside the structure of military life. A simple invitation to lunch
changed everything. It wasn’t just about catching up; it was an introduction to new
friends, classmates, and the Radio & Television Broadcasting department at Tri-County
Technical College. That chance encounter set me on a path of creative discovery I
hadn’t anticipated, opening doors to a world where storytelling became my passion.
Part 1: From Airwaves to Underground Hip Hop – A Love for Audio Visual Begins
My creative awakening began in what we jokingly called “The Dungeon”—the radio and
TV broadcasting department’s basement studio. The energy in that space was electric,
and I was immediately drawn to the world of radio. I worked on AM college radio shows,
playing music, producing talk segments, and learning the ins and outs of broadcasting.
Crafting commercials gave me my first taste of merging sound and storytelling, which
sparked a love for the creative process. From there, I stepped into DJing underground
hip-hop shows, spinning tracks for friends and classmates at local parties and shows.
The connection between music and the audience was electric. If I wasn’t behind the my
turntable, I had a camcorder in hand, recording moments from shows and capturing
artists and friends in their element. This was my first taste of visual storytelling, and I
loved how video could immortalize the raw energy of those events.
Part 2: On the Road with a Camera – Capturing Cars and Real Estate
My interest in videography led me to car shows, where I couldn’t resist filming low
riders, classic cars, and hot rods. There was something captivating about the way their
gleaming exteriors caught the light, highlighting every detail of their craftsmanship.
Shooting cars sparked a creative passion I hadn’t felt before.
Eventually, I ventured into real estate videography. Filming home tours was a different
challenge, requiring me to balance aesthetics and practicality to give potential buyers a
real sense of the spaces. This work sharpened my eye for lighting, angles, and
composition—skills that would later serve me well in photography.
Part 3: Falling for Still Photography – Building a Corporate Vision
While video will always hold a special place in my creative journey, still photography
captured my heart in a way I didn’t expect. The challenge of telling an entire story in a
single frame pushed me to explore vivid imagery and purposeful compositions.
My corporate photography career began as a lighting technician for a tenured news
shooter. Documenting events, marketing materials, and team portraits gave me
firsthand experience in creating images that resonate with audiences. I saw the
immense value of strong visuals for businesses, and it inspired me to bring this same
level of professionalism to small and medium-sized companies.
Today, through DMG Imaging, I help individuals and organizations tell their unique
stories through high-quality, meaningful photography. From personal branding to
corporate identity, my mission is to create imagery that reflects your vision and leaves a
lasting impression.
Let’s Work Together
Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Whether you're refreshing your photos or
launching a new project, let’s chat about your ideas. Together, we’ll create images that
fit your needs perfectly. Click below to schedule your consultation—let’s make
something extraordinary!
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