I came a little late to the outdoor game. Some photographers start their career because photography compliments other passions they have. Not me, though. I came to photography because it was my passion. Over the past 20 years, I grew better at my craft and built a modest, but successful photography career.

During those two decades, I photographed everything from assignments to professional sports to weddings to real estate and quite nearly everything in between. It has been fun, but also wore out its welcome at times. Photography became my entire entity.

Then a few years back, I heard another photographer say that photography alone doesn’t make for an interesting life. Reading, traveling, and pursuing other passions are what fuel your body of work. It resonated with me. I had spent my entire life taking photos for other people, of their stories and their passions, but hardly ever of my own.

As my children grew older and became more independent, I found a love of the outdoors. We moved to a state where I wanted to be outside in the wilderness. My brother introduced me to birding. Suddenly, I had passions and interests to photograph.

When people ask me what kind of photographer I am, my go-to answer is usually just: “a professional photographer.” These days, I am more interested in narrowing that down to something more specific. I am spending more time pursuing my passions and photographing the things that interested me as well as teaching those who want to learn to use cameras along the way.

I hope you’ll join me on this journey into the outdoors!

-Kyle