Years as a Staff Member/Position(s) held: 2, Archery Chief 2007, Camp I Assistant Head 2008
Current Profession: Owner, Fish Hunt Photo and Division Manager at Liggett Vector Brands
What have been your greatest personal and professional accomplishments? Or what is a goal that you are currently working toward?
Meeting/marrying my wife Frances and having our two sons Jack 3, and Marsh 9 months is certainly the highlight of my personal life. As far as professional, having my photography recognized with a cover shot in Marlin and Saltwater Sportsman Magazine definitely is at the top of my list. I would also say that the most rewarding has been working with Camp to do the calendar photos for the last four years.
One of the things that I enjoy most about photography is that there are always more locations to travel to and techniques to learn. I’m really looking forward to being able to take photos of my family as our children grow up, too.
How do the values or skills learned at Camp show up in your everyday work or personal life?
Three popular and common “rules” to follow at Camp are: “Do What’s Right”, “Character Counts”, and “Things don’t happen, you make them happen.”
For me, I have leaned on each of those beliefs at different times throughout my life and I reference them frequently. Camp is a touchstone for returning to fundamental principles of being the best version of yourself and serving your community.
What person or situation influenced you most at Camp and why did they/it impact you?
Jon Vance, without a doubt. He not only hired me but gave me my first chance at leadership in the role of Archery Chief in 2007 and then as Assistant Head Counselor of Camp 1 in 2008.
I look back fondly on conversations with Jon on the porch at Cheek hall. Jon is someone who’s a great listener and is always interested in you and your story, making you feel right at home with his realness and wise insights. Camp is the perfect example of how one person can change the world, and I think Jon has done just that through helping others.
Favorite Camp food?
Cabin cookout!
Favorite Camp memory?
Bonfires on the beach with my cabins, fishing on the pier at night with fellow counselors Sloan Stevens, Bryce Pike, Tyler Moore.
Favorite place to eat on time-off?
Gary’s!
Favorite photograph taken?
Probably the shot of the Pirates Cove Tournament Fleet coming home for the day. That image landed me my first magazine cover and helped me to turn a hobby into a business.
Coolest photography project?
Shooting the Bermuda Big Game Classic for Marlin Magazine and of course, doing the calendar for Camp!
Favorite fishing tournament to photograph?
“Big Rock” in Morehead City. The town comes alive and the area gets to be showcased in a really special way. I also love it because I can spend time at home with my friends and family.
Favorite photographer to follow on Instagram?
@jayflemingphotography -- he documents the VA commercial fishing world and the true fishing lifestyle.