Southwest Virginia is a sanctuary of photographic majesty where nature’s beauty is fully displayed.
Southwest Virginia is a photographer’s dream destination but bar none. The region is full of majestic mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking valleys around every turn. There’s no question why this region has earned accolades from publications like Southern Living, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Country Living, and Garden and Gun. I have had the privilege of being born here and staying here for thirty-five years so far. I call Southwest Virginia home because it’s where I was raised, started my business, and met the love of my life. I owe a lot to this region, and today, I want to share some of that with you.
My Roots in Southwest Virginia
I was born in Abingdon, the county seat of Washington County and its largest town. Growing up in Glade Spring, a small town just a short drive away, I witnessed firsthand the pivotal role agriculture played in our county’s economy, particularly tobacco farming. Over the years, Glade Spring, with its population now under 1,500, has experienced its fair share of decline. Glade Spring is the home to many things for me. It’s where I first learned how to ride a bike (and crash one). It’s where I met my first love and also my first heartbreak. Glade is also where I lived when I bought my first camera to pursue photography.
My Uncle Randy, an avid outdoor enthusiast, has significantly influenced my life for as long as I can remember. Whether he was skimming across the water on his boat or jet ski or traversing some of the region’s most scenic mountain trails, he often took me along. During these adventures, I developed a deep fascination with Southwest Virginia. From the breathtaking vistas of Grayson Highlands State Park to the winding paths of the Virginia Creeper Trail, I felt an undeniable connection to this land of awe-inspiring outdoor adventures.
As I entered my teenage years, my appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding me began to wane, giving way to a newfound interest in sports, music, and virtually anything but the outdoors. It seemed that enjoying the great outdoors wasn’t quite in vogue among my peers, possibly because it didn’t offer the escape from adolescence we were all seeking. Traumatic events marred my middle and high school years, and I found myself in need of distractions to cope. These pursuits, however, were mere band-aids, offering only temporary solace. It wasn’t until I discovered photography that I found a valid path to healing.
Learning Photography in the Heart of Appalachia
At 19, I found myself in a relationship that seemed, at the time, to be just another misstep. Little did I know, this relationship would open a doorway to a world brimming with art, expression, and emotional healing. Back in 2006, the options for cameras on a tight budget were quite limited. I was making do with a 2-megapixel flip phone camera and a modest point-and-shoot. Earning around $4.20 an hour after taxes from a part-time job, due to school commitments, my monthly take-home pay was barely $500. Despite these constraints, I decided on a Fujifilm S series camera from the early 2000s, priced between $300-$400, primarily to capture moments with my girlfriend.
One unfortunate day at her house, the camera met its demise to water damage, erasing nearly a month’s earnings in an instant. Yet, this setback didn’t deter me. My dad gifted me a Kodak point-and-shoot camera, initially intended for photographing my sister-in-law’s wedding—a modest affair, as none of my family came from wealth but instead earned every penny through hard work.
This Kodak camera quickly became my treasure, leading me to devour photo magazines, books, and any photography website I could find. Despite YouTube’s infancy, lacking the vast educational content it hosts today, I embarked on a self-taught journey into photography. I delved into techniques such as the exposure triangle and capturing the ethereal beauty of silky waterfalls.
As my passion deepened, I explored academic paths in photography and discovered Virginia Intermont College, a school renowned on the East Coast—and arguably the country—for its photography program. At a time when film was still prevalent, the curriculum emphasized mastering traditional film photography for the first two years before progressing to digital, laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the field.
I was hooked.
A Portfolio Built on Home Ground
Over the next six years, my life was a whirlwind of experiences. I juggled a variety of jobs, overcame personal setbacks to graduate college in 2015, and launched a YouTube channel named Everyday Photographers the same year. Despite the changes and challenges, my passion for photography remained unwavering. By then, I had amassed a diverse portfolio that included portraits, action shots, and corporate photography. At one point, driven by this passion, I left my job to start my own photography studio—a decision that, in hindsight, may not have been fully thought through. Yet, it seemed nothing could derail my photographic journey, except perhaps the quest for a stable career.
Armed with skills, knowledge, and a degree, I frustratingly found myself unable to secure a job that would leverage my talents, leading to feelings of discouragement and resentment towards various businesses and the region. Repeatedly being told I was “overqualified” made it all the more difficult to keep pushing forward. But my portfolio was always in the back of my mind, a beacon of hope.
Then, in the spring of 2018, I took another leap of faith and quit my job to chase my dreams once more. The following six months were exactly what I had envisioned, working on photo and video projects for local tourism agencies. It was an exhilarating period until complacency set in, and the work dried up, nudging me back into conventional employment in retail and later at a bank. However, everything took a turn for the better in 2019 when I landed a contract gig that evolved into a full-time role.
Now, four years later, I’ve realized my dreams, immersing myself in photography, videography, web design, podcasting, and more. I’ve achieved what I set out to do, and I did it all here in Southwest Virginia.
Beyond the Lens: The Soul of Southwest Virginia
Southwest Virginia is more than just a backdrop for photographs; it’s a region rich with stories, a tapestry of natural beauty, and a community with a deep-rooted culture. This area offers a unique blend of landscapes that are as diverse as the people who call it home. From the rugged peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the serene waters of the New River, each scene presents an opportunity to capture moments that speak volumes about the region’s essence.
The Culture: Southwest Virginia is a treasure trove of Appalachian culture, characterized by its music, crafts, and folk traditions. The heritage here is a vibrant thread in the fabric of American history, offering photographers a chance to capture the spirit of resilience and creativity that defines this community. Events like the Galax Fiddlers Convention and the rich tapestry of bluegrass music that fills the air in small town venues provide a glimpse into the soul of the region.
The People: The warmth and hospitality of Southwest Virginians are unmatched. The stories of these individuals, from coal miners to artisans, embody the spirit of the region. Photographing the people of Southwest Virginia is a deeply rewarding experience, offering insights into the enduring strength and close-knit nature of these communities. Each portrait tells a story of perseverance, tradition, and the importance of keeping the region’s rich history alive through generations.
The Landscapes: The natural beauty of Southwest Virginia is breathtaking. Places like Grayson Highlands State Park, with its wild ponies and majestic views, and the cascading waters of the Falls of Dismal offer endless inspiration for photographers. The changing seasons add a dynamic beauty to the landscapes, from the lush greenery of summer to the fiery colors of autumn. Capturing these scenes not only highlights the beauty of Southwest Virginia but also emphasizes the importance of preserving these natural wonders.
As I reflect on my journey through the lens, capturing the essence of Southwest Virginia has been more than just a pursuit of photography; it has been a voyage into the heart of what makes this region so profoundly special. Each snapshot tells a story, each landscape holds a history, and every face reveals the character of Southwest Virginia. From the rugged Appalachian trails to the serene vistas and the resilient, warm-hearted people who make this place what it is, my camera has allowed me to explore and share the soul of Southwest Virginia in ways I never imagined.
This journey has not just been about preserving moments in time, but about connecting with a place and its people on a deeper level. Photography has given me the unique opportunity to see the beauty in the everyday, to uncover the tales woven into the fabric of the region, and to share these discoveries with the world. Southwest Virginia, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, has been an endless source of inspiration and healing for me.
I invite you, through my photographs and stories, to look beyond the surface and experience the true essence of Southwest Virginia. It’s a region that continually surprises and inspires, reminding us of the profound beauty that exists when we take the time to explore and appreciate our surroundings. My hope is that my work not only highlights the splendor of Southwest Virginia but also inspires others to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery, wherever they may be.
Thank you for joining me on this photographic exploration of Southwest Virginia. It’s a place where every shot is a story, every landscape a canvas, and every moment an opportunity to capture something truly extraordinary. Let’s continue to discover, celebrate, and preserve the beauty of Southwest Virginia, one photograph at a time.
