World Photography Day is a global celebration of the art, craft, science, and history of photography. It’s a day to appreciate the creativity and passion of photographers around the world. At TDS, we are proud to spotlight our talented associates who capture the beauty of life through their lenses.
Join us in celebrating their incredible artistic talent, along with some insight into their favorite parts of photography.
Eric
Wilmington, North Carolina
What inspired you to become a photographer? I’ve always had a passion for capturing moments, whether it was with my phone or, back in the day, with some old-school cameras. Photography naturally drew me in, not just for the creative aspect, but also because of my love for technology. Many photographers are also tech enthusiasts, and I think that connection really resonated with me. There’s something exciting about exploring the latest and greatest gear; it keeps the hobby fresh and inspiring.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? Just get out there and have fun! My biggest piece of advice for new photographers is simple: just keep shooting. Growth comes with practice, and it’s amazing to look back at older photos and see how far you’ve come. Also, don’t get discouraged if a shoot doesn’t go as planned. Every missed shot is a learning opportunity that prepares you for the next one.
Lewis
Madison, Wisconsin
What inspired you to become a photographer? Spending time with my uncle when I was younger. He had tons of slides he had taken from his travels around the world. He let me use his Leica rangefinder camera and eventually bought me my first SLR—a Canon AE-1 I still have today.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? Sometimes we get into the mindset that we have to travel to find the best scenes. I do enjoy the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest, and I had an amazing time on a recent trip to Alaska. but honestly, some of my favorite places are within a few miles of my house. Kettle Pond Park is a tiny conservation park on the west side of Madison that is an oasis for me.
Lindsey
Ivins, Utah
What inspired you to become a photographer? I’ve always been drawn to those moments that stop you in your tracks—the way light hits a landscape just right, or the quiet intensity in an animal’s eyes. Photography became my way of holding onto those feelings and sharing them with others. I guess that’s what really inspired me—the magic in everyday moments that deserve to be remembered.
What’s your favorite subject to photograph? I was drawn to wildlife photography because I’ve always been fascinated by reptiles—they’re such unique, ancient creatures that often get overlooked or misunderstood. There’s a quiet strength and beauty in them that really captured my attention. Photographing reptiles lets me highlight their textures, behaviors, and habitats in a way that helps people see them differently. For me, it’s not just about snapping cool shots, but telling their story and helping others appreciate how important they are to the ecosystem.
Daniel
Arvada, Colorado
What’s your favorite subject to photograph? Landscape and street photography are my favorites. I enjoy capturing landscapes I see from my perspective and editing the photos to become more lifelike. I got into street photography when I lived in Chicago previously, and it allows me to show how much goes on in larger metropolises that most people don’t experience on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? Don’t be afraid to play with the settings on your camera to find what you like best in terms of taking photos. Additionally, don’t be discouraged if only a few photos turn out great out of the many you take.
Robert
Bouler, Colorado
What’s your favorite subject to photograph? I absolutely love landscape and aircraft photography. I’ve always been drawn to aviation, from my first plane ride as a toddler to getting my private pilot certificate. I’ve spent countless hours over the last seven years at one of our local airports, getting thousands of shots. And landscapes, I really didn’t do until recently when I started exploring the trail behind my house. Going in the early morning for a sunrise walk, or after work for a sunset, is so peaceful. Sometimes I just need to remember how thankful I am to be where I am.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? You don’t need the best equipment. Take your time to learn with what you have and get out there. The only bad shots are the ones you don’t take and can’t learn from. I’m always learning something, whether it’s the camera, my editing software, or a new technique.
Darren
Madison, Wisconsin
What inspired you to become a photographer? My dad had a point-and-shoot camera, and I used it one day at my five-year-old son’s soccer game. The vivid colors and my son’s kick captured midair in the photo impressed me. That was the moment I got the bug.
If you could only keep a permanent copy of one of your photos, which would it be? There are too many favorites to pick one. I love what I do and enjoy improving each year, each event, adding new techniques. I always feel my best photo is my next one. However, if I went with the most popular athlete I’ve photographed, it would have to be Tiger Woods. The biggest event is a toss-up between the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, 2020 Rose Bowl, and 2023 Green Bay Packers Playoff game. Unfortunately, the Badgers and Packers lost those final two games. And the fourth one, the 2022 College Football National Championship was between Georgia and Alabama—lots of NFL talent, exciting game, but I was impartial to who won.
*Sports photos courtesy of Cal Sport Media
Stephanie
Daytona Beach, Florida
What inspired you to become a photographer? My husband has been taking pictures since high school. As years went on and he got more serious about his photography, I got his “hand-me-down” cameras, which got me started in photography. It’s a hobby we both enjoy together, and now it’s also become a business.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? I learned by trial and error, and not every picture will turn out how you imagined. Invest in good editing software—that can make all the difference.
Bill
Statesville, North Carolina
What inspired you to become a photographer? My dad. He enjoyed taking pictures. Early on, I was interested in the process of developing film, enlarging his prints, and the hundreds of slides he made. For my high school graduation, he bought me a new Pentax MG camera. He knew this would always be an interest of mine, something to fall back on and enjoy either as a profession or hobby.
What are some of your favorite places you’ve shot? I’ve travelled across the US and Canada, and honestly, some of my best pictures are from Ohio, where I grew up. Knowing the country roads and the places that are really not seen by many.
Cynthia
Eagle River, Wisconsin
Share the story behind one of your favorite photographs: I took a lot of great pictures during my trip to Norway last year. I especially love the view of the mountains and valley in Stalheim, just outside my hotel room… breathtaking!
What are some of your favorite places you’ve shot? Norway, Slovenia, France, England, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden.
Kirby
Cross Plains, Wisconsin
What are some of your favorite places you’ve shot? National parks are some of the best places for me to photograph, as they often pair dark night skies and untouched landscape. You can enjoy sunrise and sunset with great views and a sky full of stars at night. Nothing can beat that.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography? If anyone is getting into photography, I would tell them to really get to know the camera and lenses that you work with. You don’t need the best of the best in terms of equipment, but strong framing can go a long way. And don’t worry about going viral or making money, just have fun taking photos of the things you like. Don’t worry about what other people enjoy, just focus on what you enjoy.
