Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Conn.
Hi Greg, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Life, it’s one of those things that is forever changing. I had no clue I would become a photographer when I was growing up, let alone just two years ago. Life has had so many twists and turns in my story, I would need to write a book just to touch base on it all. What I will touch base on, are the key components of where I was, and where I am now. My whole life, I’ve been running. Running from the fear of failure/success, running from my emotions, running from anything and everything that was good for me. I hid behind narcotic painkillers for the better part of 17 years. This was most, if not all my teenage years and early adulthood. I literally stopped myself in my own tracks, and refused to acknowledge my own demons, and more importantly my own potential. I had my moments though, and pushed through. I joined the Marine Corps in 2007 and was able to stay off narcotics while serving. Unfortunately, the relapses would continue after I got out, all the way until 2020. The Pandemic was a major blessing in disguise. I happened to be furloughed from my career in Hospitality, which gave me the time to really question my existence and MY truth. It was during this time I was able to really take the time to work on myself. I went into a year-long rehabilitation program, and quickly realized what I’d been missing out on. I started to see the beauty in life, and my surroundings. I was filled with emotions and feelings that I’d been suppressing all these years. Happiness, it was literally knocking at my door, and I could not have been in more of a rush to answer it.
When I started to find my truth, I started to live. I started getting the urge to explore and travel and see everything I’ve always wanted. So, I bought a camera. Took my family exploring all over Arizona and the surrounding states, and absolutely fell in love with the process of creating art in nature. Even though I’ve been clean now for almost 2.5 years, I still deal with depression and anxiety, but when I’m out in nature with my camera, I experience ZERO issues with either. There are a ton of other twists in my story but those are for another time. I appreciate everyone who has stuck by me, especially my parents and my wife and kids. Time to start living!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In regards to my photography journey. It has not been a smooth road. Just getting into the photography industry alone, is daunting. Everyone wants to be a photographer, and who blames them? It’s an amazing creative outlet, that if done correctly can become a fruitful career. Photography isn’t a cheap hobby to get into for one, mixed with the struggles of finding decent paying clients who respect you, and your work, is extremely difficult. Beginning this journey, I was extremely insecure and did not think I had it in me to continue pushing forward in such a “competitive” market. In time, I gained confidence and the skills needed to take the next step. With that said, never give up, persistence is key in anything we do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I absolutely love nature. So nature, wildlife, and travel photography is what I specialize in. I have this ability to connect with every subject on an emotional level, which allows me to capture real/authentic moments. I also indulge in lifestyle photography, i.e. portraits, sports, events, product placement, branding/marketing, etc. My goal is to travel the globe and take photos for some of the top leading Travel Companies in the industry.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with celebrities, businesses, business professionals, professional athletes, and great non-profit organizations, all of which have helped my growth.
If I had to say what I’m most proud of in my newfound profession, it would be myself. Never did I think I would be able to break the cycle of my self-sabotage. I actually see a man that’s worth smiling back at in the mirror. So, yes, self-improvement is what I’m most proud of and will continue to elevate every chance I get.
The thing that set me apart from most others, is my willingness for human connection. In a day where we are so involved in our own issues and our own problems, we forget that others struggle just as much, if not more. Support one another, and give credit where it’s due, we all could use a little pick me up.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Going back to my original statement. My wife, children, and my parents have been the backbone in all my recent successes. Hands down, without them, I would not be where I am today. I would also like to mention my childhood friend Justin Romo. He has always been into photography, and I would always watch him from afar prior to picking it up myself. His passion for the craft motivated me to give it shot. When I reached out to him for help, he was always willing to listen and give great advice, that inevitably helped my growth as a photographer, he’s appreciated and he probably doesn’t even know it. Every single person I’ve met throughout my journey has had nothing but kind words and encouragement, I’m very fortunate to have the circle I am in now, and wouldn’t change it for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gregconnphotography.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/gregconnphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GregConnPHX
Image Credits
Greg Conn
