Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Wellard.
Hi Kevin, 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?
Born in Tampa, Florida, my story unfolds through the lens of a military upbringing — a journey across diverse corners of the globe. I was blessed with a Department of Defense (DoD) education. Many of my high school teachers were highly educated, on sabbatical, and teaching at Hahn Air Base in West Germany to experience something new.
Pursuing higher education at Idaho State University, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with emphases in photography and graphic design. However, I have always had an obsession with geology and history.
My skill set encompasses graphic and web design, commercial drone photography and videography, as well as video and sound editing. I have over 11 years of marketing experience, much of which I developed while working in non-marketing roles.
I have held an FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations certification for nearly seven years, demonstrating my commitment to professionalism and excellence. I not only craft strong visual media, but I am also constantly seeking to learn. Over the last five years, I have developed skills in 3D modeling and AI-based creative work.
My primary interests are photography and videography. I am especially drawn to Indigenous petroglyphs, pictographs, and abandoned dwellings — many of which are hundreds of feet off the ground. Over the last six years, one of my hobbies has been finding and photographing movie filming locations.
As a teenager, I not only learned to play multiple musical instruments, but I also enjoyed teaching others to play guitar, bass, and drums.
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which helped me better understand my life and struggles. When I am interested in something, I can hyper-focus and learn new skills at an accelerated pace. I am now starting a new business creating prints and 3D prints for people who share my interests. There is a strong community of like-minded individuals — especially on Facebook — who spend days hiking miles upon miles to reach some of these remote locations.
I am never afraid to travel wherever I need to go or to try and learn new things. Failure doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I learn from it and quickly get back on the path to success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is not easy for most people. As an Air Force child, I traveled the world. I made new friends and often lost them more quickly than most kids. But this experience made us resilient and outgoing. As a member of Gen X, I fixed my own bikes, entertained myself, and lived what I would call a near-feral childhood.
Anxiety and ADHD made life challenging. I eventually sought help, and it has made a significant difference.
I am divorced and have experienced a tremendous amount of loss over the last decade, especially recently. There have been many deaths in my family. This deeply affected my mom, and I needed to be there for her.
I was a stay-at-home dad during the pandemic after my job was furloughed in May 2020. That period was very difficult. A significant portion of my career history now appears blank — nearly six years. This has made seeking employment challenging and ultimately led me to decide that I need to work for myself and rely on my own abilities. The current job market is extremely competitive.
However, I would not change a thing. My daughter is amazing and brilliant beyond her years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am well known within Utah archaeology communities for my drone work. I produce aerial imagery that rivals — and often surpasses — much of what is out there. This is not bragging; it reflects my commitment to excellence.
I also create landscape and abstract imagery that captures Utah’s incredible scenery. I now have 30 years of photography experience. Twenty years ago, I was a photographer who wished for a flying camera — and now I have one.
Some petroglyph panels are located 150 feet up vertical cliffs. The same is true for older dwellings and granaries, some of which are 500 feet or more above the ground.
I am proud to document these places in ways very few people can. My work sets me apart because it is grounded in years of experience, dedication, and passion.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Attending an air show at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, stands out vividly in my memory. The crowd began noticing a giant black line on the horizon. It slowly grew closer and larger. Suddenly, jets and aircraft began taking off. Soon after, an announcement came that Mount St. Helens had erupted.
We rushed to our cars and drove home. Before we arrived, the sky had turned as dark as night, and ash was falling like snow. Some people may have been frightened, but I was filled with wonder and awe. Nature is powerful.
I still have a bottle of ash from that day.
In 2014, I finally visited the mountain. It was a dream come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wellardphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dioscuriii/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wellard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinWellard
- Other: https://droneav8r.com/
