Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Cragg
Hi Wayne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started with Photography in earnest 14 years ago on San Juan Island, Washington. I entered a few photography contests and placed 3rd a few times. Every time the judges really liking my photos but wanted me to work on the technical side of presenting my photos. Basically what my photos look like in the final product. Over the years I did indeed work on that aspect of my work and I’m proud of where I’m at today with regards to my photography.
Over the years I have traveled to all fifty states, 9 different countries and seven Canadian Provinces. I’ve visited Alaska nine times and hiked alone in Alaska six times. With reference to Utah, from 2021-22 I visited the “Mighty 5” National Parks. I spent three quality months in Capitol Reef National Park and eight months in and near East Zion National Park. Those eight months where the longest I’ve spent anywhere in the last twelve years. I compiled hundreds of miles hiking in both National Parks I spent quality time in. Giving tours of the east side of Zion along with hundreds of miles hikes as mentioned above.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been struggles. Just before I traveled to East Zion in August of 2021, I was on a cross country bicycle trip where I started in South Haven, Michigan (in 2021 I couldn’t get into Canada because of COVID-19) and I went 1,303 miles. I went north in Michigan and got over the Mackinac Bridge with some help from friends (you can’t ride a bicycle over the bridge), got on US2 and peddled west against prevailing winds until I ran out of money in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. That was heartbreaking making the decision to cancel the rest of tour. First time in my life not finishing something that I set out to accomplish with regards to my outdoor adventures. Seattle would have to wait. But I landed in Zion National Park, so it wasn’t all a bust.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The last three years I have put my photography and tours into high gear. I would like to think I’m best known for my photography, but I’ve gained a lot of notoriety giving tours in Zion, Grand Tetons, Capitol Reef, Denali National Park just to name a few. My photography has never really paid all my bills, so I’ve had to find ways to generate monies. Giving tours, and busing guests, while always speaking of my adventures has really afforded me the best of both worlds. Continuing my love of photography, and helping tourists and guests better understand the area they have come to visit.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Perseverance. I have learned that with patience and Perseverance good things will happen if you believe in what you do and always try to get better at what you are doing in the moment. For example; I have my Class A CDL, with “passenger endorsement”. I can drive busses of any size. I was asked two years ago to return to Denali National Park to help bus guests from the Cruise lines to a tour company from multiple hotels in the Denali Canyon area. This isn’t something I’m use to. I usually give much longer tours where I can weave a story about my adventures and also intertwine them wherever I may be. In Denali I had 15 minutes to speak to the guests before dropping them off. I had to really figure out what the guests would like to hear in that short 15 minutes I’m with them (I also would bring them back). At the end of the season in 2023 management was joking around saying “Wayne, the man who can make friends and influence people in 15 minutes”.
Perseverance is how that happened and how so many other things positive has happened with my photos and tours. Just keep working on getting better every day.
Pricing:
- $75 dollars for a 8X12 photo
- Prices go up and down depending on size
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Wayne_Cragg
- Facebook: Wayne Cragg Photography and Adventures
- Youtube: Wayne Cragg Photography and Adventures
- Other: TikTok ; Wayne A Cragg
