ANTHONY REYES

Anthony’s Story

My connection to photography began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother, who always seemed to have a camera. My love for nature and the outdoors started at a very young age as well, as my family insisted on many summer camping trips to the mountains. I still remember sleeping on a tarp under the stars while on my very first backpacking trip many years ago. I always seemed to have some variation of a 35mm film camera on me, whether that be my digital point and shoot 35mm film camera or a disposable film camera. I always had the desire to photograph and document my life’s most memorable experiences and adventures.

It wasn’t too long until my love for nature and photography merged and eventually became a life long passion for landscape and nature photography. After finally purchasing my first digital SLR camera, I was determined to teach myself how to use it. Self taught, I am still trying to improve, learn and refine my craft while in search of that ever elusive, perfect photograph.

Before pursuing photography full time, I dedicated myself to a career in the fire service, which taught me a lot about personal character, responsibility, resilience, attention to detail, perspective and many other life lessons. When that chapter of my life closed, it became the turning point that gave me the courage to finally listen to the nagging voice inside my head, encouraging me to pursue what had always been my truest passion, exploring our beautiful world with my camera.

Born and raised in Northern California, I am significantly influenced by the immense natural beauty surrounding me. When I am out with my camera, I am often drawn to weather, atmosphere, and motion, especially waterfalls and intimate mountainous streams. From ocean waves crashing into the Pacific Ocean’s incredible beaches, to the dramatic, awe-inspiring peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, I always seem to find peace. I have learned over the years that patience and proper preparation are crucial to helping me stay on track with my goals. Sometimes I will visit a single location multiple times in order to capture a desired moment. I will often study a location’s terrain, lighting, and forecast while planning my next shoot. The ultimate goal is to always be ready for as many opportunities as possible, because if there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that Mother Nature is always so unpredictable, and you simply never know when she is going to share a masterpiece.

Every photograph begins with an idea, and with proper planning, and preparation, I strive to turn my idea into reality. My goal with every photograph I capture is to create impactful, authentic, and captivating work that conveys not only what I saw, but also the emotions that I felt in that moment. I can only hope to pass these feelings onto those who view my work, doing so is the ultimate gratification.