Start here or rather I am starting here...

For some time now, I have had a desire to create and share.  I have struggled with all the usual questions like what, how, where...would anyone care? Would anyone read it, watch it or look at it?  Pair that with today's climate and usual concerns about the creeps and keyboard warriors inserting their vitriol.  Long story short - I don't know where I am going with this or what this all will look like.

📸 Sam Downum

With all of the not knowing out of the way; here is what I do know.  I am professional staff photographer and videographer for a government entity.  I freelance here and there for good people and organizations that I believe in. I also work part time in an assisting and advising capacity in photography education at my local community college. I have been in this trade for nearly 20 years and I feel like I have a lot to share.  While not a full blown instructor, I get to advise students with direct hands-on photo and video creation.  Personally, I find it really rewarding and get a lot back from sharing my trade. I feel this return every class period/shift I work at the college.  For the lack of a better description, it fills my tank. If you have ever worked in education, you will know that's a feather in your cap because education does not fill your wallet.  All of that aside, I am fortunate to be around so many hungry, young and seasoned photographers looking for knowledge and a safe place to learn, mess up, ask their questions and rub elbows with some like minded creative people and community. With unapologetic bias, I say photo and video is the best trade ever know to modern humans. A close second is being an educator. 

With that in mind, I don't know what this creative journey will look like or become.  I do want to incorporate sharing my trade. I am also a life long learner so I want share things I am working on and learning.  Hopefully, my students and/or other fellow creatives land here and find something useful.  I want to talk shop - mostly photo and video things. You can expect various topics in photography, cameras, gear and other guy stuff.  I am an avid outdoorsman and live in the mountains part of the year so naturally some everyday carry gear, tools, mountain items and other odds and ends will pop up in here.  This writing endeavor will also be accompanied by my social media accounts.  For now, I am throwing significant efforts into my Instagram accounts.  I have a primary/digital account and a film account mostly for 35mm photography. Give them a look if you have the time. I am hoping to link visuals and art to articles and blog posts on here.  In the background, I am also working on getting a YouTube channel going.  I am still working out what that project will look like.  Stand by for more.  

In the meantime, I am glad you made it this far into my monologue or whatever the flog it is.  Check out my work and writings and hopefully you can walk away with something helpful or insightful.  Send a message anytime to talk shop.

Appreciate y'all - 

Mike Sanchez