Stepping Into Civilian Photography Feels Harder Than Deployments
I’ve spent more than 20 years as a photographer in the U.S.
Army Reserve, with four deployments under my belt. I’ve trained on high-end equipment, worked with people from all backgrounds, and documented moments in environments few civilians will ever see.
And I’m scared to try to do this as a civilian.
When I return home to Mountain View, California, I plan to pursue photography as a career, building on my passion for the hobby. I want to work for a local paper, telling local stories and helping small businesses and families who may need a photographer. But the path forward feels unclear.
There’s a stereotype I see in some of my circles back home, even among creative friends who say they don’t judge service members. They might say “thank you for your service” to a stranger, but it feels like they don’t see soldiers as people who also make art. I worry that local newsrooms may think the same —that my portfolio, filled with photos of people in uniform, won’t fit what they need.
I know I need to start building a body of work that shows everyday people in my community. But I’m in my mid-40s, and I worry that newsrooms will see me as too old or too rigid to bring onto a young, lean team. The Army Reserve has been a safety net, allowing me to pursue photography while serving, but it also meant I didn’t push as hard to build a civilian portfolio.
Now, I want to take that step. I want my photos to be printed. I want to help small businesses and maybe even cover local sports. I’m also open to helping families who can’t afford a wedding photographer, if they’re willing to let someone build experience.
It feels overwhelming. Do I need a website first? Should I find a niche in a region that lives and breathes the tech industry, even though I don’t know much about it?
I’m trying to figure out the step before the first step. However, I am convinced that telling the stories of everyday people is worthwhile, whether they are in uniform or not.
