Casey McCallister takes great photos. His ability, vision, and determination, to wake up, stay up, and go, to the places that others do not, when others would not, set him apart from the pack of those whom many would append the title of photographer upon. The appearance of co-adventurers in any number of his images often has the effect of making me feel like I could be there as well. From seashore to mountaintop, Casey's work resonates with a sense of wonder and awe, that we might humbly be participants with the scene he has set before us. It's my pleasure this month, to draw your eyes to the work, person, and thoughts, of Casey McCallister.

 

Sneffels Summit

 

Mount Lindsey

 

How did you get interested in photography?

I've always been a visual thinker. Things just seem to make more sense to me once they're spelled out visually. Photography naturally fits in with that. When I first moved to Colorado in 2007, everyone would, of course, bring cameras on adventures, but my photos always seemed to be the ones that people turned to that captured the moment  better than a typical snapshot. There's so many moments spent in the beautiful scenery around Colorado that I feel it's hard not to want to capture it to make that last forever. 

 

Pigeon Point

 

Point Reyes

 

How long have you been a photographer?

This question in always weird for me. I've been using cameras since I was probably 10 years old, but I started taking more of an interest in the art form around 2010 when I picked up a Canon Rebel and shot everything with popup flash. The photos, as you might imagine, were awful. I've confidently used the title of "photographer" for about a year.

 

Jackson, mountain bike

 

Loveland Stars

 

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

I often find myself in beautiful areas of the world and it's hard not to capture them as a record of my adventures there. So, I have a lot of what you could describe as fine art landscape shots that I'm proud of.  My true photographic passion, however, is capturing moments. People in their natural element doing what they love. Surrounding yourself with people that are passionate about something has to be one of the greatest highs in life, and I love capturing those moments when the stars align and everything comes together. Those moments are almost always impossible to replicate and I love being there to record it as it happens.

As far as places to photograph go, I'm drawn to places where humans have had less of an impact. I'm right at home in the high mountains of Colorado and have recently found a love for southeast Alaska.

 

Golden Gate fog

 

Van life

 

Surfer sunset

 

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

Kevin Carter's 1994 Pulitzer Prize winning photograph of the young boy and the vulture did more to raise awareness of famine in Sudan than any news article ever could. Taking photographs that tell a story can have a huge impact on the world.

 

Camping Sangres

 

Capitol Peak

 

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

Certainly. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." It's important to know the laws and policies out of respect for the culture. Even in the US, there certain considerations that should be taken. For example, most Amish consider posing for photographs an unacceptable act of pride and it's disrespectful to capture photos with recognizable faces. Put in the research time before traveling anywhere to avoid embarrassment or worse consequences.

 

Bay Bridge

 

Half Dome

 

Bowling ball beach

 

Any photography tips you want to share?

There are three that have been very beneficial to me.

1. Patience is a virtue. It's rare that showing up to a location a little early and staying a little late has not paid off.

2. Research, research, research before heading out.

3. Be a "Yes man" and worry about logistics later.

 

Surf Santa Cruz

 

Yosemite Falls

 

Loveland Pass ski

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

There's always several projects occupying my plate, but the one that will be taking most of my time this summer/fall I've titled No Reception Here. I am capturing 360 degree Gigapan panoramas from the summit of all 53 of Colorado's 14ers. You can sign up for updates here: http://www.noreceptionhere.com/

 

Colby, Zion Narrows

 

Montana de Oro

 

Find Casey Online at:

Facebook: facebook.com/caseymac

Instagram: instagram.com/caseymac

500px: 500px.com/caseymac

G+: gplus.to/caseymac

Twitter: @caseymac

Site: http://caseymacphoto.com/

 

 

Two bridges

 

String Lake

 

 

 

Jordan Oram is the Photography Editor for Wandering Educators.
He has a passion for encouraging and empowering others to realize the combinations of their unique passions and strengths. In April of 2012, with $250 to his name, he travelled more than 10,000 km, over 8 months, across Canada and back, to encourage people to rock out their awesomeness. Find him at www.maplemusketeer.com

 

 

 

All photos courtesy and copyright Casey McCallister