We had the good fortune of connecting with Darren Chromey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darren, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Going with the flow. Lately that’s a lot of what I’ve been doing and has been great. From spontaneous travels, to saying yes to ideas I may not usually do. To saying no to others and working on myself. Seeing where life takes me. No doubt I have structure from my job. Some of my hobbies from photography, and outdoor adventures have changed my life for the better. Working on going with the flow and being satisfied with not settling/being comfortable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Stemming from photography, my art has flourished into a once in a while photo, to enjoying the detail of the outside world on a daily basis. Seeing the detail in a photo from Mother Nature and the mountains, to architecture in many ways that we have built. This journey has never been easy. Relying on people in the beginning felt too secure. I wasn’t myself and doing the things I like to do. Most of the things include traveling far, hiking long hours. driving across states to see just a fraction of the beauty. If not far then waking up early for sunrise/or staying out late for sunset! It is not easy at all! Ive slept in many times or missed a grand sunset. I don’t sleep much due to these amazing times! Most of the time it is so worth it! Many Challenges came within myself. Telling people no. Wanting to be more selfless and doing these adventures/hiking that I have wanted to do for a long time! Hoping to continue more and enjoy what i’m hoping to explore. Meeting people on the road too has been an incredible part of my journey too! Laughter, cold nights, starving of food and water. Most of the adventures I’m doing are rough, and not comfortable. The views though are priceless. Hard to put words in most views that I have seen. Through my adventures and experiences there is so much good to be seen. That is what Im wanting from this. To make people happy. To see their faces light up. With that gasping of air. From what I’ve seen I can’t wait to see what else Im going to see!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week trip. Oh gosh…Where do I start? First off lets go to the mountains! No particular one because all of their sunrises/sunsets are spectacular. Maybe Mt. Rainier first. 😜 From reflections in the lake, to climbing high peaks, this PNW has it all. Let’s go down south to the Oregon coast. See the rock towers, foggy moody mornings, and sand dunes minutes away from the ocean. Let’s find our own mussels and cook them into the ramen noodles. Ive done that before and it’s incredible. Let’s drive back north to Eastern Washington and see the rolling hills of the Palouse. The mighty Columbia River tamed as ever by dams but still a roar of life. Let’s explore the Waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge. Let’s find local country sandwich shops. Some off trail views where man is secluded from civilization, that’s where you can enjoy yourself and relax with Mother Nature. I love the city but there’s some amazing beauty out there in Mother Nature. Priceless jewels when it comes to the outdoors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Family for sure but my second family has been incredible. I have known the Perez’s since Kindergarten. Andrew in particular. Then a couple years later Daniel. I was introduced to their parents at a young age since their Dad was a big part of our church and school. From playing the piano in church, to helping in music class, Juan Perez would come to school early or stay late and play the piano. Simplicity in its saying, hard as it is to learn and excel in piano skills, Juan did it all. His beloved wife, also my second mom, Susan knows all best. From her humility as a mother and her 10 children, 12+ grandchildren, and to the kindness she brings to others and ones around. I have been blessed to be a part of such a family. Andrew himself brought me into photography, and taught me humility within the lens of a camera.

Website: darrenchromey.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dchromey253

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dchromey253/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.