Meet Gary Crossland | Photographer

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

Hi Gary, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My end goal as a photographer is to have my photos recognized around the world. When people look at my captures, I want them to feel the passion, joy, and excitement of my experiences. Ultimately I hope my works inspire people to see how beautiful our world truly is.

Towards the end of my career I wouldn’t mind teaching. I may aim to become an educator, workshop leader, or mentor, helping aspiring photographers refine their skills and navigate the industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an Advanced Technician for a local cable company called Sparklight. I’ve been there for 17 years and Sparklight has made it possible for me to pursue my passion for travel and photography. What sets me apart from others is my wanderlust. I crave new adventures and to experience new places, cultures, food, and Im willing to step out my comfort zone to do so.

It wasn’t easy getting where I’m at today. Growing up in a broken home, I learned to adapt and overcome bad situations early on as a child. That rough upbringing shaped me into a resilient man and prepared me for anything the world can throw at me.

A valuable lesson I’ve learned comes from a quote I read years back. “There is more honor in gaining little by little than reaching for the stars and falling flat on my face.” It has taught me patience, perseverance, and that building a strong foundation requires setting small attainable goals that will lead to long-term success.

I want the world to know my passion for travel and photography has made me
very grateful. I have a better appreciation of my very limited time here on Earth and feel my photography will inspire people to feel and see the same.

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?
Day 1: Phoenix Explore the Desert Botanical Garden, visit the Heard Museum and enjoy a sunset at The Hole in the Rock then grab some dinner at The Arrogant Butcher.
Day 2: Sedona
Morning drive to Sedona and take in those beautiful red rock formations. A round of golf at Sedona Golf Resort. Hike up Cathedral Rock and get some dinner at The Hudson.
Day 3: Grand Canyon
Hike the south rim and gaze upon the awe-inspiring views from the view points. Enjoy a picnic at any of the viewpoints and stick around to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon and do a little star gazing.
Day 4: Flagstaff
Drive to the Edge of the World and gaze upon Jenga Rock. Set up camp and stay the night relaxing, grilling and enjoy the fantastic views.
Day 5: Meteor Crater/Petrified Forest
Wake up early and have Breakfast at Mike and Rhondas Place in Flagstaff. Head to Meteor Crater and see the best-perserved Meteor Crater on earth. Then grab a Navajo Taco in Winslow on the way to the Petrified Forest National Park.
Day 6: Sedona
Enjoy the last day at Slide Rock relaxing in the cool waters of Oak Creek. Grab some dinner on the way back to Phoenix at 2 Brothers Kitchen in Black Canyon City.
Day 7: Phoenix
Grab some breakfast at The Original Breakfast House before your flight back home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out to my Mother. She is the strongest person I know. She was a single mother with 3 kids working hard to provide us a decent home to grow up in. Without her love and guidance I wouldn’t be the man I am today. She to had a love for photography when she was young and she definitely played a part in my love and passion for it.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosslandcaptures?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrosslandCaptures?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Crossland Captures