Meet Greg Conn | Photographer

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

Hi Greg, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe my work is geared towards the better part of the human experience. The earth we live on, and the moments we share with one another are what we long for most. With photography I can show the world through my eyes, that true beauty still exist in the world. That we can come together as one. One moment, one smile, one picture at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.                                            I was born in Flint Michigan, I have one older brother named Joel, I left Michigan after highschool to join the Marine Corps, when I left the service I moved to Arizona in 2009 to attend college. Years later I met my wife Tamra and have two beautiful children, my son Quinn 6, and our daughter Devinn 5.

I worked in the hospitality industry for 11 years. During the pandemic the industry fell on hard times and so did I. I was eventually furloughed from my position as a Sales Director in June of 2020. This led to me being a stay at home dad, caring for my two children, who are doing school virtually, while my wife worked from home in the guest bedroom. Our days grew long and tiresome. I struggled to find joy and happiness in most things during that time. I dug deep and tried to figure out what really made me happy. I took a drive out to Tonto national forest as I have done many other times, But this time something was different. I saw the world, the landscapes, the birds, the setting sun, differently than I ever have in the past. I noticed my anxieties and my depression drifting away. I took some pictures with my phone cleared my head and drove home. I felt genuinely happy in that moment. It wasn’t long after this did I purchase a professional camera and moved right into learning the ropes of nature and landscape photography.
The determination I learned in the Marine Corps and being in sales and customer service for 12 years. I decided it was time to see if I could take my passion for the outdoors, photography, and human connection, to a whole new level. To date I’ve dived into, landscape, wildlife, family ,engagement, event, commercial, sports, and portrait photography with plans to expand.
I’ve learned through this whole process that every person, place or thing has a story, but not only that, I’ve learned we are also, all connected in some way..
I hope when the world sees my work, they are able to escape whatever worries, or stressors that are going on in their life and are able to see that no matter what, Beauty and happiness exists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My idea of fun is quite different than it was 10 years ago. My idea of a one week trip around Arizona with a visiting friend, would probably start at my local spot around Tonto National Forest and the Salt River. After that we we would head up the I-17 to Sedona then Flagstaff. After hanging out for a night in downtown we would get up early and continue to Page Arizona where we would check out Antelope canyon and horseshoe bend. On the way back down stop at the Grand Canyon, maybe even skydive over the Grand Canyon, which is awesome by the way. I’m sure you can tell by now, my idea of fun is being outdoors and exploring. I also love the people you meet along the way. It’s very rare you come across an unfriendly person out on the trail.

After touring some of Arizona’s natural highlights, I would take my friend downtown Phoenix for a more upbeat atmosphere, probably stop In at the Golden Margarita and then walk down Roosevelt Row art district and check out some of the amazing local art and artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost my wife Tamra has been my back bone since I started my journey in photography and has been nothing but encouraging and supportive. Varun Aditya is a professional nature/wildlife photographer that has been a huge inspiration in my passion for the great outdoors, his work is absolutely beautiful and I long to be a fraction of the talent he is.
Of course my parents and in-laws always show their support and love which has kept me moving forward.

Website: www.gregconnphotography.com

Instagram: @gregconnphotography