In 2012 I started a social media page for the World Association of Marching Show Bands, something I believed to be sorely overlooked. Fast forward 3 years and my constant photographing of events around the world lead my down the road to a professional camera. Those tourist DSLRs are just not fast enough and can't handle rapid photography in hot climates. Still it took a few years (February 2017) b
efore someone said "Jeeze you're kind of handy with that thing why don't you do it as a side gig? And come to my dog event..." -Kari (Not an actual quote but an actual person)
I'm not exactly one to do things by halves so I went all in, business name, page etc. Gray Hound Photography is named after two individuals who had a big impact in my development as a photographer. My Dad "Gray", who helped me purchase my very first professional grade camera, a quietly proud supporter of my growth. And the "Hound" Sheldon, My first Weimaraner and constant subject, whether he wanted to be or not, I lost him in 2018 and I'm proud to have something that honours his name. Through to 2020 I was continually traveling the world, becoming a better photographer with each event and occasionally taking on things here at home, from Cosplay, to a Wedding and Baby Photography. In 2020 I brought home Wisp, my first show dog, under the suggestion that "It will be fun to do this together" from my Mom, who values memories made together. Then in 2021 it was her, before we ever stepped into a ring who suggested I might be a good candid photographer. It's been a learning curve, when I started I had no idea what to look for, a small amount of tutelage and welcome from some of the best people in the business and off I went! Thanks Mom!
2023 has brought all kinds of development from more equipment to different photography types and finally back to the international travel. I'm thrilled to be able to finally be returning to the World Association of Marching Show Bands' World Championships as their Social Media/Media Manager and of course have welcomed my second "Studio Dog" into our little pack, Sprite is sure to keep me on my toes as we continue showing and developing. Without all of the support and appreciation I've had through the years there is no way I would still be at this and I'd like to thank everyone individually but frankly that's impossible. The list goes on forever. So thank you all! See you at the next event!
