A Special date

Fresh out of college back in 2005, I landed my first real job toward my career. My initial role was a copy editor at a daily newspaper in a small town in West Texas. I was so happy to get my foot in the door for two reasons. One was because I was an aspiring newspaper editor, and two because it meant I had the job security and financial stability to propose to my then-girlfriend, Pamela. For me, back in that day, a $12.02 an hour salary and steady schedule was worthy of a jubilant leap and clicking of the heels. That job coupled with my second job as a manager at a video store was all I needed to jumpstart a steady life with my sweet Pamela and our daughter, Christina.

That start to my career was exactly 20 years ago today. Since that time, I wore many hats in that newsroom in San Angelo and learned enough to spread my wings and ship off to Austin. I moved to Austin more than 10 years ago and have since shifted my career to state government work in public health. In the meantime, I’ve taken up freelance photography and had a variety of fun, creative gigs throughout Central Texas. All of my moonlighting as a photographer has come from word of mouth, until today.

I chose to further dig into my photography side hustle and launch this business on Sept. 16, 2025 - 20 years to the day my career started. My wife, Pamela, and daughter Christina encouraged me and are helping me run and market this endeavor. I’m so grateful to them for their constant support and faith in me. They are the best.

Above the Fold Photography is an appreciation to my journalism and newspaper background. It was at the newspaper where I picked up the camera and honed my craft so many years ago. I’m still striving to take impactful photos worthy of being placed above the fold.