We’re looking forward to introducing you to Darin Patterson. Check out our conversation below.
Darin, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I believe it is a little of both. I see my life set out on a path before me. But like any good path or trail, there are many twists, turns and switchbacks [haha] where you cannot always see the destination. And there’s even side trails, paths to unknown destinations. This allows me opportunity to wander, to change my path temporarily or permanently. I enjoy the unknown parts of the path I am on, sometimes it leads to the unexpected joys life is meant to have.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a travel photographer based in the southeastern United States. From a young age, I have consistently captured the world through my lens whenever possible. My passion lies in photographing the beauty of the world and documenting it meticulously. I believe there is art in most things when observed with the correct lens and from the appropriate perspective. My photography aims to capture moments in time, whether in nature or among humanity, preserving memories for a lifetime.
The love for travel and photography was instilled in me during childhood and subsequently nurtured and refined as I matured. My parents believed it was important to explore not only the local environment but also the world beyond our immediate surroundings.
Photography has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. My father frequently photographed and recorded our family activities. This practice allowed us to document our journeys and preserve family memories over the years. I vividly recall my parents creating travel photo albums after each trip when we were young. Consequently, I developed a personal interest in photography that has evolved into a profound passion. What began as a hobby has transformed into an expressive art form, transcending mere documentation.
In my approach to capturing any subject—be it landscape, portrait, or wildlife—I adhere to three fundamental steps: connect, conceptualize, and create. Integrating these elements is essential for developing powerful imagery that makes a photograph distinctive. Like any piece of art, a photograph should originate from a narrative. It is through this narrative that a photograph transitions from static to dynamic and timeless. With the right vision, any photograph can distinguish itself. I take great pride in ensuring that the proper vision is reflected in all my photos. Once connection and conceptualization are achieved, the creation of a compelling piece of art becomes inevitable.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The attacks on September 11th, 2001 might be the most profound moment that shaped the way I view the world. The photographs from that day were seared into memory: the towers collapsing, ash-covered people fleeing through the streets, first responders rushing in. At the time, in college and working close to where the DC plane crashed into the Pentagon building, I can vividly remember the confusion and concern from that day. The world felt more fragile, interconnected, and divided all at once. It showed how deeply human, both good and bad, we can be in moments of trial and tribulation. It was a harsh awakening to the complexities of geopolitics, grief and the importance of community at a time when I was starting to come into my own sense of direction.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Something that has held me back? No, I wouldn’t say there is a fear that has done that. However, the fear of expectations and not meeting those expectations, real or imagined, has kept me from pursuing some opportunities. Sometimes the opportunity may have had a positive impact, sometimes it may have had a negative impact of my life, but that fear can keep me from pursuing it. And of course there are many types of expectations. Expectations of self. Expectations of parents. Expectations of friends. Of colleagues. For example, sometimes it is the expectations of self – always trying to be the perfectionist means learning patience to wait for the right moment to capture with the camera. The struggle comes from working through that process, making mistakes, but challenging yourself to grow. I think the fear is always there to make you think carefully about your decisions, but not letting it take control or having none is the hard part. Balance is important. Like with everything else, it requires balance to not let the fear control you…use it as a tool for for growth in your life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think that it is hard to differentiate between fads and foundational shifts…mostly due to time. You need time in order to determine if something is a fad or not. But I do believe a fad can be a doorway to that foundational shift. In photography, one of my favorite aspects…aside from capturing a special moment, is the ability to experiment with all different types of fad and foundations in order to find your own aesthetic. And, I mean, when you think about it the very essence of photography itself was once considered a fad until it become a foundational shift…and then went even further with the democratization of it via cellphones.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Being out in Nature in my solace. Give me a trail and my camera…now that is true peace right there! There is something about being out in Nature that, I don’t know, just helps to recharge your spirit. As I have gotten older, I find myself spending more time in Nature, like it is a need as opposed to a want. Maybe it is a way to be in a simpler frame of mind, as you can imagine a cell signal can be hard to find at times in certain areas. It could be all the photos that can be created during my time in the outdoors. But whatever it is, I definitely sense a chance in mindset from before to after. I think many times it just helps to be in a place where you can clear out the noise and spend some time thinking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandyfeetphotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandy_feet_photography
Image Credits
Melissa Christie
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