We recently had the chance to connect with Dave Sansom and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dave, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve always said—quite honestly—that a huge part of my joy in life comes from my work. I genuinely love what I do. I love the technology, both on the shooting side and in the editing room. I love being out in the field, and I even enjoy the quiet, focused time spent behind the screen bringing images to life. I love the travel too—photography has taken me all over the U.S., and as far as Asia, Iceland, and the Caribbean. And 99 times out of 100, I truly enjoy the people I get to work with at golf clubs around the world. What’s not to love?
That said, nothing compares to the joy my 15-month-old grandson brings me. He lives across the country, which isn’t easy, but we make the most of FaceTime, texts, and phone calls. He’s the light of my life—no contest.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been lucky enough to build a life around something I truly enjoy: photography. More specifically, golf course photography. It’s a niche that fits me just right, blending landscape, architecture, nature, and a deep appreciation for quiet moments at the edges of the day. After more than 16 years behind the camera, I still feel a small thrill heading out to a course in the very early morning—or staying late as the light fades—when everything slows down and the landscape really shows itself.
What keeps me inspired is the feeling of being there. I focus on player-perspective images—the views golfers actually experience as they move through a course—along with aerials, architectural details, wildlife, and those fleeting moments of sunrise or blue hour that never look quite the same twice. A golf course, to me, is more than a place to play. It’s a living landscape with its own rhythm, personality, and sense of place.
Photography has taken me all over the United States and to some incredible places beyond. I’ve photographed well-known destinations and quieter, lesser-known courses alike, and I enjoy both for different reasons. Wherever I am, my approach stays simple: work early, work late, stay out of the way, and let the course show its character. I aim for images that feel natural and honest, not overworked or forced.
I’ll admit, I’m also a bit of a gear and process enthusiast. I genuinely enjoy the tools of the trade—cameras, drones, editing software, printing, color management, all of it. I always set an alarm, but it rarely gets the chance to go off—I’m usually awake before it does. Time in the field is energizing, and I’m just as happy in the studio, fine-tuning images and preparing them for print. That balance between being outdoors and working quietly behind the scenes keeps things fresh.
In recent years, I’ve leaned more into fine-art prints and licensing, creating limited-edition pieces on museum-quality materials. I love helping people bring images of places that matter to them—often their home course—into their homes or offices. These aren’t just decorative pieces; they’re meant to be personal, lasting, and meaningful.
At the end of the day, I see myself as a storyteller with a camera. I’m drawn to good light, thoughtful design, and landscapes that feel grounded and timeless. Photography has taken me places I never expected, and I’m grateful that this is how I get to spend my days.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There are two people who probably had the biggest influence on both the person and the photographer I became—one a sales rep, the other a noted golf course architect. In different ways, each gave me confidence at just the right moment and gently nudged me down a path that turned into a wonderful life.
The first was Tom Brown, a now-retired golf sales rep. Early on, Tom would look at my golf course work, say some very encouraging things, and then tell me I needed to show him more. That simple vote of confidence meant a lot at the time, and it gave me the push I needed to keep going. Tom also opened doors that would have otherwise been firmly closed. He introduced me to the first golf courses I ever photographed, including Atlanta Country Club, The River Club in Suwanee, Georgia, and The Ledges in Huntsville, Alabama. Without his introductions, those opportunities would have been well out of reach.
A few years into my journey, I had the chance to photograph a couple of courses designed by legendary golf course architect Bob Cupp—Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey and Horseshoe Bend Golf Club in metro Atlanta. Bob saw my work, liked it, and before long we became very good friends. We shared a lot of common ground outside of golf—especially music and woodworking—and we always had a great time together. Conversations with Bob were easy, inspiring, and full of stories.
I didn’t get to spend as much time with Bob as I would have liked. He passed away in 2016, but his friendship, encouragement, and belief in my work still stay with me. Even now, I often think about his influence—not just on my photography, but on how I approach relationships, creativity, and the work itself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve never really been someone who gives up—but I have changed direction when something no longer felt right. There’s a difference. I’ve walked away from paths that didn’t align with what I wanted from life, but giving up because I felt like a failure or didn’t believe I could succeed? That’s never been me.
I dropped out of college after two years because it didn’t make sense to continue. I stepped away from a brief career as a singer and recording artist once I realized the lifestyle of a touring musician wasn’t for me. I made mistakes along the way, including a couple of failed marriages, and I own those.
None of those choices came from fear or self-doubt. They came from paying attention and being willing to adjust course. Looking back, those pivots helped shape who I am and led me toward work and a life that feel genuinely right.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Folks who know me would say the most important things in my life are my work, my family, my friends and travel. Though they would probably say that I neglect my friends a bit too much.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Nothing—at least not in the way people usually mean it. I’m doing work I genuinely love. I’m very happily married. And I have a small circle of incredibly close friends who more than satisfy my need for connection. In that sense, I wouldn’t stop anything at all.
That said, there is one change I’d make immediately. I’d stop living in Atlanta and move full-time to rural Tennessee.
A couple of years ago, my wife and I bought 36 acres there with the idea of building a getaway home. If I knew I had ten years left, it wouldn’t be a getaway anymore—it would be home.
On our hilltop in Tennessee, I can see forever. And when I stop and listen, I don’t hear a single human sound. No traffic. No voices. No background noise. Just quiet. For me, that kind of stillness isn’t an escape—it’s where everything feels clear and exactly right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davesansom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davesansomphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesansomgeorgia/
- Twitter: @DaveSansom74504
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davesansomphotography/
Image Credits
All images Copyright 2024-2025 Dave Sansom
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