Meet Thomas Yoxall

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Thomas Yoxall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Thomas, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I grew up as the oldest of five kids, with four younger sisters. Our parent, unfortunately, struggled with alcoholism and was also physically and verbally abusive. To protect my sisters from the brunt of her anger, I would provoke her, hoping she’d direct it at me instead. This continued until I was sixteen. During those years, I made a promise to myself: I would never give up, and I would never let anything or anyone break me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

On January 12, 2017, my life changed in an instant. I was involved in an incident on Interstate 10, west of Phoenix, where I had to use justifiable deadly force to save the life of an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer. That moment reset my entire perspective on life, challenging many of my beliefs and preconceived notions. Above all, I came to realize that life is fragile—it’s fleeting, uncertain, and every day that we make it to the end should be a day well-lived. This awakening led me to stop referring to myself as an ‘amateur’ photojournalist, because what was once a passion has now become my full-time calling. Photography isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

In the time since that life-altering event, I founded my own company—Sure Shot Photography, LLC. I’ve thrown myself into the challenging, but deeply rewarding process of getting my work out there, sharing it with anyone who’s willing to take a look. I’ve also dedicated myself to mastering the art of printmaking, producing gallery-quality prints that stand up to the standards of portfolio work and resale. I’ve committed to traveling for fresh experiences that fuel new stories and expand my creative range, while also continuing my education in photojournalism and journalism.

I’ve made the choice to not just stand by my convictions, but to actively live by them, just as I did on that morning in January. This doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my academic goals or my responsibilities at home—it simply means that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. When I feel like giving up, I think of those who persevered before me, and their strength pushes me forward.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I always say, the finish line won’t come to you—you’ve got to chase it. You can’t expect success to show up just because you wish for it. It takes countless hours, sleepless nights, and an unwavering drive. You need to want that success as much as you want your next breath. That means committing fully—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. And let’s be real, nothing beats hard-earned experience. Stop reading articles or watching YouTube videos about how to make it happen—get out there and actually do it.

When you look at your own work, be honest with yourself. Find those who know more than you and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to borrow from others, but always keep developing your own voice and style. Ignore the critics who’ll try to tear you down just because you have the guts to follow your dreams. Instead, surround yourself with people who’ve already succeeded and model your actions after theirs. Keep your head high and trust in yourself.

I work part-time at a local camera shop, teaching classes and handling their social media. At the end of each video I create, I say, ‘Keep on creating. Because the image you capture today could change the world tomorrow.’ I believe that with everything I have, and I truly believe in the power of our work as content creators.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I love collaborating with others whenever the chance arises, whether it’s through my photojournalism work or my outdoor YouTube channel, Get Out Arizona. Collaboration is such a powerful experience—it lets me play both roles: being a student and a teacher at the same time. It’s a chance to see things from fresh perspectives, to step outside my comfort zone, and to grow not just as a journalist or photojournalist, but as a person.

At the core, I share the same mission as my peers and mentors: to tell compelling stories through the visual power of photography. In that sense, these people aren’t competitors—they’re allies, and together we can create something much greater than what any of us could do alone.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Thomas Yoxall, Sure Shot Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your