Behind the Scenes

From Web Design to Wide-Open Landscapes: My Journey into Fine Art Photography

From Web Design to Wide-Open Landscapes: My Journey into Fine Art Photography

Well, here we go! If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be writing this blog post—introducing my venture into selling fine art photography prints—I probably would have laughed nervously, looked around to make sure no one else was listening, and said, “Yeah, right.”

But life has a funny way of steering you in unexpected directions. After more than a decade of designing ecommerce websites (and helping others sell everything from socks to skincare), I finally decided it was time to turn the tables and put my own work out there. And by "work," I mean something close to my heart: landscape photography.

A Love for Landscape Photography, Born in Vegas

My passion for photography didn’t start behind the camera—it started in a gallery. Back in 2014, I walked into a Peter Lik gallery on the Las Vegas Strip (as one does when taking a break from losing money playing slot machines) and fell in love with a colorful autumn scene of the Maroon Bells in my home state of Colorado. It was beautiful, serene, and honestly way out of my price range at the time. But I bought it anyway. That print still hangs in my office today, and every time I look at it, it reminds me how powerful a great photograph can be.

That was the first spark. The idea that fine art photography isn’t just decoration—it’s a connection. It’s about bringing a piece of the world into your home in a way that inspires you every day. And I wanted more of that in my life. Little did I know, I’d eventually want to create it myself.

The Leap from Web Designer to Creator

For most of my career, I’ve been the guy behind the curtain, building ecommerce websites for other people’s businesses. I’ve always loved creating things, whether it’s a beautifully designed homepage or a business idea that might just (fingers crossed) work. But after 10+ years of helping others sell their dreams, I started wondering: what if I built something for myself?

Enter: photography.

"Reflected Glory" Fine Art Photography Print"Reflected Glory" Limited-Edition Fine Art Print

At first, it wasn’t about starting a business. I picked up a Sony A7R5 camera with the idea of launching a travel-themed YouTube channel. (Spoiler alert: that’s harder than it looks when you’re an introvert who gets nervous talking to, well, anything with a record button.) But in the process of chasing video footage on cruise ships, I started snapping more stills. And I realized that, for me, photography felt natural—like the creative outlet I didn’t know I was missing.

The Workshop That Changed Everything

Fast forward a bit, and I found myself scrolling through the website of Aaron Reed, a fine art photographer whose work I had admired (and even purchased) in the past. As luck would have it, he was offering a photography workshop in Leavenworth, Washington, right in the middle of fall—the perfect time to capture vibrant foliage, moody mountain backdrops, and those crisp autumn vibes that feel like they were made for Instagram.

So, I signed up. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did I come away with new composition techniques, better understanding of camera settings, and a deeper knowledge of what makes a truly stunning photograph, but I also gained something even more valuable: a renewed sense of purpose. Standing there in the middle of a misty canyon, camera in hand, I realized that this was it. This was what I wanted to do.

Peaceful Shores and Painted Skies fine art photo"Peaceful Shores and Painted Skies" Limited-Edition Fine Art Print

Turning Passion into Prints

Now here I am, launching my own fine art photography business and putting my work out into the world. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is simple: to create pieces that bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. Whether it’s a serene lake at sunrise, a dramatic mountain vista, or the golden glow of fall leaves, I want my prints to remind you of the magic that exists beyond our screens and daily routines.

And let’s talk about the prints themselves, because that’s the fun part. My collection includes everything from smaller pieces perfect for an office or cozy nook to large, statement-making prints that can transform an entire room. I offer a variety of options like frameless acrylic prints, light-weight and maintenance-free metal prints, and traditional hand-made wooden framed prints to fit any style or space. Every print is produced with only the highest quality museum-quality materials, ensuring that the colors and details remain as vibrant as the moment I captured them.

Why Fine Art Photography?

You might be wondering, “Why fine art photography? Why not stick to web design or something safer?” And the truth is, I'm not giving up on web design.  It actually came in pretty handy when building this site.  That said, I think fine art photography offers something unique. It’s not just about creating pretty pictures—it’s about creating emotional connections. A great landscape photo has the power to transport you, to evoke memories, and to bring a sense of calm or wonder into your space. That’s what hooked me back in that Peter Lik gallery, and that’s what I hope to offer through my own work.

What’s Next?

So, what can you expect from this blog? For starters, I’ll be sharing the stories behind my favorite photos, tips for choosing and caring for fine art prints, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes moments from my photography adventures. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, an art enthusiast, or just someone looking for the perfect piece to liven up a blank wall, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Seriously. This journey is just getting started, and I’m excited to see where it goes. In the meantime, feel free to browse my galleries, follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration, or drop me a message to say hi.

Here’s to chasing light, creating art, and bringing a little bit of the outdoors into our everyday lives.

Thank you for your support,
Tim

Further Reading

Why Lumachrome TruLife Acrylic Prints Are the Ultimate Choice for Luxury Fine Art Photography