A Serendipitous Start
My journey into photography began as an unexpected adventure, sparked by a curiosity for capturing images from the sky. It all started with an $8 impulse buy: a used DJI Tello drone I stumbled upon at a flea market. Despite needing a new battery and having its quirks, this little drone opened up an entirely new world for me. For weeks, I immersed myself in flying the Tello, thrilled by its possibilities—until a gust of wind sent it soaring into the branches of a tall tree. What followed was a comical rescue mission involving my dad, a pool pole skimmer, and plenty of laughs. Though the Tello had its limits (laggy controls, a tiny sensor, and a knack for tree climbing), it planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion. Determined to take things further, I upgraded to a DJI Mavic Air 2S I found on Facebook Marketplace. The $800 investment marked a turning point. With this drone, I delved deeper into photography, experimenting with editing and refining my workflow. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at the overly processed look of my first attempts, but every cringeworthy photo was a step forward. As I began capturing aerial views of my hometown, my work started to get noticed. One of my drone photos even landed on the cover of BeLocal, a small-business magazine. This milestone inspired me to expand my portfolio and earn my Part-107 certification, opening the door to commercial drone photography. Initially, I called myself a "drone photographer," but I quickly realized that to grow creatively, I needed to explore traditional handheld photography. Like many, I’d taken casual phone shots for years, but I started pushing my phone’s limits—using a tripod and remote trigger to photograph hummingbirds on my deck or shooting in RAW at the zoo to capture every detail. My first "real" camera was a Nikon D5100, and it changed everything. With it, I photographed backyard birds, learned the exposure triangle, and began to understand the art and science of photography. This little DSLR bridged the gap between my drone work and handheld photography, setting me on the path I follow today.
Education and Early Decisions
I graduated from North Attleboro High School with a love for technology and creativity. At first, I planned to attend the University of Tampa, but after a week on campus, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. The party scene, looming student debt, and overall experience didn’t match the hefty price tag. So, I packed my bags, flew back home, and chose a path that made more sense for me: pursuing an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems at Bristol Community College.
While working toward my degree, I explored a variety of jobs to earn money and broaden my horizons. I delivered for DoorDash, worked event security at Gillette Stadium, dabbled in dropshipping, and eventually landed an IT helpdesk internship at a nonprofit just a year after graduating high school. That internship was my first real step into the IT world. After nine months of learning the ropes, I was promoted to a part-time IT Support Engineer, where I built critical skills and gained confidence in my abilities.
After two years at the nonprofit, I felt ready to level up. Armed with new experience and determination, I applied for—and landed—a full-time role as an Associate IT Support Analyst at a global semiconductor company. This position has been an incredible opportunity to grow technically, tackle challenges, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Discovering a Passion for Photography
While working in IT, I stumbled upon a love for drone photography. What started as a casual hobby quickly transformed into a daily passion. After work, I would lose myself in capturing stunning aerial views, discovering how photography could offer a fresh perspective on the world around me. It became more than just a creative outlet—it was a way to explore and connect with nature in an entirely new way.
My ultimate dream is to travel the globe, capturing the beauty of the natural world and merging my technical expertise with my artistic vision. Though my IT career continues to grow, photography remains a driving force in my life, inspiring me to explore, create, and push my boundaries.
Balancing these two passions has allowed me to evolve both professionally and creatively. I’m proud to share my work through prints, bringing the beauty I capture into others’ lives, while constantly seeking new adventures and places to photograph.
Follow my journey on Instagram: @scanloncaptures.