Meet Dave Spates | Hiking Photographer and Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Spates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved the outdoors. Hiking in nature, mountains, the middle of nowhere is so rewarding in itself. Recording this via photos and video is something I’ve always liked to do. Now it’s something I can do and get paid for it. Although it’s not enough to make a full time living off of yet, it’s nice to know I get a little bit of extra income from it. Getting paid to do what you love is life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m excited about the next adventure. I’m always trying to film and photograph the hikes done in a way that makes the viewer feel like they are there. Finding different angles and different ways to record sound to make this happen. It’s definitely challenging trying to do this and continuously one-up the last adventure. I’m slowly shifting to becoming more of a film-maker than a photographer but still love doing both equally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would probably head up to Estes Park.. There are many amazing places to eat and drink in downtown Estes Park. The most fun part of the trip would be showing them around Rocky Mountain National Park though.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to my girlfriend, and best hiking partner in the world, Emily. We go on a lot of hikes together and she still sticks around with all the times I have to stop and take a picture. Set the tripod up, just to record a walk-by, and return to pick up the tripod. She encourages me to get faster and keep in good shape. I wouldn’t be this far along without her.

Website: https://spatesphotography.com

Youtube: youtube.com/davespates