Meet Craig Turpin | Professional photographer, drone pilot and content creator

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

Hi Craig, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve taken risks at every different stage throughout my life, building my professional career in the process required taking chances along the way.

A huge early decision was after graduating college, followed by a producing stint at PBS in Ohio, I left to chase my dream of working at NBC Universal in New York City. Without the job even secured yet, I sold my possessions, packed up the rest in my car and with my cat, headed out on the road for the unknown. Within two weeks I started as a show editor at a place I could have never imagined calling my office: 30 Rock.

Years later, I took a bigger risk when I packed my bags (and cat) once more and headed west for a winter in Aspen, Colorado on assignment for the luxury lifestyle network Plum TV, where I was a show runner at the time. After the company dissolved in 2012, I decided to stay. I left my life in Manhattan behind, made Aspen my new home, transitioned into photography and have never looked back.

I strongly believe the result of weighing heavy decisions always pays off, and doing so has led me to where I am truly meant to be in my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The name of my company, Rising Sun Photography, is inspired by my life growing up in Japan (The Land of the Rising Sun). Living just a short drive away from the Pacific Coast for almost two decades, I spent many mornings wandering the beach at sunrise watching the world wake up with the sounds of fighter jets soaring above and the ocean waves lapping at the shore.

I grew up on a military base and the time I spent there inspired not only my business name but shaped much of my life and career. My mother put my first camera in my hands when I was just 10 years old as I started to discover the unique culture of Japan.

Later, when I was finishing college and starting out on my career in television production, I used the lessons, skills, and strong work ethic I absorbed working alongside Japanese locals at the various jobs I had as a teenager and young adult.

Since relocating to Aspen in 2012, I have put a renewed interest into transitioning toward becoming a photography professional through that same hard work I learned from Mr. Horikawa and Mr. Mikami.

As another year comes to a close, I’m lucky to have had a busy schedule of commercial, editorial, and fine art work for local and international clients and collectors. In January, I launched a Field Notes blog and e-newsletter which shares my latest work, travel adventures, and Rising Sun Photog Print Shop releases. From seeing my photos in media outlets like The Today Show, People, Forbes, Eater, The Aspen Times, The New York Post, and The Times & The Sunday Times to working on marketing content for brands like Aspen Snowmass, WE-cycle, Lamborghini and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen — I am extremely proud of the business I have built while never wavering from the many challenges along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I’m not getting first chair on Snowmass Mountain, I like to grab a cafe latte in downtown Aspen at Felix Roasting Co. in the Hotel Jerome, before strolling around town with my dog Gittel the Goldendoodle to see what’s happening for the day.

Breakfast in the winter is best served at 10,500 feet at Bonnie’s on Aspen Mountain. You have to ski to get there and it’s only available until 10:45, so get on the gondola early for their famous pancakes. Grab a hot cup of coffee, OJ and some Champagne there, too, for breathtaking views of the ski slopes.

An afternoon burger and fries from Ajax Tavern or après ski drinks at one of the hightop tables is prime for people watching as they take their last turns of the day.

For a night out on the town, start at Aspen Tap for a long list of locally brewed beers and spirits or Aspen Public House for a throwback vibe to the mining era in the historic Wheeler Opera House’s ground-level space, which features the finest selection of owner Bill Johnson’s curated bourbon, whisky and rye.

My favorite splurge for dinner is bellying up to the bar at the cozy Steakhouse No. 316. When heading out with friends or family, you can’t beat Clark’s Aspen.

I live in Snowmass Village, so Iove the local spots here as well, despite the many off-season closures. The Crepe Shack by Mawa’s Kitchen is the perfect place to pick up a fresh-from-the-griddle crepe for a ride up the Elk Camp Gondola. For dinner, I always go for an authentic brick-oven pizza piping hot out of the oven at Il Poggio and on a snowy day on the slopes, stop by the Stew Pot to warm up with a bubbling broth of their finest fixings. For an on-mountain lunch at Snowmass, check out High Alpine for a warm fire and hearty eats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my mom, Nora Turpin. She inspired me with her own photography and always supported my desire to pursue this line of work.

Website: www.risingsunphotog.com

Instagram: @risingsunphotog

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigturpin/

Twitter: @risingsunphotog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisingSunPhotog

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV6XqVPdrrK4nEZi5-0dZRg

Image Credits
Craig Turpin/Rising Sun Photog