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

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began pursuing photography as a business when I started to get recognized for my work through various social media sites including instagram and National Geographic Yourshot. A few publications and awards later, I began to shoot artistic swimming tournaments for USA Artistic Swimming and continued my streak of being recognized for both my above water and underwater photography. From there my business has grown to include different types of photography including family photos, senior high school photos and sports portraits.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have explored the art of photography for the last 30 years. I began my interest in black and white film photography out of high school and was inspired by having grown up in the beautiful state of New Mexico. The next turning point was having two beautiful daughters and taking a deep dive (literally) into becoming their artistic swimming team photographer. From there I wanted to find the “art” in artistic swimming and began to explore the sport from an underwater perspective as well as taking. pictures from various angles on deck and even using a drone. I also began to incorporate my knowledge of other forms of photography including portrait and even street photography to broaden the scope of my vision and images with artistic swimming and other sports photography.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was definitely encouraged by family, friends, the subjects I photographed but I also attribute the kindness and openness of athletes and coaches and the mentoring I received by the membership and editors working for National Geographic Yourshot.

Website: https://www.rokophotography.com

Instagram: @rokop_photography

Image Credits
James Rokop

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.