Trevor, what first got you into fly fishing, and how did that initial spark turn into the passion you have today?

I Started Fly fishing later than most. It wasn’t until after college when I started. I decided to take a seasonal job in Idaho for the summer and naturally being out west, fly fishing went hand in hand. It was the weekend and we were in Salmon-challis national forest fishing for native trout. I remember using a black wooly bugger not knowing how to fish it. After letting the fly drift down the river it started to swing, next thing I know something was on the other end pulling my line. I Panicked and started stripping in my line not knowing what it was. After fighting the fish and having my buddy help land my first trout, which was a cutthroat, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. After that, I traveled to a lot of different places pursuing trout and other species on the fly. Over the years, it has cultivated my beliefs to share these beautiful places and spread awareness to protect them through photos and video.

How did you transition into videography and photography within the fly fishing world, and what inspired you to start capturing these moments?

Photography is actually pretty new to me as well. I didn’t start photo and video work until my first summer in Alaska, which was 2019. I was working with a good friend, who had a passion for wildlife photography. I went up there that summer with my Canon rebel t5 liking the idea of photography but never truly exploring it. While up there, his passion for photography was infectious and really pushed me to just take pictures of what made me happy and pursue photography. After that summer, I worked hard to understand photography and explore where it could take me.

What three tips would you give to someone new to photography in the fly fishing scene?

Find a photographer you look up to and study their work. Look at how you would have taken the picture differently. Maybe you change the foreground or maybe you get a different angle to tell the story. This is a great starting point but use it to develop your style and creative side.
Shoot a lot of pictures with different settings. Trial and error is your friend. Don’t be afraid to get out of auto mode and make mistakes, that’s where growth happens.
Get away from the crowds. Hike into your fishing spots and you will be amazed at what you’ll find.

What gear do you currently use for your photography and videography work, and how has your setup evolved over time?

I use a Sony A9 for photography and a Sony A7S3 for video work. I started with a Canon rebel t5 and progressed from there using different crop sensors until I bought my first full frame camera.

Which pieces of gear could you absolutely not live without when you're out on a shoot?

It would have to be my 24-70mm f.2.8 lens. It allows for more creativity and versatility in the fly fishing scene.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your time capturing fly fishing that stands out to you?

It was a late June night I was out mousing for trout. Fishing was pretty slow and I was enjoying a solo trip chasing browns. I remember working my way up the river and seeing a lot of stoneflies fleeing as I walked up the river bank. As I kept walking, I remember telling myself, “ I have never seen this many stoneflies crawling over the rocks.” Seconds later I see a golden stonefly fleet from my line of sight. I started to get excited, following these bugs as they worked their way to small shrubs and over hanging plants. At this point I am on my knees and I remember slowly looking up and seeing a stonefly hatch right in front of my eyes. In disbelief I sat there. Thinking,I have been trying to get this picture since the start of my photography career and it was finally happening! I put my rod down and took a moment to capture this unforgettable moment. A moment I will always remember and strive to witness again.

What’s next for you, Trevor? Are there any new projects or goals in your videography and photography journey that you’re excited about?

This Year I Started a photography and videography business, Lateral Line Creative, where I work with brands and outdoor enthusiasts to create memorable moments in the outdoors. Most of all of my energy has been going towards that as I progress through the ups and downs of owning a business. When I am not working on that I like to guide for trout and salmon in Alaska. I am beyond excited to see where it goes and appreciated the opportunity to share it with all of you.