Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Wilder
Max, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Athens, GA, where I graduated from UGA in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. After graduating, I moved to Las Vegas for a while with my aunt and uncle to look for a job in either the hospitality or sports industry. In Vegas, I took up the hobby of hiking and on those hikes I’d always take landscape pictures with my iPhone. I began to really enjoy photography; researching different techniques, learning about lighting and teaching myself how to use photo editing tools. Over the next few years, I bounced back and forth between Nevada and Georgia, before settling back down in GA. Eventually, my then girlfriend (now wife) bought me my first “real” camera, a Canon Rebel T5, which helped expand my photography capabilities. I kept practicing and over time I got pretty good at taking pictures. Over the years I have updated my gear and got more confident in my abilities, which has awarded me some cool opportunities in the photography world. Though I still consider landscape photography to be my favorite, sports photography is currently my main focus; having worked with the College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Bulldog Sports Marketing and the Atlanta Dream.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road can definitely get bumpy. Aside from the time and effort it takes to learn your skill and hone your craft, there are many talented photographers in the industry vying for the same opportunities; making the field feel extremely congested at times. This is why it’s important to be a good person and build relationships along the way. You never know when someone from your past might have an opportunity for you or the ability to point you in the right direction. Another struggle can be getting a great opportunity and feeling that I’m not worthy to photograph this event or person. I guess this could be considered Imposter Syndrome. I typically overcome these thoughts by giving myself a pep talk and looking at the past work I’ve done for self-reassurance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography is my specialty and my therapy. From portraiture, landscape, food, to sports photography I enjoy it all! I’m very proud of the work I’ve done with the Atlanta Dream. Whether that be taking pictures at youth clinics or during the games; I think my work for them has been done very well. I like to capture dramatics in my photos. Facial expressions from athletes, looming peaks of a mountain, the eyes of a wild big horn sheep! I believe my attention to detail is what sets me apart.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned not to take life and your health for granted. I knew many people who got sick and a few who passed away during this time. I also learned the importance of leaning on your neighbors, community and loved ones for help if necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/maxdwilder
- Instagram: maxdwildersports
Image Credits
Max Wilder
