Meet Tate Butcher of Las Vegas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tate Butcher.

Hi Tate, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first got into photography at the beginning of 2023 when my principal asked if I would take photos at a summer camp. I said yes, and that opportunity started everything. Around that time, I bought my first camera from my mom, an old Nikon D3100. I used it for about a year, and while it wasn’t the newest or most advanced camera, it taught me the fundamentals of photography and helped me develop my skills.

After about a year of photography as a hobby, I upgraded to a Sony A7 IV and began my business. I started by photographing high school sports and was later given the opportunity to photograph two BYU women’s basketball games during the 2024–2025 season. That experience helped introduce my work to more athletes and coaches throughout the high school community.

When I entered my junior year, I transferred from my homeschool program to Las Vegas High School. Since then, I’ve become the Student Council Media Coordinator, a local baseball team media coordinator, and have had the opportunity to work closely with the football program and other school events. Looking back, the journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and serving others through my talents. Most importantly, my faith in Jesus Christ has been my foundation throughout the journey. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Him.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been lucky and haven’t had too many issues, but I’ve definitely faced a few challenges. One of the biggest happened when the shutter on my Sony A7 IV broke just a week before a major shoot. I panicked and contacted Sony. Luckily, the camera was still under warranty, so the repair didn’t cost me anything. The bigger issue was that Sony estimated the repair would take 7–14 business days, and I only had about a week before the game. It was nerve-racking watching the shipping updates and wondering if my camera would make it back in time. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I got it back before the shoot.

A broader challenge I’ve faced has been putting myself out there. I’m not naturally someone who likes being in the spotlight, but since social media was one of the only forms of advertising I could afford, I realized I had to step out of my comfort zone and share my work. Doing that hasn’t just helped my business—it has also helped me grow personally and academically. It’s given me more confidence, taught me to stand taller, and helped me stop dwelling on mistakes I’ve made in the past so I can focus on improving and moving forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in sports photography and media, creating images that capture the emotion, intensity, and stories behind each game. While I also enjoy portrait photography, sports have become the foundation of my work and business.

Starting out at only 15 was unusual. Most people didn’t expect someone my age to produce as high quality work, especially with so many other young photographers entering the field. I like to think I’ve always tried to be more professional than my age might suggest. Now, as I approach my 18th birthday, I believe that professionalism has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined.

One thing I’m especially proud of is the relationships I’ve built with the athletes and community. Every once in a while, I’ll donate photos from a game so players can have memories without worrying about the cost. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support, so giving back is important to me. I think that’s what sets me apart not just creating photos, but genuinely caring about the people I’m photographing.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think we’ll see an influx of photographers moving away from product photography, especially those who work with smaller businesses. Professional photography can be expensive, and many small businesses are already turning to AI because they feel it can “create the same thing” for less. I’ve seen it myself acquaintances from school have used AI to advertise their haircuts and even their baked goods instead of hiring a photographer.

While I think AI is genuinely a tool that photographers can learn to use, I don’t think it should replace the work of professionals who may have spent years developing their craft. AI can be a great resource, but it can’t fully replace the creativity, experience, and attention to detail that come from a skilled photographer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.butcher.media
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/butcher.media