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

Hi Doug, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, it was a matter of retaining sanity. Photography allowed me to vent in a creative way. My therapy. Working through a Creative process allowed me to focus on something else other than whatever I may have been experiencing in life at the time. Having a camera in my hand outs my security blanket.

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.
Last time I did this, I had this grand answer that I put a ton of thought into. This time though, I’m going to answer viscerally. My photography is how I’m feeling at the moment. A song that comes on right before I get to work. I’m
Most excited about this Photojournalist journey I’m on. Telling stories and sharing people’s lives.

No, my journey wasn’t easy. The road IN Photography wasn’t easy or immediate. The journey that ultimately introduced me to photography was no joy ride either.

When we look at successful people, we never see what that success cost them.
What I want people to know is, I’m just a guy with a camera who has experienced wins and losses, but at the end of the day, I just want to be better tomorrow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m going to stick to the same answer. go explore (safely) . Stop in places you wouldn’t normally go to ( if it’s safe). Meet the people there, share some stories, break bread and come away with a new experience at the very least.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The 1888 Club I founded has grown and given me a group of people to laugh with, talk shop and just zone out with behind a camera and some film. Hadn’t thought about a book, but I think there have always been three books that have been important to me . Letters to a Young Poet was a great lesson about navigating life. Frankenstein taught me that we are all bits and pieces of the people we meet and sometimes, people will see you as the monster no matter what you do. Finally, ANYTHING Sherlock Holmes….as a kid, those stories drove me to look at everything, no matter how insignificant, which grew into an almost manic attention to detail and take in everything.

Website: www.opticaljournalist.com

Instagram: @opticaljournalist

Twitter: @opticjournalist

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCcjW1yGdJ7I0BSHrph5CMBw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX 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.