Justin Hackworth and Kent Miles

Climbing a mountain with the two people who have shaped my photography journey the most—what an unexpected beautiful gift.

About 12 years ago, I timidly reached out to Justin Hackworth for mentoring. He opened up an entirely new world for me, and I had no idea how much it would change my life. First major project, first art show, first work trip, first prints—Justin helped with it all. And in the most discouraging moments, somehow he always has the perfect words right when I need them.

Eight-ish years ago (how??), I started attending a monthly photography group in Salt Lake led by Kent Miles, Justin’s longtime mentor. I jumped at the chance, and that group has taught me so much.  Kent is a genius and so generous with his knowledge. The class I teach now is pretty much everything Justin and Kent have taught me.

Recently, I stretched myself and photographed the two of them together. I was terrified, but I’m so happy that I did it.

Last image is a quick snap Kent took of the three of us. Aaaaand he figured out last night that there’s the same age gap between him and Justin as Justin and me. How great is that.