Thomas Spiegle is a published, award winning photographer whose photographs have appeared in travel magazines, art galleries and private collections world wide. As a former wedding and portrait photographer, his photographs have provided life long, treasured memories for thousands of families, brides and grooms.
My Journey:
I was born in Southern California and was raised along the scenic beach communities of Orange County, CA. My sixth grade teacher, Mr. Anderson, started a camera club at my elementary school. He provided technical instruction and several medium format cameras to his students. Mr. Anderson creatively converted a boys’ restroom into a black and white darkroom. I was immediately enthralled by the cameras and the magic of the darkroom. After my parents purchased my first camera the following year, they encouraged me to pursue my new hobby. For the past 30 years, photography has been a vital part of my life.
At the age of eighteen, I was hired by Executive Portraits, a photography studio in Anaheim, CA. The owners of the studio, Robert and Warren Zuk, became my mentors and were kind enough to give me a chance to prove myself as a photographer. This began my training and development as a professional photographer. I had the pleasure of working as a portrait and wedding photographer with Executive Portraits for eight years. I continued my photography career as a freelance portrait and wedding photographer.
In 2005, I decided to pursue a new photographic challenge. I have always been amazed by the diversity and beauty of California’s topography. I decided to combine my hobbies of scuba diving, nature, wildlife and travel. I entered the realm of landscape, seascape and underwater photography. I will show the world the unforgiving deserts of Death Valley, the snow-covered mountains of Mammoth Lakes, the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, the sandy beaches to the rocky cliffs of the Southern and Northern coastline, as well as, the magnificent underwater kelp forests of California. These are just a few of the hundreds of locations, which represent the diversity of California. Additionally, I will travel abroad to capture the beauty of our planet, both above and below the oceans, seas and lakes.
Inclosing, I would like to leave you with several thoughts: “Pay attention to the details.” “A professionals photographer's trash can is larger than an amateurs photographer’s trash can.” "Never underestimate the influence a sixth grade teacher has over his students." Parents, encourage your children to explore and work towards their dreams and finally, “Educate yourself.” “Work hard.” “Do your very best, and don't be afraid to fail.” If you have never failed, you have never pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Thank you for spending some time with me, and I hope you have enjoyed viewing my photographs, as much as I have enjoyed bringing my visions to print. “In a fraction of a second, a camera’s shutter opens and closes, capturing a moment in time we can all enjoy as long as that images survives.”
Thomas Spiegle, Owner
TFS Photography