About

Hi - Thank you for stopping in to learn a little bit about me. I grew up in the Washington, DC / Baltimore region, moved to Hawaii in 2012 and then to Alaska in 2019, where I lived for 3 years. I am currently living in the Washington DC/Baltimore region at this time.

I haven't always been a photographer. While I've always loved looking at photographs, it wasn't until my late 30's that I purchased my first camera. With that being said, looking back in time, I remember really enjoying looking at photography when I was a young kid. Particularly, I loved images of the high mountains in the western United States. I dreamed of exploring those landscapes, but mainly on my feet as a runner. I did not really consider I could pursue a past-time in photography as high school student or young adult. Instead I focused my love of running in high school and college. I graduated with a business degree from the University of Maryland in 1998. In 1999 I started working at America Online where I spent a few years managing a marketing program and a few years working as a front end web developer.

In 2004 I decided I wanted to attend medical school; so I returned to undergrad to obtain all the science prerequisites for the medical school application process. During that time I spent a few years working for a surgical dermatologist and part-time at a running store while working towards medical school admission.

The doctor I was working for had his own photos hanging in his office and this sort of stuck in the back of my mind for a long time. I was accepted into medical school in 2008, graduating in 2012. During medical school I was part of the Army Health Professional Scholarship Program. After graduation the Army afforded me the amazing opportunity to move to Honolulu, HI for residency.

When I moved to Hawaii in June 2012, I decided I'd worked hard for a long time and I was going to reward myself with a decent entry level camera to capture the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. I bought a Nikon D7000, but sadly had no idea what I was really doing. I learned a few basic settings by reading my camera's manual, but did not seem to be able to produce the types of images I desired or saw others making. Residency takes so much time that you have to ration the limited free time you have. I spent my limited time mostly running, cycling or trying to learn to surf and paddle-board. I did shoot photos, but I certainly did not learn photography.

After a few years, just before graduating from residency in 2015, I decided I either needed to learn photography or just give up on that hobby. Instead of ditching photography I decided this was something I wanted to be good at and do for the remainder of my life. As a reward to myself for the endless work at put in during the 3 years of my Family Medicine residency, I decided to take a lesson from a Maui based photographer. This was the best decision I made in pursuit of my interest in photography. Not only did I have a great experience, I learned a ton and was inspired to start learning more and more; I also developed an excellent friendship. Since that time I've continued learning and growing my skills in a variety of ways. While landscape photography is my passion, trying to shoot other subjects helps improve my skills.

I still have lots to learn, and I've got considerable room for improvement and growth as a photographer. I know with time, continued dedication and hard work I can improve my craft. I love photography for many reasons, mainly exploring, discovering and capturing the natural world and wild places as they currently exit. It's truly my passion.

I hope my photography inspires you to spend time outside exploring the natural world and to think about and engage in the importance of conservation of our planet, wildlife, wild spaces and wonderful natural resources.

I work full-time as a Family Medicine Physician, continue to pursue endurance sports, mainly running, but also cycling. I like yoga and wish I'd started that practice in my 20's. I also love music. I am married to my best friend, and in 2020 became a dad to, in my biased opinion, the best little boy around. I'm exceptionally thankful for the live that I have and the trails in life I've taken.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my photographs and read a little about me. I hope you enjoy looking at my work and seeing a little bit of the world through my lens.

John DiGiovanni

John DiGiovanni Photography

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