About the Team
Garrett Hacking
I want to wow you so you never look anywhere else again for a photographer. My clients and I often form a bond, like family. Working together year after year. Familiar faces, familiar friends.
I love to be in the woods and hunt and fish for my food. There is nothing more pure and natural. I bring these same sensibilities to my photography. Make every shot count. That next cast could be a magazine cover. Be stealth. A witness, my subjects as unaware of my presence as possible but when they get their photos they see I was everywhere.
That’s as close as I can put into words how much I love what I do, who I work with and why I do it!
I devour photography like my dog loves a juicy bone. Ever since I was a kid and started photographing live bands. I followed the “rules” and went to college and got a ”job” after graduation. That didn’t last long. My passion was there and calling me to “do what you love, success will follow”. I soon was under the tutelage of German photographer Heinz Richter. I took everything that came my way, soaking up my craft like a sponge. I soon had the keys to his school, getting there at 7am, often locking up at 1am. I graduated with the most diverse portfolio and highest scores of any student he ever had. I was on my way!
Besides the little sweetness below, I’ve been blessed with amazing partners. In my 25th year of business I’ve had 5, averaging tenures between 4 to 8 years. And honest to God, they just drop in my lap at the perfect time! I love to teach and mentor and I am always learning from them too. I have been truly blessed – from the moment I realized that photography was my calling and gift (I wish there were more clear “light bulb” moments like that in life) – to then meeting my teacher and mentor Heinz, to the people who support me today. The miracles that have occurred in all my years, to help me succeed, are too numerous to mention. However, there is no doubt for me, that the one, miracle maker, door opener, constant partner has been God!
Charlie Brown
Let’s get one thing straight—I’m not just here to chase squirrels and look cute in bandanas (though I do look great in the sports jerseys dad makes me wear).
I’m the sort of, official photography assistant. My job? Sniff out interesting locations, dig up that perfect golden-hour light (or at least a good stick), love on clients and remind Garrett (dad) to take breaks by my plopping down dramatically in the office and get my back rubbed. I’m basically the creative director… with a tail.
Some dogs chase balls—I chase art. Nothing gets my tail wagging like the click of the shutter or the rustle of the camera bag. The scent of dew-covered grass, a bird dramatically photobombing the skyline—it’s poetry, really. I even practice my poses daily in front of the mirror. It’s not vanity, it’s dedication. Sometimes people need a little puppy love to loosen up in front of the lens. I’d win awards if someone would just invent a “Best Supporting Schnauzer in a Portrait” category.
My dad is the brains, the biped, the snack provider, and the reason I get to hang out in the office and once in a while, even on some shoots. Sure, he gets a little obsessed with exposure settings and lighting, but he always scratches behind my ears when the shot turns out perfect. Together, we make a great team—me with my nose, him with his lens. Honestly, we couldn’t be luckier to have each other. Thanks for adopting me dad!
