How It Began
My passion for photography began when my parents bought me a Discovery Kids Digital Camera as a child. That little pink and purple camera became my favorite toy, allowing me to capture the world through my eyes. I spent hours taking pictures of anything and everything—family, pets, and nature—fascinated by the idea of freezing moments in time.
As I grew older, my love for photography never faded. Having played basketball and track, I developed a deep appreciation for sports, but over time, I lost the desire to compete. Instead, I found a new way to stay connected to the game—behind the camera. Capturing the raw emotion, intensity, and movement of athletes fueled my passion in a whole new way.
Beyond sports photography, I have also worked on multiple projects with my grandfather, Chuck O'bannon, ranging from interviews and video editing to website design. Through these experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from incredible professionals in the industry, including Anniece Robinson, Yosiah "Tripp" Morrow, Rosalind Withers, Larry Robinson, Kirk Reid, and many more. I’ve even had the privilege of connecting with individuals who helped shape history, such as Dr. David and Mrs. Yvonne Acey, Dwania Kyles, and Dr. Archie Moss, Jr. These encounters have deepened my understanding of storytelling and media, further fueling my passion for capturing meaningful moments.
Now, as I pursue a career in sports photography, I look back at that Discovery Kids camera as the spark that ignited this journey. What started as a simple childhood gift has evolved into a lifelong dream, combining my love for photography and sports into something truly special.
The Story Behind The Name
The name shutterupphotography662 (shutter-up-photography) came to me one day when I was at work editing pictures from that night's football game. I was listening to a song about how people are always going to find a reason to discourage you and hate on you and it's your job to 'shut 'em up,' hence shutterupphotography and the 662 is the zip code from where I am from, Southaven, MS.
