Greg Duckworth | Thomas Cunningham Photography
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07 Jun Thomas Cunningham Photography

Thomas Cunningham loves taking pictures and showing the world what life looks via his Point-of-View.

Catalyst for Community: Thomas Cunningham
Greg: Share a little about the company.

Thomas: “Creating Thomas Cunningham Photography was more a way for me to identify my photos than anything else. I never really approached it as a business but more as a creative outlet. I think as with any artist, there is always the hope for recognition and appreciation of ones work, but it’s not my primary motivation for creating my photography.”

Greg: What inspired you to start?

Thomas: “All of my current work is done strictly from my iPhone. I shoot and edit all of my work via my mobile phone. It’s developed into an art form more than something simply just practical. I’m sure a lot of local professional photographers might scoff at me and my work, but as I have said before, I’m doing this as a way for me to express my creative side. If I’m lucky enough to have people take notice and appreciate my work, it only adds to the excitement and joy I already have in taking those photos.”

Greg: What were you doing before this?

Thomas: “I worked as a realtor for the past seven years. I learned a great deal while working here along the coast as an agent, and it played a huge role in helping me find my passion in photography. I got my first iPhone on June 29, 2007, and it changed my life forever. I began to look for ways to incorporate my iPhone more and more into my business. I started using my phone to take pictures and video to market real estate. My drive to incorporate both my phone and technology into my career helped me become the photographer I am today.”

Greg: What is your proudest moment so far?

Thomas: “Hands down, my proudest moment so far is when Grand Strand Magazine chose to use some of the photos I submitted to them in a reader’s choice contest for their April-May issue. The feature was called, “Images of the Grand Strand,” and I was blown away when I finally picked up a copy of the issue for myself. At first, I was simply happy to see one of my pictures used in the table of contents. Words can’t describe what I felt when I turned to page 62 and realized my photo, “Pier at Sunset,” was used for the background of the two-page introduction! To this day, I am still shocked when I go back, look at those pages in Grand Strand Magazine, and stare in odd disbelief that my pictures were chosen.”

Greg: Do you have any encouraging words for others looking to start a business?

Thomas: “I’m not sure if I am one to be giving advice on starting a small business, but one thing I would share is simply this: Seek and find what brings joy to you and your surroundings. Don’t dwell on the failures you make along the way, it’s part of life’s journey. Truly learn from your mistakes, and never give up hope in yourself or your ideas, even when others can’t see it. Involve yourself in your local community; if you see a need and it matches your passion, go for it and be the change in your own life as well as others around you. ”

Greg: Where do you see your business in a year or ten years?

Thomas: “I’d like to see Thomas Cunningham Photography engaging more with the surrounding communities, as well as working with other local businesses–partnering along side them to cross promote each other and our Grand Strand communities. Growth and recovery is something that only happens when we all choose to work together and help each other to succeed. It’s not a solo act! In ten years, I have no idea what I’ll be doing, but wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I’ll have fun doing it and sharing with the people around me.”