Overview
Eagle Mountain City commissioned me to capture the essence of their community for Trailhead Magazine—a publication celebrating the city’s landscapes, local events, and residents who embody the spirit of Utah. My role was to visually connect readers with the city’s identity through authentic imagery that balanced nature, growth, and community pride.
Objective
To visually express the uniqueness of Eagle Mountain by highlighting its expansive outdoor spaces, active lifestyle, and strong sense of community. The project included editorial portraiture for a well-known Utah figure featured on the magazine cover.
My Role
As the lead photographer, I developed and executed the visual narrative—covering landscape, lifestyle, and event photography for the magazine’s print and digital editions. Challenge This was both my first professional client and my introduction to the Eagle Mountain region. I needed to quickly immerse myself in the area’s geography and culture to authentically represent its character.
Approach
I took a highly hands-on and exploratory approach—spending extensive time hiking throughout the region to discover its trail systems, vantage points, and natural beauty. Alongside this fieldwork, I engaged directly with residents and city staff to understand the stories and values that make Eagle Mountain unique. This boots-on-the-ground method allowed me to capture imagery that felt grounded, dynamic, and deeply connected to the city’s outdoor identity.
Results
Trailhead Magazine went on to earn national recognition, receiving the 2025 3CMA Savvy Award for Best External Publication, a testament to its strong visual and editorial storytelling. This project not only marked my first official professional commission but also established a foundation for my documentary-style approach to commercial and city-based visual campaigns.
