Craig O’Neal started photography as a hobby but got more involved in it and his passion became a second career that has allowed him to take photos at a variety of events and for a number of companies over the years. It is the stories behind the photos that he has enjoyed the most.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’ve been in Ponte Vedra now for 35 years, coming here in 1989 from Minneapolis when I came down to help build the first Target store in the area in Orange Park.
I have a background in banking and finance for 37 years but am retired now.
I first got into photography in the early 2000s and started with nature photography as I’m a Florida Master Naturalist and have just always been into nature and weather.
I even taught some classes on how to photograph animals and that sort of stuff. The Guana Preserve has used several of my photos and Bird Island Park behind the Ponte Vedra Library has kiosks that have my photos in them.
Are there any other types of photography that you enjoy?
One day I happened to catch the eye of someone at Jacksonville.com where they had a handful of photographers going around to different events, so I jumped on that, and it gave me opportunities to try different types of photography.
It didn’t take me long to find out that concert photography was something that really appealed to me and I did about a decade of that.
I’ve probably photographed about 100 different concerts, which is tricky to do because you have to capture an image with all the constant movement and the dancing and changing lighting that takes place throughout.
I also photographed my share of Jags games, and it wasn’t long before I had a dozen or so companies that I was regularly taking photos for.
What were some of the companies?
Firehouse Subs, the Bolles School, environmental organizations, and I even did some product photography for some high-end jewelers, as well as working for several media companies over the years that afternoon taking shots of the new players on the team.
The media jobs were interesting because you would be shooting a beekeeping farm for a feature in the morning and in the Jaguars locker room. You just never knew what you were going to get, including shooting THE PLAYERS for The Ponte Vedra Recorder.
What are some of the memorable photo assignments you’ve done?
One of the more interesting trips I took was spending a week in Cuba learning to shoot street photography.
I learned to the importance of making conversation and getting to know the people you are shooting and that you don’t just walk up and take their photo.
You’ll find most people are interested and open to you taking their photo if you show an interest in them. I’ve done that ever since.
Also, 10 years ago I was asked by National Geographic to be on a TV show they had about the wild monkeys living along the river in Ocala.
I had a cameo on the show, and they used some of my photos as well. It was definitely the highlight of my career as a photographer.
What evolution have you seen in the photography world over the years?
There’s been a lot of evolution in photography when it comes to the equipment that is used.
Phones cameras have gotten so good, and although they still don't have the same capabilities and quality, I remember a day when it was laughable to think that a phone camera was even close to the quality of an SLR.
So the types of photos have not changed so much, but it the process taken to get the imagary that has.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into photography?
For anyone interested, it’s important to have an idea about the subject they wish to pursue because that goes a long way in determining the equipment they will need.
Their approach will change based on the amount of lighting and the angles available to shoot from.
I am completely self-taught, but I spent a lot of time learning what to do and what not to do.
I suggest joining a photography group and find out what you like and don’t like because if you like what you’re shooting, you will have more of a passion for it.
I’ve found that some of the nicest people I’ve met are photographers because they’re always willing to offer up advice from their own experiences.
What do you enjoy most about living in Northeast Florida?
I’ve been here now for more than half my life, and I enjoy the community and the people that live here.
I’m just so comfortable here now. It is truly my home.
