My Story

On April 27th, 2013 I picked up a camera and fell in love.

My story began after I graduated high school in 2011. I moved to Seattle to go to college and study computer science. I was working a couple jobs near Seattle, to put away money for school. After two years of saving for college, I was ready to enroll. Without any warning, everything I had worked for was taken away from me. On April 18th 2013, I was involved in a motorcycle accident. I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital where I was rushed into surgery. After gaining consciousness the doctor informed me I had multiple broken bones in both hands and my leg was seriously injured as well. This left me unable to use my hands or walk easily. I had to leave Seattle and move back into my parents house because I was unable to work let alone take care of myself. The only mobility in my hands was my right index finger. Before my accident my joy and passion in life was playing guitar. Not only did I lose my job, my apartment and any progress I had made in Seattle, I lost my ability to play guitar. I was extremely depressed and felt like the life that I was working for, was ending. On top of this, I had no health insurance so my medical bills were stacking up. That was possibly the lowest point of my life. In attempt to cheer me up my mom gave me her old digital camera to help take my mind off of things. She suggested I take it out and try to take pictures. I resisted at first but soon after decided to give it a shot. I discovered how to balance the camera on my cast and shoot with my index finger. Before I knew it, I could not stop taking pictures, it had become a part of me. I took that camera everywhere. Three months after that day, I started my business taking photographs and you would not believe the places it has taken me.

I want to share my story because I now know so much good can come out of horrible situations. At the time of my accident I felt my life I had envisioned for myself was over. I also believe that everyone has a certain gift they are meant to pursue but not everybody takes the risk of exploring the possibilities. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement through my whole recovery and journey through photography. Without all of you I would not have the opportunity to reach my full potential. I can’t express how much I have been blessed by everyone I have gotten to know, places I have gotten to see, and opportunities I have seized. I love all of you and promise I will be working hard everyday to become better at what I do.

Cheers,

Isaac Gautschi