Can the act of capturing beauty help you rediscover your own strength?
Hello, and welcome to my online fine art photography store! My name’s John Fletcher, and I currently live just outside of Nashville, TN.
Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the arts—film, music, acting, dance, and especially photography. I studied film and video in college, but when I graduated, I struggled to turn it into a career. I feel like introversion, self-doubt and financial obstacles held me back. So, I settled for working an office day job and capturing moments on my iPhone - until a free trip to South Africa changed everything. My girlfriend convinced me to buy my first pro camera, and on those dusty, sun-drenched safaris, I rediscovered the magic of seeing the world through my lens.
Eager for adventure, we moved to Spain to teach English, and I spent a year and a half doing that while immersing myself in photography. I captured the bustling street life of Valencia, the turquoise waves crashing against Portugal’s cliffs, and the maze-like souks of Morocco, where the scent of exotic spices mixed with the calls of merchants haggling over vibrant textiles. I wandered the misty Scottish highlands, photographing the rugged terrain and ancient castles. I watched as the sun enveloped the horizon behind the Rock of Gibraltar, painting the sky in fiery golds and deep purples. Each place left its mark on me, and each image I captured felt like a piece of my story.
But when we returned to the U.S., everything unraveled. COVID crushed my dreams of a photography business. I also found I was losing my hearing from years of playing bass in rock bands, and my physical and mental health spiraled. I gained 160 lbs, and the simple joys of traveling and hiking to photograph landscapes and wildlife became nearly impossible. At my lowest, I collapsed, alone under the vast Utah night sky, gasping for air, convinced I might not get up. In that moment, I swore to take my life back.
As of writing this and officially launching my Etsy store on March 25, 2025, I’ve lost 60 lbs and feel stronger every day. I won’t stop until I reach my goal! Through it all, photography has been my anchor—a way to see beauty even in my darkest moments. My hope is that my images transport you to the places that have shaped me and inspire you to embrace the wonders of life. Thank you for being here and sharing in my story.
