Creating through adventure, passion and dedication.
My name is Adam Stagner, and I’m an award-winning landscape photographer. My passion is capturing the awe and wonder of nature—bringing its vast beauty into homes and hearts through fine art photography. But my path to this life wasn’t straightforward. It was full of unexpected turns, challenges, and moments that almost broke me. Yet, through it all, I found my way, and photography became the force that pulled me back to life.
Growing up in middle Tennessee, surrounded by its rolling hills and stunning landscapes, I always felt connected to nature. I spent my days creek stomping, hiking through the woods, riding dirt bikes, and playing golf. Golf wasn’t just a hobby—it was my life. From the age of four, I was dead set on becoming a professional golfer. I played in the TGA Junior Tour and even became the captain of my high school golf team. I poured everything into golf, chasing that dream for years. But as time went on, things started to shift.
I was born with Madelung deformity, a genetic condition passed down from my father, and by the time I was 10, as my bones grew, the effects became more noticeable. It impacted my left elbow and wrist, causing increasing pain. By the age of 16, the pain from Madelung deformity, combined with tendonitis, made playing golf competitively unbearable. Mid-round, my game would fall apart, and my dream of a professional golf career slipped away. The physical pain was difficult, but the emotional toll was even harder. I felt lost, disconnected from the path I had worked so hard for, and drifted into toxic circles, numbing myself to deal with the shame and aimlessness.
But life has a funny way of redirecting us when we least expect it. In 2009, as an early graduation gift, my parents gave me my first DSLR camera—a Canon Rebel 450D. It wasn’t something I’d asked for, but my dad had noticed how I enjoyed editing pictures from the camera we used to record my golf swing. What started as a simple interest grew into something much deeper.
One day, my high school guidance counselor asked what my plans were after graduation, knowing that golf was no longer an option. When I mentioned photography, she suggested I explore Nossi College of Art. That conversation changed everything. Soon, I was diving headfirst into photography, finding a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in years. I ventured into various genres, including senior portraits, weddings, engagements, live events, and even newborn sessions. My camera became an extension of my artistic vision, allowing me to explore the full range of photography and capture moments that truly mattered.
But like any creative journey, it wasn’t easy. After earning my degree, I landed a position as a digital photo editor at Hudson Yards Studios, working for major brands like Victoria’s Secret and National Geographic. For five years, I worked grueling 70-80 hour weeks, often during night shifts. While it was a prestigious job that taught me invaluable skills, the constant grind eventually took its toll. Around year two, I started using what little free time and extra money I had to take road trips around Tennessee, starting with my very first hike to Burgess Falls. Standing in front of that waterfall reignited something inside me. It was that moment that sparked my passion for landscape photography. I knew my calling was to capture nature’s beauty, not just for myself, but to share it with others. But as the years went on, the exhaustion from work continued to build, and I began to wonder if I would ever fully reconnect with the love I had for my craft.
For the next seven years, I gave everything I had to this vision. I traveled far and wide, capturing landscapes and investing every moment and penny I could into my art. Leaving the security of Hudson Yards, I took a five-month contract as a cruise ship photographer for Azamara. It was a leap into the unknown, but it gave me the chance to travel, to grow as an artist, and to see landscapes beyond my wildest dreams.
When I returned home, I shifted my focus to promoting and selling my own photography prints. As an independent artist, I quickly learned the challenges of navigating the art market. Online platforms come with their own set of costs, from yearly subscriptions to transaction fees and marketing expenses. Art festivals often prove to be an inefficient investment, requiring the transportation of large volumes of artwork and costly infrastructure for brief events. Traditional galleries impose burdensome commissions, hindering artists' ability to sustain their livelihoods. These obstacles led me to a profound realization: nobody can represent my artwork and communicate its essence better than I can. Driven by my unwavering belief in my craft, I made a bold decision. I invested my life savings into creating my own gallery—a space where my art could breathe and truly connect with people.
Building a business required constant investment in equipment, refining techniques, and finding materials that brought my vision to life. After years of trial and error, I discovered ChromaLuxe metal prints—a high-definition medium that elevates my landscapes with vibrant color and unparalleled clarity. Partnering with a family-run lab in Minnesota, I found a way to make my art truly come alive.
Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant: my commitment to creating high-quality landscape photography that resonates on a deep, emotional level. Every image I create is more than just a picture—it’s a piece of my journey, crafted with care to inspire and connect with people.
I’m proud to say I’ve surpassed 1,000 sales of my fine art prints, but the numbers aren’t what drive me. It’s the connection I’ve built with my clients—the way my work brings beauty into their lives. My photography is about more than what’s visible in the frame; it’s about the emotions and stories it evokes.
Today, I run my own gallery where my art can breathe, where people can come in and feel the stories behind the images. It’s a space that represents every risk I’ve taken and every sacrifice I’ve made along the way.
I’ve expanded into photo restorations and photography workshops, which have been incredibly rewarding. Helping others preserve their memories and teaching them to see the world through a lens has brought a new level of fulfillment to my work. So, if you’re looking for more than just a photograph—if you’re looking for art that connects with you, tells a story, and brings the raw beauty of nature into your life—I invite you to explore my work. This journey has been full of ups and downs, but every moment has shaped who I am as an artist. I’m excited to share this next chapter with you.
“Thank you for taking an interest in my story and ultimately finding beauty in the art that I create. This is just the beginning so please follow along to see what I do next.”
Don’t hesitate to contact Adam Stagner directly with any questions you may have 615-513-6716.
All the best!
