Tom Galassi – Photographer
My beginnings as a photographer are a little different than most. I didn’t have a lifelong passion for photography.
I first picked up a camera in 2004 to help a friend out of a wedding day jam (which included a crash course in learning how to use a camera – basically “Keep it in Automatic mode” and “don’t cut their heads off”.) I had a great time shooting that wedding and haven’t stopped since. Little did I know that taking pictures would become my career.
I really enjoy working with kids as well, and prior to my life as photographer, I spent seven years teaching children marine biology and ocean protection. I have carried over my enjoyment of working with kids in my photography.
I am married to my wife, Nicola, and we have two children, Pepper (4) and Cooper (3). I enjoy shooting with Nicola. She has a great eye, and always gets amazing pictures. We try to shoot as much together as we can as we make a great match.
Oh, and the friend I shot my first wedding with, I still work with him all the time too.
A Little More About Me
I absolutely love the ocean, and the jobs I had for the seven years before becoming a photographer all involved protecting the ocean.
I do love the ocean, but ironically, I am not a huge fan of the sandy beach. However, I always seem to find myself on it. I taught marine biology for 3 years in Manhattan Beach, CA, where everyday I was on the beach teaching children about beach wrack, birds, waves, sand, etc.
Then my next job was for Heal the Bay in Santa Monica, CA, and believe it or not, my role there was… wait for it… The Beach Programs Manager. That’s right, I spent a lot more time at the beach. I was in charge of scheduling beach cleanups for all of Los Angeles county. The good news was that my boss always new I wasn’t just hanging out at the beach after I was done working, I always headed right back to the office.
And now, as a photographer, where do I spend a lot of my time. You guessed it -AT THE BEACH. Between the engagement shoots, family portraits and weddings that take place at the beach, I am once again at the beach a LOT.
But its OK, I have finally come around to liking the beach a bit more. After all, that is where most people want to be and I have been lucky to be able to spend so much time there.
Why am I not a fan of the beach? I guess you could say I am similar to camera gear. Those grains of sand get into and stick everywhere, and me and camera gear just don’t like it. That is why you will never see me sitting down at the beach. I am either standing on the sand or in the water scuba diving, snorkeling or boogie boarding.
By the way, have you ever done a beach cleanup? If not, you should, it will open your eyes to the huge amount of trash that is out there on our beaches and in our oceans. Visit the Heal the Bay website and find out more.