So, you want to know what I am like? Want to know what makes me tick? Want to know every last detail about my life? Well probably not, but I will give you some insight into who I am and why I do what I do.

So, first some background. I was born in New Orleans (yes I am a rabid and faithful Saints fan), and lived there until the sixth grade. My family and I moved to Tampa, Florida, and then to Dallas, Texas when I was 14. People often ask if I was a military brat and the answer is no. My parents were musicians and they went where the gigs were. I credit this unusual upbringing with my intense desire to experience new places, cultures, and fearlessness in the face of change. To further illustrate this, after college, I moved to Washington State, then to Indiana, on to the Central African Republic, and finally back to Dallas. Now here I am in Birmingham, Alabama (more on that in a bit).

My father, his father, and my mothers father, were all professional photographers. I grew up surrounded by photography and music. I think this explains why I have such a visceral response to both. A powerful piece of music or a camera in my hand can transport me emotionally and physically. I feel truly blessed to have had those influences in my life. For the record, I cannot carry a tune and have no sense of rhythm whatsoever. It’s a good thing that I can take a good picture!

So how I'd I get to Birmingham, Alabama? I know you have been wondering and probably thinking that I was never getting back to that, but fear not. So here goes. It all starts a long time a go (1991) in a land far far away (Mississippi). There, playing foosball opposite me (and kicking my butt), was the most striking, beautiful, and amazing girl I had ever seen. Her name was Kelly, her voice was music to my ears, her eyes were piercing, and I was smitten. I serenaded her Maverick style in front of the entire camp with you’ve lost that lovin feeling (remember I told you about my singing ability). With that I secured a place in her memory and in her heart that would last. Kelly was my first and truest love but she lived in Alabama and I in Texas. Despite letters written and phone calls made, distance eventually doomed our teenage romance. We never forgot each other though and with the power of Facebook we are together again more in love than ever before.

So if you have read all the way through this and I haven’t bored you too much here are the really boring parts. I photographed my first wedding at 16 (I have no idea what they were thinking I looked 12 at the time and had no clue what I was doing. I should note that with 18 years experience I have gotten a lot better!). I have worked as a newspaper and freelance photojournalist. I have also worked as a fashion photographer. I’ve been published internationally in books, magazines, and newspapers. I love photography and I am very blessed to have people in my life who have supported me in perusing my dreams. I love what I do and I never lose sight of how fortunate I am to be able to say that.

tommy@tommydaspit.com

205-516-6993

tommy@tommydaspit.com

205-516-6993

Serving the Birmingham, Alabama area and beyond.