Day in My Life as an Air Force Photographer

From taking photos 30,000 feet in the air, to strapping in the back seat of a fighter jet, when you think of jobs in the Air Force, you probably don't think of being a photographer. But what I will say, is that this career field is one that can take you all over the world, capturing some incredible missions and some gravity-defying aircraft. I hope you guys enjoy this glimpse into my life as an Air Force photographer during my time as a member of the F-22 Demonstration Team.

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*Adheres to AFI 1-1, USAF Social Media Policy*
Views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.

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[SamEckholm]

I hope you guys enjoyed this one! As I always say, there are some pretty incredible career fields available in the Air Force. If you had your pick of any of them, which would you choose?

[cxptainvil]

I swear you have the coolest job ever and honestly, I was thinking about pursuing this career. You’re a good role model, keep it up 🙌📸

[jamtrack]

Finally you did it! Photography is not what I expect from the Air Force, but I guess there is a job for everything.

[joelfeuer]

Photographers are important for investigative purposes, if there is a mechanical difficulty or an accident, you need someone on scene to record reasonable evidence. Also relevant for ceremonies, parades, promotions, very useful to have someone who can show higher management what is going on. I'm not in photography or military industry, but just my experiences, people everywhere get very happy and eager to get a free photograph of themselves, and to be able to relate it to your company or your work, makes it even more meaningful.

[jacobdenning]

That Shot of the Thunderbirds with the F-35 Pulling Up after take off was incredible 🔥 Great Job!

[dprovisuals]

Dropping the lens next to the camera at 7:04 and hearing the lens hit the the camera was heart breaking. Irrespective you have an amazing job thanks for sharing.

[stevealaskaman]

Sam, I was a 23152 as well, AF Vet, 1975 thru 1980. Served at EAFB when the F-16 and A-10 cold weather tested as new aircraft. My 6years was the best experience ever....looks like you’re doing well, only the best of best get selected to serve on these teams.

[clintgillespie]

"You a photographer?"
"No, I'm a combat correspondent"
"Oh, you seen any combat?"

[smithnyiu]

I was a photographer on the Thunderbirds and I'm glad to see young Lieutenants picking up cameras now. Especially PAOs. The AF has come a long way. Looks like you got some good shots too. Sorry about your lighting at showtime though haha. Been there. Keep up the great work, you make the AF better with this channel.

[robrobbirds]

I was a 3VOX3 and then 35P ('94-'02). It was a great job with a lot of cool experiences.
I'm currently a STEM teacher. I would like to thank you for your videos I use to bring the modern Air Force experience to my students that are interested. Great work.

[jtmnavy]

I didn’t know the chair force needed someone to take Pictures of chairs 🪑 all day 😁

[samanthabeaty]

Former USAF 3V0x2 (still photographer) here! When I was in Photographers were still under Comm and not PA. I was stationed at Langley when the F-22s first rolled out and it was so awesome getting to see them and photograph them! I think out of all of the things I shot the most gratifying stuff was the forensics, and our hurricane rideout photography team helped the base get millions of dollars of recovery money from congress whenever a hurricane wreaked havoc on our base. Love our AFSC!

[kokomel]

I just retired 3 years ago as an Air Force photographer and I have alway said, I literally have the coolest job in the Air Force! I’ve seen and done things people would only dream about! Awesome work Lt!!!

[craigmiller]

Watching your video is a real treat Sam. You are a special part of your career field and the Air Force. That is apparent. You have taken your position as a photographer in the Air Force to another level which many have never seen before or even thought possible! Great job! With the Air Force Core Values as your guide the sky is no limit for you. The stars will gladly welcome you upon arrival. Don't leave others in your con trails as you progress in the Air Force, make them Wingmen.

[terrydouglas]

The military had almost every job you can find in civilian life. Including radio/tv announcers, producers, engineers.

[ericteoshunquan]

Really love this video!! You're a real inspiration:) Brings me back to the time when I was serving my nation as a photographer in the Air Force media team, it was really a fulfilling experience. When the journey ends you will really look back at the photos that you took and be like "Woah, I really got to shoot that??" Anyways, showing love from Singapore:) Followed you ever since I came across you and the F-22 demo team at the Singapore Air Show!!

[AuthenTech]

Awesome video man, very well done!! 👏 Keep up the hard work 💪

[BecomeAPrime]

I got to Photograph the F-22 Demo Team back in 2019 and it was one of the coolest things I ever got to witness.

[mjohnson]

Best of all Sam, your position in the military as a photographer is one of high importance as it is related to recruitment. Every year each branch needs new enlistees and new officers, and it is a lot and without new recruitment, the US military would not be the best in the world. These types of videos are very inspirational for a great cause and glad you enjoy the work.

[stevehuddleston]

Your content is second to none!! You're even a pleasure to watch in front of the camera. You have a very bright future ahead of you sir!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻