His name? Christian Marcum. His proudest achievement of 2022? Winning the Travel Category of our annual Photo Competition (presented by Herschel Supply Co.).

Christian began taking his photographic work seriously in 2015, the year he graduated from Northern Arizona University. His first (digital) camera was a Sony a600 with a nifty fifty kit lens (50mm). He launched his career shooting weddings, commercials, and fashion, but soon aimed his lens at documentary work. ‘I fell in love with the idea of telling stories,’ says Christian, ‘and I started shooting film around the same time; the medium felt more fitting for the integrity of the projects.’ These days, he shoots with a Leica M6 and a 35mm lens (‘That’s it—one camera, one lens’) and wins prestigious awards, like the award we awarded him. We asked Christian some questions.

Can you tell us the story behind your winning photo?

It was Saint Patrick’s Day, 2022. My family and I were visiting Fountain Hills, a suburb east of Scottsdale, AZ. The park puts on a gathering every year and dyes the fountain green in celebration. I shot the winning photograph just after the dye ran out. As we walked through the crowd, I instantly realized the potential of the environment. The fountain was obvious, so I wanted to pair it with something unique. I don’t like to force the frame. I prepare my camera and set myself up to react to something organic. When I saw the gentleman standing across the way, I quickly framed him, just as he hid his face in both hands. A unique moment I was fortunate to capture.

How do you plan to spend your prize money?

On current film projects along with supporting my family.

What have you been shooting at the moment?

I’ve been primarily working on two geographical portraits, one of Prescott, AZ and the other of Phoenix, AZ. My first published project, Everybody’s Hometown, featuring Prescott, AZ, will hopefully be completed by late 2023. I’ll also be releasing about seven self-published zines throughout the year. They’re almost finished being curated.

Which of your photos would you save from a burning building?

The photo I took of my son on the day he was born. I shot it on Kodak 400 with my Nikon F3. I purchased the camera the week before he was born. So I had not gotten the opportunity to get to know the camera or properly adjust to its settings. Our son was born earlier than expected, so in all the chaos of having a newborn I didn’t grab my regular, go-to camera. Finding the Nikon F3 in our car was a surprise, so I drove to a nearby convenience store and bought a cheap roll of Kodak 400 film. After all that, I lost the roll—then I found it three years later. Once I had it developed and scanned, only five frames were properly exposed. But there was one that stood out from the rest. I felt grateful that I was able to capture a beautiful portrait of our son during that cherished time. A photo that almost never was.

What are you doing when you’re not shooting photos?

Going on adventures with my family. I’m currently living with the love of my life, an energetic 4-year-old, and a newly adopted 5-month-old puppy. Things are constantly changing and growing in our home. I am also the Director of Marketing for the first dispensary in Arizona: Arizona Organix. Advocating for the normalization of cannabis and its benefits is something I am passionate about.

Any plans for 2023 that include your camera?

I intend to carry my camera on me every day. Some of my favorite photographs have been taken during routine outings with my family, including the one that won this competition. I’m working on several projects that will come to fruition later this year, and I’m currently scouting publishers and fine art galleries to work with. I’m excited about the possibilities that await!