Teen's talent taking natural course

Capturing a vintage look Photo:

Shawna Virgin and Ryan Burgess, friends of Cam Welch (inset), are seen here during a summer photo shoot. (Photo by Cam Welch Photography)

Cam Welch Photo:

Cam Welch

RUMFORD- In June of 2011, Cam Welch and a few of his friends decided they would go out and explore the world of photography. “I didn’t have a real good camera, but one of my friends did and I knew I had to have one, too,” noted Welch.
Over the summer, Welch's parents realized their son's talent and how badly he wanted a camera and bought him the Canon T3i. “My parents have always been very supportive of me and all I've wanted to do,” noted Welch. “I'm really pretty lucky.”
A senior at Mountain Valley High School, Welch took Introductory to Photography, but has never had any other instruction in how to format photographs, how to fully operate a digital SLR or how to use any photo enhancing program. He has learned from his hands-on, creative approach.
“It was really neat,” noted Welch. “I took a few pictures of some friends, other friends saw them and then everyone wanted me to take their pictures.” In no time at all, Welch had a ton of business on his hands and was testing the waters of his creative side.
“I really prefer the vintage look of photographs,” stated Welch. “There's just something about the lighting, the clothes, just the feel of it.”
He tells his models to be sure to bring clothing they want to be photographed in. Many of his every day subjects are captured in jeans, flannel shirts and t-shirts, but his models are eye-catching with stunning dresses, coats and a pop of color in their hat or shoes.
“I'm not a believer in things happening for a reason,” shared Welch. “But, in this case, it's hard not to.”

Getting his business off the ground has been fairly easy and not very expensive at this point. With his parents purchasing the camera as a gift and Welch's natural talent taking over, he figures he spent about $80 to get started. Welch created a Facebook page and as of last count he had more than 750 likes.

Welch noted, “I really enjoy working with people. I usually spend a couple hours shooting and then another couple hours working on the computer with them. My friends get a little annoyed when they come over to hang out and we spend the time going through pictures. But they're all very supportive of me.”

He has created various packages, reasonably priced, for seniors, families and even groups of friends who want their photographs done. He noted that he already has his model representatives chosen for spring shoots.

Welch spends most of his time behind the camera looking for unique shots for his friends. Groups of them take field trips to Portland and other towns throughout the state and practice their techniques.

Being his last year in high school, Welch is faced with the task of figuring out where he wants to attend school and what he may want to do with the rest of his life. For now, he is looking forward to attending Colorado State University and majoring in business with a minor in photography.