Joel Barto is a Photographer and Traveler based in Western North Carolina.
I’m proof that the phrase, “it’s never too late,” is true. I didn’t pick up a camera until I was 48 years old. For thirty years, my passion and profession has been developing a successful construction business in the mountains of North Carolina.
Building beautiful custom homes for customers was a joy and a creative outlet. But as my business grew, I found myself fielding phone calls more than making sawdust. Something was missing. I was just as surprised as everyone to discover it was a Sony camera.
In the winter of 2020, I ended up on the crest of a mountain with a camera in my hand. As the sun was setting, I soon realized that I was about to be alone with the night sky. This moment conjured many memories and resparked a love for nature and the ever-changing sky. Photography has become a welcome passion. Time will tell if it evolves into a second career. For now, I hope you will gain a measure of joy from the beauty that I’m attempting to capture.