Keep Photography Dream Alive

Ya’at’eeh (Hello) my name is Eugene Tapahe, I am Navajo originally from Window Rock, Arizona. I grew up and lived most of my life on the Navajo Reservation, practicing the traditional ways of my people.

Throughout my professional career, I’ve been a designer, journalist, managing editor, art director, animator, and web developer. But, I always had this inner voice whisper to me that someday I will share another gift with others. So I made life-changing adjustments to recreate my own balance and happiness. I decided to leave my past professions to pursue my ultimate dream, the art of photography. I always loved photography. From the first time I picked up a camera, I knew I had a calling for telling stories through my images.

I have dedicated the past two years of my life and time to photography. This creative journey has opened my eyes to the art of photography, a majestic world of light and beauty. I have concentrated on capturing the beautiful landscape and people of the Southwest. I have received my inspiration from my grandmother, family and Navajo culture. When I’m alone with nature on a photo shoot, I can feel my ancestor’s presence. I can feel their love and blessings when I photograph places they once walked. This inspired me to unify my spirit with Mother Earth and to photograph not only what my eyes see, but also what my heart sees.

I have accomplished so much in these past two years: published in national and international magazines, “Photoshop User Magazine” and “Native People Magazine,” photographed award-winning images, photo exhibition at Brownstone Gallery in Provo, Utah, photo exhibitions at 2014 Santa Fe Indian Market, 2014 Santa Fe Winter Indian Market, 57th Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market in Phoenix, Arizona, and this year’s 2015 Santa Fe Indian Market in August.

Along my journey, I have witnessed personal miracles, spectacular sunsets and sunrises, and opportunities to share my culture and my dream. I have been blessed with kind and generous mentors who have shared their personal insights with me and helped me capture the true meaning of photography. And the most fulfilling of all is to share my stories and images with you all!

When I’m on a photo shoot, I take you with me; I take my family, and those who came before me. I look for unique situations to capture a moment, a memory, an emotion; one, we all can experience for the first time. I believe I have a spiritual and personal gift to capture images of my Native ancestors’ land. The journey has just begun. I have faith and hope that my dream will start a legacy that will live on way past my life. I hope my images will make a difference, turn our hearts to take care of Mother Earth, and preserve and respect where we live.

I am asking for your help to keep my dream alive. I want to continue to document and preserve the beauty of our home, Mother Earth. I will be using the funds for equipment, printing, framing and photo exhibitions throughout the world, so I can continue to share the importance of my culture and nature with others.

Thank you for your time!

See more images on my Website  and Instagram.