Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Patno
Hi Tim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Timothy Michael Photography | Media began in 2018 as a creative escape during a difficult chapter in my life. After decades working in healthcare, particularly in settings where I witnessed traumatizing and emotionally taxing events, I found myself searching for a way to cope and heal. Photography became that outlet. It allowed me to step away from the stress and focus on capturing beauty, connection, and the fleeting moments that make life meaningful.
It started with family—preserving the small, special moments that often pass us by. From there, it grew into a professional endeavor as I expanded into real estate, portrait, and branding photography. Aviation art became another passion, combining my love for creativity with the technical precision and artistry of flight. Along the way, my work gained recognition, with features in Boston Magazine, CubiCasa, and The Boston Globe.
Though photography is a significant part of my life, I still work as a nurse, balancing my passion for storytelling with my commitment to helping others. Moving from New England to Summerville, South Carolina, has been an exciting new chapter, and I’m thrilled to bring my vision and experience to the Lowcountry.
Photography has been a way to process life’s challenges and celebrate its beauty. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about finding purpose and joy in the everyday, and sharing that with others through my work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges along the way have shaped both me and my work. Balancing a demanding career in nursing with my passion for photography has been one of the biggest hurdles. Nursing, especially in settings where I’ve witnessed trauma and hardship, is both physically and emotionally draining. Photography became a much-needed creative outlet—a way to process those experiences and find joy in capturing meaningful moments.
There have also been challenges in building my photography business while working full-time. Learning the business side—client management, marketing, and navigating new markets—wasn’t easy, especially when I relocated from New England to South Carolina. Rebuilding a client base in a new area while staying true to my creative vision took time and patience.
On top of that, there were moments of self-doubt—wondering if I could juggle everything and still deliver the quality I hold myself to. But these struggles taught me resilience and the importance of finding balance. They also deepened my appreciation for photography as more than just a career; it’s a way to connect with people, tell stories, and focus on life’s beauty, even in the midst of challenges.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful. Every challenge has shaped the photographer and person I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Timothy Michael Photography | Media is a veteran-owned business based in Summerville, South Carolina, that specializes in real estate, commercial, and branding photography, as well as personal projects like family sessions, elopements, and aviation art. We aim to provide clients with high-quality, impactful visuals that showcase their properties, brands, or special moments in the best light.
We offer a wide range of services, including 360 virtual tours, aerial photography, virtual staging, and detailed 2D/3D floor plans, making us a one-stop solution for real estate and branding needs. For personal clients, we focus on creating authentic and emotional imagery that tells a story.
What sets us apart is our unique ability to blend artistic creativity with technical precision, a skill honed through years of experience in photography and a professional background in nursing. We bring a disciplined, client-focused approach to every project and pride ourselves on capturing moments that resonate.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust our clients place in us to tell their stories. Whether it’s photographing a family’s most cherished moments or elevating a property’s visual appeal, we’re passionate about making every shot count.
Above all, we want readers to know that our work is driven by a genuine desire to connect with people, share their stories, and create visuals they can be proud of.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was curious, creative, and deeply observant. I loved noticing details others might miss, whether in nature, people, or everyday moments—traits that naturally led me to storytelling through photography later in life. I’ve always been empathetic, which drew me to a career in nursing, but I was also fascinated by technology, art, and aviation, combining creativity with precision.
A big influence on my love for photography was my grandfather, who worked his entire life at Polaroid. He had a huge interest in photography and videography, and I grew up inspired by his passion and creativity. Watching him document moments and seeing the joy he found in capturing memories sparked something in me that stayed with me into adulthood.
Looking back, those childhood interests—curiosity, creativity, and a love for storytelling—have shaped who I am today. They’re at the heart of both my photography and my career in nursing, where connection and attention to detail remain central to everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timothymphoto.com
- Instagram: timothy.michael.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwwtimothymphotocom
