Hey, I'm Spencer Fochtman

I'm a Seattle-based photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and generally curious person. I don't really do casual hobbies; they have a tendency to turn into full-blown projects. I firmly believe that what makes life interesting is never allowing yourself to be just one thing. This often butts heads with another belief of mine: if you're going to do something, you might as well do it well. Some seasons of life can run in parallel. Others need their own time to shine.

My 9-to-5 career has taken a few unexpected turns, from serving as an infantryman in the U.S. Army to working on some pretty unconventional projects at Google X, Tesla, and Zillow. I've had the opportunity to work on everything from internet-beaming balloons in the stratosphere, helping support rural education and disaster response, to launching renewable energy products and helping deliver some of the world's largest battery projects, to building features that help soon-to-be homeowners understand what they can afford. It's been an interesting ride, to say the least.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me chasing a good view, charging down a mountain through fresh powder (usually with a face full of snow), sipping a great cup of coffee, or looking for just about any excuse to get outside with a camera. I'm drawn to the places, people, and moments that make you stop for a second and appreciate where you are. Photography gives me a way to hold onto those experiences and share a little bit of what makes them special.

I believe the best adventures rarely go exactly as planned, the best photographs often happen when you least expect them, and a little (or, in my case, a lot of) curiosity can take you a long way. I'm just here to see a little more of the world, make some photographs along the way, and hopefully inspire you to get out and explore a bit yourself.

Thanks for stopping by. I really hope you find something you love.