We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Scheu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, what’s your definition for success?
As a photographer, success to me is when I can convey that same feeling of solace, tranquility, and awe I found in a moment of nature’s magnificence to someone else with one of my images. Photography isn’t just about creating visual beauty. Rather, when I can ignite the same strong emotions I felt witnessing that scene in others as well, that’s when I know I have succeeded in creating an great photo. I love to treat life as a great adventure – we should never forget that every day is a gift. I think that based on the events of the last month everyone’s perspective on life has changed significantly, and hopefully that perspective has come much more into focus for many of us. When I adventure out with my camera, I never really know what the day holds, what the light will be, or what scene the environmental conditions will create. But the adventure in pursuit of the experience, the resultant images, and the desire to share that moment with and inspire others are all part of the drive in creating that success for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
1224 Media is a Coronado based photography company; I have an eclectic array of subjects, but I specialize in and truly enjoy shooting landscapes and the unique world of combat aviation photography. All of my work can be printed on multiple different media, including classic prints, metal prints, acrylic prints, wood prints, and canvas.

When it comes to landscape photos, I pursue an adventure first. It could be a planned or impromptu trip; sometimes just up the coast, other times a multi-month adventure that takes me across the country. These adventures and the places they take me are the drivers of photos full of bold colors, deep contrast, and inspiring panoramas.

Because the power of nature instills in me a solace I can find in nothing else, my passion for capturing these moments and sharing them with others is what motivates me as a photographer. On any adventure with my camera, I never know what each day is going to bring; what the light will be, when the scene will develop itself, or how that experience and story will unfold. This is why 1224 Media is different. It’s not just an image, it’s an experience.

Aviation work comes with its own sets of challenges – photographing aircraft in tight spaces, through canopies or windows, all when moving. But there are so many incredible things that you see at an altitude that very few get to witness; like landscapes, I take great joy in being able to capture and share those moments with others.

I’m very proud of the fact that while I shoot all digital, I don’t exploit post-processing software to create something that didn’t exist. I use it only to replicate the scene as I remember it in my mind’s eye.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My favorite pastime in America’s Finest City, besides exploring Coronado and enjoying sunny Sundays at South and North Park’s great eateries and breweries, is to drive north on the 5 up to Carlsbad, and then cut over to the 1 and slowly mosey south back down the Pacific Coast Highway in the late afternoon as the Golden State’s golden hours begin. There are so many great spots to stop and grab fish tacos or a beer, all overlooking the Pacific. And there are so many amazing places to see the sunset – at the park in Del Mar by the water, at Torrey Pines lodge, or at North Pacific beach watching the surfers retire at last light.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Michelle and Kelsey at MK Envisions Gallery in Liberty Station, San Diego.

Website: www.1224media.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petescheu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1224Media

Image Credits
All images are taken by me, Peter Scheu, and are my sole property.