We were lucky to catch up with Calvin Grenkavich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Calvin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project is an ongoing one, capturing the moments of my crew and the working environment of a tugboat in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a unique and rarely showcased setting filled with so many interesting characters.

I started working on tugs eight years ago. Coming in as a US Coast Guard veteran I had experience working on the water. The fast pace, high volume work day of a harbor tug became something I grew to love. I was able to learn from the best in the business eventually making my way to captain.

Due to the nature of our work we spend a lot of time on the boat, some of us living onboard part time. We’ve become very tight and share a lot of camaraderie during our hitches. Through the harsh weather and long days we always have each others backs.

These are the moments, people, and places I want to remember. These very well could be the golden years. With this passion for my subjects I’ve been able to continually improve my skills and find real work as a photographer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a sailor first, photographer second. After sailing in the US Coast Guard and making my way onto tugs I found myself documenting everything with my camera. As one could imagine life on the water is filled with beautiful sights and interesting people.

I used instagram as a personal blog to share my photography and stories with friends and family. Eventually my photos began to gain some traction and I had brands and all sorts of folks reaching out to me for work.

I specialize in film photography. I appreciate the nostalgic and authentic ways of film. Its current popularity has helped grow my following and differentiate myself from some other photographers.

I’m most proud of selling prints of my work. Having someone like your work enough to buy it and hang it in their home is the greatest compliment I could ever receive. It makes all of the struggles and pains of learning to be a decent photographer worthwhile.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Reaching out to other creators for tips is something I wish I would have done sooner. If you see someone doing something you like or want to learn shoot them a dm. I’ve haven’t been turned away by anyone I’ve asked for help. The friends and community on instagram are my greatest resource for becoming a better photographer.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Similar to the above answer, I had to unlearn that I needed to do it all myself. This is really not the case and you can avoid a lot of pain and heartache by reaching out to your community. People are always willing to give pointers. I’m lightyears beyond where I was as a photographer because I asked people for help. It’s been rewarding pass on the favor and help photographers that reach out to me as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calvingrenkavich.com
• Instagram: @captn_cal
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgrenk