Lens Friends

If there is one thing that I am a firm believer in, it’s humility. Sure we are all in business to grow and succeed, but I’ve always been one to recognize the importance of building a community with the others who share a common passion. Be it photography, fly fishing, music, etc, when you find great people to connect with over these interests, I highly recommend you take the time to do so.

Here at IRIS Outdoors Co I wanted to go ahead and acknowledge the photographers who in my mind are paving the way by breaking down barriers. Some are good friends, some are inspiration whom I hope to get to know in due time. These select few are getting the shots that paint a story in our minds, and we can feel the authenticity behind them. They’re creating an emotional tie through their imagery, and in turn helping brands cement their position in consumers minds. What are they worth to brands? In my opinion, priceless. Check out the list, check out their websites, and go give them a follow on social media to keep up to date with their great images, along with some guaranteed shenanigans. Cheers to y’all and keep up the awesome work.

DYLAN SCHMITZ
Co-Founder: Badfish
www.dylanschmitz.com
IG: @dylanschmitz

Full time photographer, full time snack eater, full time jokester. Hailing from Rhode Island originally, Dylan has clearly made one heck of a name for himself through the incredible content he’s produced in the outdoor industry. We all have gotten to know him well through his ridiculous travels with Badfish, but he has also contributed so much awesome work for many of the top brands in the industry. He pushes the limits, shows a perspective you didn’t even know was there, and continues to evolve his style each and every year. Proud to call him a friend. Cheers, Dylan.

BRETT MARTINA
Apalach Inshore
www.apalachinshore.com
IG: @apalachinshore

One of my great friends for many years, Brett took me under his wing and showed me the fly fishing ropes around Apalachicola. Even caught my first redfish on fly with him. While he may be known as an ultimate tarpon guru, Brett’s photography is bar none. He has captured some of the most breathtaking images in the industry, the kind that are truly worth a thousand words. From the frozen head shake of a 100# tarpon to misty mornings on the redfish flats, his images speak to us and leave us wanting so much more. His work has been featured by many of the top brands in the industry, but he’ll never tell you it. Humble as they come. Cheers, Brett.

CONNOR FLAMM
Whitecap Visuals
www.whitecapvisuals.com
IG: @connorflamm

Raised in Oregon, currently residing in the Florida Keys, Connor is as much of a wizard with a fly rod in hand as he is with a camera. Always smiling, always laughing, a day on the water with him is always one to remember. His photography style is clear, concise, bright, and bold. A master of composition with a tasteful approach, his images will leave you wishing you were there. He’s worked with some of the largest brands and continues to leave a bold footprint in the industry. Cheers, Connor.

AUSTIN STAPLETON
www.ahstapleton.com
IG: @austin_stapleton

If you like jokes, laughing until it hurts, and all around debauchery, Austin is your guy. He’s one of the most entertaining individuals you’ll meet and indeed a great friend. From trout, to turkeys, to tarpon, Austin has traveled coast to coast with a camera in hand and has captured so many of those “you had to be there” moments. He is as creative as they come and his work and style show it. A visual story teller to say the least. He’s built an incredible name for himself across the multiple outdoor sub-industries, and he’s only getting started. If you ever need a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, I guarantee he has an extra for you in his shirt pocket. Cheers, Austin.

LAWSON BUILDER
Salt & Stone Digital
www.saltandstonedigital.com
IG: @lawsonbuilder

The marketing master behind Marsh Wear, Lawson can always be found roaming the marshes of the Lowcountry around Charleston, SC. Humble and soft spoken, he’s one of the kindest guys I’ve met through my years in the fishing industry, always lending a helping hand. The best way I can describe his photography style is timeless. He has an elegance behind the lens that is truly something to be proud of. On the water, his imagery portrays all that is the fun between friends. The laughs, the fish, the beers passed from boat to boat. But when he’s not on the water, you can find him shooting some incredible scenes of food, drink, fashion… the perfect ingredients of Southern Hospitality. Cheers, Lawson.

PAUL KING
www.paulkingphoto.com
IG: @dirtlord

Ever seen a skiff float? This imagery magician has you covered. Paul’s work is incredibly unique and dramatic, full of so much depth and life. From the Lowcountry marshes, to the fields, to the ranches of the west, many of his photos paint a picture of nostalgia. Working with classic cars, cruisers, and motorcycles doesn’t hurt. He’s captured the outdoors in a way that has you itching to get out there, and he’s worked with the best of the best in the industry. Cheers, Paul.

AUSTIN COIT
www.austincoit.com
IG: @austincoit

Taking the Sport Fishing world by storm, Austin has brought a much needed style and edge to a rather antiquated sector of the fishing industry. His photography is full of drama and suspense, whether running offshore into a wild storm, or just showing the daily processes of a custom boat builder. With a handful of cover shots for some of the major editorials, and plenty of work with the top brands in the industry, Austin has cemented his role as a game changer. Always looking forward to what he comes up with next. Cheers, Austin.

AUSTIN ARONSSON
www.austinaronsson.com
IG: @austin.aronsson

Originally from New Jersey but currently calling Islamorada home, Austin is certainly living out the Keys dream. He’s a great friend with an incredible eye and his photos are top of the line, bar none. From fishing to surfing, PGA golf, or just capturing the everyday vibes of the “keys disease,” Austin brings an element of style that pulls from multiple angles. His spot in the outdoor industry is becoming well known as he’s a major asset to major brands. Cheers, Austin.

OLIVER ROGERS
www.oliverrogersphotography.com
IG: @oliverrogers

Last, but most certainly not least, I’ve been following along Oliver’s photography journey for quite some years now. He’s been all around the world shooting some incredible scenes in the most incredible places, and his work will leave you drooling over and over again. His style is as authentic as they come, always painting a story in our minds. On speed dial for some of the largest brands in the industry, Oliver is a major asset to the outdoors community and has no problem pushing the envelope. Cheers, Oliver.