The Beginning of Mill Creek Photography
By Jeff Roberts
So here I am — Jeff Roberts — writing my first ever blog post. I’ve never really thought about doing one before. Sure, I’ve kept journals over the years, but those were more of a school requirement than a personal passion. Back then, writing about myself wasn’t something I’d freely do unless it involved trucks or girls. But that was the past, and these days I’m focused on moving forward. The past shaped who I am, and for that, I’m grateful.
When I first began building this website, I noticed a section labeled “Blog.” I remember thinking, What in the world would I do with that? Who would want to hear what I have to say? So I kept working on other parts of the site… but that blog tab kept staring back at me.
Here’s the thing — I’ve made it a point in my life lately to finish what I start. To move forward, you have to complete things. And that little blog tab felt like something I needed to complete.
After a few days of thinking, it hit me: why not use this blog to share the process of starting Mill Creek Photography? I’m a 52-year-old man starting a photography business from the ground up. Will it succeed? Will it fail? Or will it just be a way to fill my time and empty my wallet? Time will tell. But to me, a business is more than a website — it’s about the heart, passion, and drive of the people behind it.
Why Photography?
I’ve always loved taking pictures — or as I like to say, “stealing a moment in time.” For years, those moments were just mine. I’d wander alone with my camera, capture something special, and keep it for myself.
As I got older, I began thinking about my legacy. How would I be remembered? What could I leave behind? The answer was simple — my photographs. If I could share them, maybe I could also share the joy, memories, and beauty I’ve found in them.
The Road Here Wasn’t Straight
I’ll be honest — for years I wondered if I was good enough to do this professionally. I played with different business names — Jeff Roberts Photography, Creek Life Photography, even Old Fart Photography (yes, really). None of them felt quite right.
There was also a time I completely put my camera down. Life happened. My mom became very sick, and I fell into a dark place mentally. I didn’t touch my camera for so long that even the battery went dead.
My wife, Branda (“Mama” to me), and my cousin/best friend Jinia were the ones who pulled me back. Jinia told me, more than once, “You need to pick up your camera. You need to get in nature.” Eventually, I listened. I pulled out the camera, charged the battery, and started charging myself at the same time.
Photography Was Healing
My mom loved seeing my photos. Sometimes I’d send them to the local news station, and when one made it on air, she’d call to tell me. Toward the end, when she couldn’t get out, my photos became her way of still seeing the world.
When I got my drone, I showed her views she’d never imagined. That made her light up. After she passed, photography became a way to focus, heal, and feel alive again.
Why Mill Creek?
After all those false starts with business names, I finally found one that fit. Growing up, there was a place called Mill Creek where we’d picnic, fish, and play. The memories are still fresh, decades later. Naming my business after that place felt right — it’s a reminder of where I come from and what matters most.
This is just the beginning of Mill Creek Photography. I hope you’ll follow along as I share this journey — the ups, the downs, and the moments I “steal” along the way.
