JP Diroll - JP Diroll Photography

I am a 36 years old, full time, professional photographer born and raised here in Pittsburgh. As the son of a professional photographer in the United States Marine Corps, you could say that photography is in my blood. Photography, however, was not always my chosen career path. I’ve always enjoyed looking at photos, but not necessarily taking them, so I went to school to become an engineer. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

It was in college where I picked up my first camera and began taking “pictures” to occupy the little bit of free time I had. I found myself really enjoying my time with my camera so I’d get out more often. In 2011, I decided to get serious. My snapshots were evolving into meticulously composed, detailed photographs with an emphasis on light. In 2012, I decided to really start marketing my work so I applied to the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I was accepted as a first time applicant, which I’m told is not easy, and my work was received with tremendous appreciation.

I continued to work part time as a photographer, participating in a few shows each year, until 2013 when I was laid off from my engineering position. I had long contemplated the transition to a career in photography, and with no current job there was no better time. I now do 10-15 shows each year and work full time as a photographer. I have never taken a photography course and I’m fully self-trained, but I am able to make a living doing what I love. I call it work, but can it really be called that when I love what I’m doing so much?

WEBSITE: wwwwww.jpdirollphotography.com

FACEBOOK: wwwww.facebook.com/jpdirollphotography