From Idaho to the Depths of the Ocean: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Honor

Some emails you read twice… just to make sure you didn’t imagine them.

A few days ago, I opened my inbox to a message that completely stopped me in my tracks—my photography has been selected to be displayed aboard the USS Idaho (SSN-799). Not just digitally… but physically printed on acrylic and permanently installed inside the submarine.

Out of 2,325 images submitted by 413 photographers, one of my images was chosen to represent the beauty of Idaho inside a U.S. Navy submarine that will travel the world beneath the ocean’s surface. I still get chills typing that.

Why This Means So Much

As a photographer, you always hope your work will matter—that it will make people feel something, remember something, or stay connected to what they love. The crew of the USS Idaho will spend long stretches of time underwater, away from home. Knowing that something I created will be part of their daily environment… a small visual reminder of the place they represent… is incredibly humbling. It’s more than just a photograph now. It’s a connection to home.

Another reason is my dad, who passed away in 2023, worked on nuclear submarines at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California for the Naval Civil Service after he retired from the Air Force. I wish he was still alive to know about this. I know he would be very proud.

And then… Another Surprise

As if that wasn’t enough, I later received a second message: Two additional images were selected for the submarine’s digital display.

I honestly didn’t expect that. The level of talent in this competition was incredible, and I feel deeply honored to have multiple pieces included.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As part of this honor, I’ve been invited (pending approval) to attend the commissioning ceremony in Groton on April 25, 2026. The thought of seeing the submarine in person—and knowing my work is inside—is something I can barely wrap my head around. I’ll also receive a photo of my image as it’s installed onboard, which I already know will be something I treasure forever.

A Quiet Reminder

This experience has been a reminder of something I think we all need to hear:

You never know where one photo might take you. What started as a single submission turned into something far bigger than I could have imagined. And it makes me even more grateful to do what I do—capturing meaningful moments, whether it’s for families here at home… or something that ends up traveling the world in a completely unexpected way.

Thank You To everyone who has supported my work, trusted me to capture your stories, and encouraged me along the way—thank you.

This honor is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.