Trey Walker – Captures Images That Say What 1000 Words Can’t

Trey Walker stares down a challenge like his camera lens stares into the caverns and wonders he explores during his adventures. It’s dark, deep, and he’ll probably get cold and wet, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the perfect shot, to show the world a view that can only be seen through his eyes. Looking at Trey’s work feels like being brought to the very scene. As if he personally took you on this journey with him.

A Phenix City native, Trey took an interest in art and television production during high school and spent some time gaining experience behind a camera lens. He enjoyed telling stories through images. One day at the age of 18, Trey found a camera bag in his mom’s closet. He asked if he could use the equipment, and she said no. Trey snuck the camera anyway, “When she saw the photos I was taking, she was really impressed,” Trey recalls. In actuality, she was blown away by his talent. In the end, she let him have the camera, and he continued experimenting with it.

After taking a college scholarship for sports photography, Trey went on to work at local news station WTVM as a sports and weather photographer. Aside from his work ventures, Trey spent some time developing his skills. He filmed his own life and used it as practice to hone his techniques. “Playing guitar led to setting guitars on fire,” Trey laughs, explaining that he was always looking for new and unique things to film.

After leaving his job at the station, Trey continued taking photos, going into business for himself as a photographer and developing a particular interest in astro-photography, which is capturing images of the night sky. Trey’s shots tell the story of a skilled photographer with an eye for composition and a strong sense of timing. His growing reputation led to more opportunities, and in 2020, Trey spent some time on the set of a feature film that was being shot locally. He shot photos on the set, but “got to see the other side of the world,” he says, and he realized, “Film is where I want to be.”

As Trey pivoted into filmmaking, he became passionate about the industry and sought opportunities to grow. “Working in the industry is where I learned the most,” he explains. In the past couple of years, Trey has worked on commercials, three feature films, and self-produced a documentary. In addition to work he does on his own, Trey works for INCOLR, the local production company which produced the PTAP Superbowl commercial.

Trey’s personal work includes his self-produced documentary called “The Road to Firefall,” which follows Trey and some of his buddies as they journey to shoot a natural phenomenon called The Firefall in Yosemite National Park. A truly stunning work of art, “The Road to Firefall” displays Trey’s unique talent for capturing breathtaking shots that aren’t accessible to the casual filmmaker. “I’m always willing to learn a new skill to get a better shot,” Trey says. He has learned to climb, rappel, and be comfortable shooting while dangling off the side of a mountain on ropes. As we look through some of Trey’s favorite shots – breathtaking landscapes, silhouettes beside glowing waterfalls, and midnight skies splattered with millions of stars, he tells me, “You can’t get this standing on the side of a railing. You gotta get in there.”

A moment lasts only a second, and then, a new moment enters. Trey’s passion for capturing incomparable shots gives his viewers the chance to be a part of a moment they might not otherwise have experienced. In a sense, his work is a gift to those who encounter it.

Listening to him talk about his adventures, seeing his eyes light up when he recalls the risks he took to capture certain shots – it is clear that his work is a gift to himself too. The pursuit of the perfect shot has given Trey opportunities to take on challenges and explore new places as he pushes himself, even into uncomfortable situations. His focus gives him a reason to learn new skills and constantly seek new knowledge.

Much like the night skies he photographs, Trey embodies his pursuit brilliantly.

Trey’s goal is to inspire others to explore new places, perhaps even to go to the places he introduces them to through his work. “I want it to compel people to want to get out there,” he says, “Nothing holds you back except yourself.”

Throughout the years of capturing new places on film, Trey has fallen in love with traveling. His many adventures have presented many problem-solving opportunities, and the result is authentic, real-life, adventure-focused content. “I try to capture people as they are, creating shots based off telling real stories” Trey explains.

Upcoming projects for Trey include a feature film he’s set to begin work on this summer with Atlanta director Lucas Hicks, as the director of photography, a short film in post-production called “On My Own,” and another project called “Imagine Alabama” highlighting an appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the state. The pilot for Imagine Alabama has been released, featuring the rare Cahaba lilies that grow in only three states.

In addition, Trey plans to host potential workshops on astro-photography and will potentially participate in upcoming art shows. His photography was recently included in Epilogue 2022, an art exhibition in the Bo Bartlett Center.

As Trey continues to move forward in his work, he will always continue learning and growing as he pursues filmmaking. When faced with a challenge to capture a certain shot, he plans to do what he’s always done – overcome his fears and find a solution to the problem. “It’s to prove to six-year-old me that I can do it,” Trey says.

Peering across thousands of miles at the striking worlds Trey shares with us, it’s easy to imagine that six-year-old Trey is extremely proud of the artist he is today.

To experience Trey’s work, visit treywalkerstudio.com. To keep up with his events, classes, and other news, add him on Facebook and Instagram @treywalkerstudio.

By Natalie Downey