Garrett Loughran
My name is Garrett, and my life has been a journey defined by service, perseverance, and creativity. I grew up with a natural curiosity for how things work and a fascination with capturing moments through a camera lens. That early spark for photography stayed with me, even as my path led me into entirely different worlds.
After high school, I joined the U.S. Army, where I proudly served as an M1 Abrams Tank mechanic and later as an infantryman during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. My time in the military taught me discipline, leadership, and resilience—qualities that continue to shape who I am today. When my service ended, I transitioned into civilian life with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, eventually working as both a technician and a professional driver.
Today, I’m pursuing my Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design at McHenry County College. It was here that I finally chose to follow my lifelong passion for photography—a creative outlet that has helped me heal, grow, and share my perspective with others.
Every step of my journey reflects my belief in hard work, creativity, and the power of turning challenges into purpose. Photography allows me to see life from new angles and reminds me that beauty and strength can be found in every moment.
Interests
Outside of school, I’m someone who thrives on creativity and hands-on learning. Photography is one of my biggest passions; it allows me to explore the world through a different perspective and capture the beauty in moments that others might overlook. Whether it’s the calm of a sunrise, the details of a rustic building, or the emotion in a candid portrait, I enjoy using my camera to tell stories and preserve experiences that hold meaning.
