Colgate University’s picturesque setting inspires creativity among students looking to harness its beauty. Senior Graham Stearns has harnessed his passion for the outdoors — particularly the ocean — into a thriving pursuit of photography and cinematography.
Originally from Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., Stearns attributes his unique upbringing to shaping both his personality and his art. Constant exposure to the ocean and the natural world led him to develop a deep appreciation for it and a sense of responsibility to share its beauty.
“I’ve been lucky to witness many moments that most people never see in a lifetime: sixty-thousand-pound whales breaching completely out of the water, schools of tuna slicing through the surface in high-speed pursuit or pods of hundreds of dolphins surrounding the boat on a calm morning,” Stearns said. “Sharing stories from those experiences was always one of my favorite parts of being on the water. But even my most vivid descriptions never felt like enough. They sounded unreal to anyone who hadn’t been there. I always took photos to remember the encounters, but the pictures on my phone didn’t seem to capture the real power or beauty of what I was seeing.”
After receiving his first prosumer-grade camera in 2023, Stearns began documenting his experiences more intentionally. Stearns launched the Instagram account @Upislandphoto as a digital platform to share these moments beyond his camera lens.
“I started bringing my camera everywhere, documenting the world around me and trying to translate the energy, texture and emotion of what I saw,” Stearns said.
Though it began as a hobby, photography started providing Stearns with some professional opportunities that continued to encourage his interest in photography and videography.
“Pursuing this passion has opened doors I never expected, from working at high-end events to connecting with professionals who’ve shared their knowledge and guidance,” Stearns said.
As he exposed his love for the environment to others, Stearns’ photography habit grew from curiosity to obsession.
“[Upislandphoto] is a way to express my passion for the environment, showcase how I see the world and connect with others who care about nature and storytelling,” Stearns said. “I spend most of my free time learning new techniques, studying the work of other creators and refining my visual style.”
Though his platform has surged, Stearns remains grounded in his original intent: to share and document natural moments that move him. Stearns commented on how he balances hired photography with his genuine passion for the craft.
“Although I’ve been hired for several projects and have a few ongoing collaborations, I still hesitate to call Upislandphoto a ‘business.’ For me, it’s first and foremost a creative pursuit. It continues to teach me patience, persistence and gratitude,” Stearns said. “Every opportunity that’s come from picking up a camera feels like my original impulse to share the world as I’ve been fortunate to experience it.”
Stearns emphasized his gratitude for photography and all it has provided him personally and creatively. Looking ahead, Stearns hopes to continue learning, exploring and expanding his craft.
“The biggest lesson I’ve taken away from this pursuit is that passion and curiosity can take you much further than you imagine. It is still early in my journey, but this pursuit has already exceeded what I thought was possible. Sometimes all it takes is following what fascinates you and letting the rest unfold naturally,” Stearns said.
Follow @Upislandphoto on Instagram to see more of Stearns’ endeavors and visual storytelling.
