Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade O’Neal.
Hi Wade, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always enjoyed photography. I started by taking photos on vacation this progressed to a general hobby, and later morphed into an “elaborate hobby”. Eventually friends and family started asking me to bring my camera with me to events and family functions after a while I eventually started a business shooting photography after studying the craft independently and eventually taking classes to get a sound foundation for shooting photography. I’ve been shooting photography for over 15 years and have always used photography as a means to relax.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy. I used to reach out to other photographers for mentorship and found that many were not willing to share and would fear that if they taught me, I would take clientele from them that has never been my focus. Today I share with others as much as I can and would eventually like to establish a YouTube channel focused on photography in the future following my retirement. The goal is to focus the channel on the enjoyment of the hobby and the art of relaxing while observing the beauty around you and whatever it is you like to photograph.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Financial Planner by trade. I’ve been in the financial services industry for over 18 years. I worked for over 14 years with USAA before I was laid off following the sale of their Wealth Management business to Charles Schwab. I am originally from San Antonio and was moved here by USAA in late 2013 following a promotion to help grow the Wealth Management business. We did our jobs so well that USAA sold that business and our department was severed, not being included in the deal. I practiced comprehensive financial planning from family protect through insurance, preparation for and life throughout retirement, estate planning, investments, and college planning as well. I professionally hold two designations. I am a Charter Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) I am also a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS). Following my tenure with USAA, I found a new home with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, where I am currently an Assistant Vice Preside Financial Solutions Advisor. I find what I do as a service to God in my community by helping improve the lives of others and effectively making their lives better through financial planning. I love my job and, oddly, would not stop what I’m doing professionally to take up photography full-time because I love what I do!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk is an essential factor to help you endure “life’s inflation risks” when you are too fearful to step out on faith and place action with your faith in the face of the unknown. Fear taxes you with failure, regret, and depression. You will begin to ponder what life could have been like and why you allowed fear to stand in your way. The real obstacle is yourself if the enemy can get you to participate in your own sabotage through fear. This is the reason why may have such regret for not stepping out to accomplish what they were gifted to do in this world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tkoimages.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tkoimages
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tkoimagestx
Image Credits
TKO Images
Karrie
Aniah
