Capturing beauty in a single moment is just one of the many talents that define professional photographer Gus Schalkham, who takes great pride in preserving life’s most meaningful memories. As founder and owner of Gus Captures Life Photography since 2011, Schalkham has spent decades perfecting his craft behind the lens, offering clients more than just photos, but lasting works of art. His passion for photography began long before launching his business, during a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he was often tasked with capturing official images. After retiring as a colonel in 2010, he turned that lifelong interest into a full-time career.
Now celebrating 14 years in business, Gus Captures Life continues to serve the Hampton Roads community with a strong local presence, preserving memories, showcasing local beauty and telling meaningful stories through a single image. From the initial consultation to the final photo shoot, Schalkham personally manages every step of the process. He also handles all of his own Photoshop work, staying sharp and current with the latest trends in digital imaging and editing.
“I devote more time and care to photography practices than most might expect,” Schalkham says with a smile. “I try to offer thoughtful services that go beyond the average photographer, like creating custom family photo albums and delivering high-quality photography at fair prices.”
For Schalkham, providing families with beautiful portraits and candid moments to capture meaningful milestones is more than just a job — it’s a way to give back. “The way I see it, I’m very blessed to have retired from the military, and because of that, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back a little,” he says. “One way I do that is by keeping my service charges lower than most of my competitors.”
Having lived in the area for some time, Schalkham has a few special local spots. “One of my favorite places to shoot is on the Noland Trail and at the Lion’s Bridge,” he says. “It’s an incredible location for nature shots, especially birds.”
Whether it’s nature, animals, people or large family celebrations, Schalkham is always looking for the next unforgettable moment to capture. “Because I do a little bit of everything, my days are exciting, and that was my idea when I started this business — to capture life’s moments. That’s harder to do if you limit yourself to just one style,” he says. “I really enjoy shooting landscapes, football games, family reunions, historical landmarks — and celebrities, of course. The key to getting great shots is not being noticed. I even have a silencer on my camera now so I’m not a distraction.”
Keeping up with changing technology is one of the ongoing challenges, he says. “Making sure your equipment is upgraded and educating yourself on trends are some of the bigger challenges when working with cameras,” Schalkham says. “Though it can be quite expensive, improving equipment is key to advancing in this line of work.”
In addition to local shoots, Schalkham has worked for more than 20 years as a professional celebrity photographer, attending major Hollywood events including the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes. Over the years, he has photographed some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Nicholas Cage, Jeff Goldblum, Daniel Craig, Henry Cavill and Cate Blanchett. “I always take time to learn something about each celebrity before an event, especially if the celeb is passionate about something like a charity,” Schalkham says. “That way, my first question isn’t always ‘Can I take your picture?’ I’ve met some really cool people over the years,” he says with a chuckle, “so I have more selfies than I know what to do with.”
Outside of photography, Schalkham enjoys a quiet life with his wife. He likes watching the news, reading about American and presidential history, keeping up with the latest celebrity gossip and spending time with his seven grandkids whenever he can.
Through every snap of the shutter, Schalkham continues doing what he loves most — capturing life as it happens. Whether he’s photographing a quiet moment on a local trail or mingling with A-listers on a red carpet, his passion for storytelling through photography shines through. With a genuine care for people, a deep connection to his community and an eye for the unforgettable, Schalkham proves that great photography isn’t just about the image — it’s about the heart behind the lens.
TO THE POINT:
Gus Captures Life
Address: Port Warwick, Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Gus Schalkam, owner, professional photographer
Phone: 757-750-0817
Email: gus@guscaptureslife.com
