This week we are launching a new series where we want to tell Fayetteville’s story. The beauty, the people we want to share it all. What better way to do this than to hand over the reigns of our Instagram account and let you share your adventures. Up first is a local photographer Jared Musgrave out of Charleston, West Virginia. Jared has a knack for capturing the authentic coupled with skill and passion for adventure photography. That makes Jared the perfect person to launch this new adventure and showcase the beauty we have here. Stay tuned as @musgrave5 takes over this Monday.
Naturally, we had to ask Jared a few questions after following his amazing work.
Visit Fayetteville: How did you get started in photography?
Jared Musgrave: Photography started for me when I got out of high school. I was a loner and didn’t have any friends. I’d always retreat to the mountains because I never really fit anywhere else. My grandfather gave me an old camera and I just started taking photos with it everywhere I went. Ever since then, it’s just been an extension of my life.
Visit Fayetteville: How long have you been shooting?
Jared Musgrave: I have been shooting almost 15 years now.
Visit Fayetteville: Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Jared Musgrave: I hate talking about myself haha. I feel like I’m a bit of a strange duck. I am an experiential human. I find intense gratification from seeing and feeling things. I enjoy the warmth of the sun coming up on a cold morning. I love to watch the snowflakes fall on my face and to feel the river rocks under my feet. I still distance myself from people, but I love to listen to everyone’s story and where they came from. I love all types of music and I have never met a donut I didn’t like. I couldn’t live without my camera, an occasional campfire, and the stars on a moonless night.
Visit Fayetteville: What do you love about Fayetteville and what are your favorite things to do here?
Jared Musgrave: Shew! This last one is kind of difficult to answer. I heard Maura Kistler once refer to Fayetteville as the land of misfit toys and I really attached myself to that. Being who I was and where I came from, Fayetteville has always felt like home to me. It has everything I need to feed my soul. Rivers to play in, rocks to climb, trails to hike and bike. It’s heaven on earth for me. As much as I enjoy doing things here though, my favorite thing to do is to grab a pie from Pies n Pints, some drinks and then find a secluded little spot and watch the sun go down with whoever wants to join. While taking pictures of course!