Tulsa photographer builds award-winning profession by portraits and connection

For Tulsa portrait photographer Curtis Sprague, crucial a part of any {photograph} isn’t the digital camera or the lighting — it’s the particular person standing in entrance of the lens.

Sprague has spent the previous eight years photographing folks professionally, constructing a profession rooted in belief, storytelling, and connection. A self-taught photographer, he started taking portraits in 2018 and rapidly grew to become an lively member of Tulsa’s images group, studying alongside friends who would later change into shut buddies.

“It’s 100% about the people for us,” Sprague stated. “The relationships are what matter most, and the photographs come from that.”

Sprague primarily makes a speciality of portrait images, together with highschool seniors, households, private branding, and boudoir classes, whereas additionally working with choose industrial shoppers. His people-first strategy has earned him widespread recognition on the native, state, and nationwide ranges.

He holds the Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America and has been published multiple times in the organization’s Image Excellence Collection. His accolades include being named Indiana Professional Photographers Association Photographer of the Year in 2019 and 2022, as well as Oklahoma Professional Photographers of America Photographer of the Year in 2022. He currently serves as president of the Tulsa Area Professional Photographers Association.

Sprague says his inspiration comes from many sources — from other photographers whose work he admires to stories, artwork, and everyday moments.

“Inspiration is everywhere if you’ll look for it,” he said. “Each job brings something different.”

Two images in particular stand out as milestones in his career. The first was a portrait of a former SWAT teammate, taken in Sprague’s own entryway using a Walmart shop light and a Canon Rebel camera. That image later appeared on the cover of Oklahoma Photographer Magazine, solidifying his decision to pursue photography professionally.

Another deeply personal photograph features his oldest daughter wearing her great-grandfather’s suit — the same one he wore to his own wedding at age 16 — capturing a moment of family history and emotional connection.

Today, Sprague continues to photograph clients across Tulsa while mentoring others through his leadership in the professional photography community. His work can be found on Instagram at @curtis_sprague, on Facebook at Curtis Sprague Photography, and online atwww.curtissprague.com.