If there is one person at every Powell High School game that people love and know, it’s Greg Wise. The Powell-based photographer volunteers on weekdays and weekends, capturing students in their element for various activities.

Students love to see what Mr. Wise posts online, whether it be his action shots, candid shots, or his many photos of nature. He’s skilled in many techniques, and his experience extends over 20 years.

“I was one of the first few people that got into digital photography back in the late 90s,” Mr. Wise said. “The equipment then was so low tech compared to what it is now.”

The photographer has been taking photos of PHS activities since the last of his kids graduated from high school 13 years ago. He didn’t plan on continuing this tradition after his children graduated, but too many parents wanted him to stay.

“I’m not sure what gave me my passion for photography other than viewing the beauty of Wyoming landscapes, and the wildlife, and then eventually the night skies,” Mr. Wise said. “I was one of the first people in this immediate area to discover the beauty of shooting the Milky Way, and then occasionally, the northern lights.”

Beyond photographing students at PHS, Mr. Wise looks to shoot the various gifts of nature. It truly is one of his favorite passions, but then again, that’s not all that he does.

“I also shoot all of the Northwest College sports,” Mr. Wise said. “I’ve been doing that for over 10 years now. I have friends all over the world who have followed me because their children have come over here as students.”  

Taking photos of so many things not only creates many memories for Mr. Wise but also for the people being photographed. When asked which one of the many PHS activities is his favorite to snap, there’s not a clear answer.

“I would not dare to name what my favorite sports and activities would be in the schools,” Mr. Wise said. “I think I can safely say that I love shooting all sports because I love watching young people who have such a desire to do well and to compete with pride for their school. Of course, I always enjoy shooting the high school plays. I love capturing facial expressions and body language.”

With so many things to capture in Powell, it’s hard to believe Greg Wise has free time. However, the photographer is an avid traveler who loves many places.

“In my free time, I do love driving to Yellowstone in the summertime,” Mr. Wise said. “Last year, we only went in 18 times and stayed completely away for most of July and August because it gets so busy. Then, like I said, going out after dark and shooting God‘s creation of the universe is a deep passion for me.” 

Greg Wise has been capturing students at PHS and athletes at Northwest for multiple years, and given the nature of his work, many wonder how long he will continue. 

“I’m gonna try to go as long as I can, but each year, I will have to reassess my abilities and my strengths to be on my feet and walking up and down the sidelines of the football field or standing in the end court while they drive to put the basketball through the hoop,” Mr. Wise said. “Hopefully, my health will keep me in the game.”

The work of Greg Wise inspires other students to start doing photography as well. In the past, Greg has been able to mentor some young people about the true beauty of photography and what it takes.

“More and more young people are realizing the positive aspects of photography and the art of capturing the beauty of this world and the world beyond our solar system,” Mr. Wise said. “Photography fulfills my desire to capture all of the wonders of this world.”

We are truly grateful for Greg Wise’s effort in snapping students at Powell High School. He captures moments PHS students get to keep forever and does it all voluntarily through his passion for photography.

“It means so much to me to share about what I do in my main hobby,” Mr. Wise said. “I tell people that I have easily over 2 million photos on many different hard drives.”