Roger W. Downes

Roger's Story

For 30 years, Roger W. Downes built a successful career in country radio, becoming a familiar voice and presence in the industry. But as time passed, the once-passionate broadcaster found himself feeling stuck and unfulfilled. The work that had defined his life now left him searching for something more—a way to rekindle his joy and creativity.
 

Roger always had a talent for photography, a skill he honed in the quiet moments between radio gigs. As his dissatisfaction with his career grew, he realized it was time to take a leap of faith and pursue what truly brought him to life. Photography offered him a chance to reinvent himself, but starting over wasn’t easy.
 

One seemingly small moment became a turning point. Roger shared a photograph of a slice of apple pie on social media, an image he had meticulously styled and captured. The shot caught the eye of Melissa Leavell, marketing director for Ingles Markets. Impressed by his natural talent, Melissa offered Roger an incredible opportunity: to become a professional food photographer.
 

That single photograph marked the beginning of a new chapter. Roger poured himself into learning the intricacies of commercial photography, blending his artistic eye with technical expertise. With determination and a willingness to grow, he launched Downes Media, a creative agency that now serves three markets, offering food, portrait, and real estate photography for businesses.
 

Roger’s journey didn’t stop there. Outside of work, he found solace and inspiration in nature, exploring forests to photograph wildlife and landscapes. These personal projects became another creative outlet, and his nature photography is now sold through his website, RogerWDownesPhotography.com.
 

Today, Roger W. Downes is a testament to the power of reinvention. His transition from a decades-long radio career to running a thriving photography business exemplifies courage, resilience, and the importance of following your passions. Through Downes Media and his personal work, Roger continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams—no matter where they are in life.