Professional photographer Paul Hassell stood cracking jokes and reminiscing about his travels in front of a full auditorium in the Arts and Architecture building on Thursday, Sept. 20. The UT alumnus and Knoxville native smiled genially to all those in attendance as he spoke about his life, his passions and how to turn art into a job.

Hassell, who is the owner and founder of the company Light Finds, has been trying to make it as a photographer since the age of 13. Through his experiences, he has gained a wealth of knowledge that he shared readily with the audience.

"If I asked you what your plan is for after art or architecture, a lot of you would get nervous and make a face," Hassell said while contorting his mouth into a nerve-wracked expression. "... It's the real world out there and it can be scary... And I want to share my journey with you as someone that's out in the real world, and trust me it's not that scary, and it is actually a lot of fun."

Hassell traced his career and his passion back to the Great Smoky Mountains.

"I wandered around there," Hassell reminisced. "I had some unusual parents who believed I would get back if I had a good compass. I would walk around and look at the scenes. I would watch the light played with the clouds... I would stalk bears and hunt with my camera."

From his time in the mountains, Hassell's journey has led him to Laos, Mt. McKinley, the floor of the Grand Canyon, Denali and Hawaii, to name just a few stamps in his passport.

Throughout all of his travels, Hassell kept not only his love of art, but also his passion for finding new types of light to capture, and in doing that he found his business.

"I never was into the gadgets of photography," he said. "My cameras are all beat up and never new. I just don't really care about that... I wanted to build a business...around the idea that I am obsessed with light and working with people, and introducing people to light."

And with that desire, Hassell started Light Finds, which is not only a vehicle for his art, but also a company through which he can perform photo workshops and photo tours, continuing his mission of introducing people to the light that he has spent his life chasing.

"I want people to get their feet dirty and experience something for themselves that will change them," Hassell said. "And maybe they might even come back with a beautiful photograph as well."

For many students in the audience, Hassell's advice helped them try and think differently about their future.

"I think he gave good advice for all students," said Erin Jones, senior in studio art. "I've been struggling with how to figure out what to do with my degree... I haven't taken any business classes, so it was also really nice to hear how that can come in handy in the future."

For Hassell, regardless of his success and his business, what truly matters is light.

"My business and my art exist to teach people to see light so that they can live a more authentic and passionate life."