SAN ANGELO, TX — After two cornea surgeries, Tim Vasquez is picking up his camera and going to work.
"I have a condition it’s called keratoconus, it’s a cornea condition I was first diagnosed when I was in the United States Navy"
This veteran underwent surgery in 2004 and again in 2010 to correct his vision and five years ago decided to share his passion with the world.
"I’m just buying time,” said Vasquez. “I’ve been fortunate the first cornea transplant has already surpassed the expectancy of what it was supposed to last."
Vasquez has a day job, but his hobby is what's getting national attention.
"About a year ago I submitted a picture never heard from them and next thing I know I get a copy of the magazine in the mail and they said you’ve been published," said Vasquez.
‘Birds and Blooms’ chose his passion for bird photography to showcase to subscribers across the country.
"Wow it's totally like almost like a dream you didn't know you had," said Vasquez.
But his talents don't stop short of magazines, Angelo State University prints books with short stories and poems twice a year, which also include Tim’s work.
"This is my way to give back locally, and I get to share my photography," said Vasquez.
He says his next goal is to be published in the National Geographic.
"This is my Zen away from your daily life from work,” said Vasquez. “This is my place to go to that I walk along the river or go along the lake side."
And as long as he has healthy vision to count on he'll continue freeze framing the nature around him.
National plants and creatures magazine features San Angelo photographer
One Concho Valley man has been taking pictures for the last 5 years despite having multiple surgeries to his eyes.
Today our Brenda Matute is sharing his journey to becoming a published photographer despite his condition.