National Guard – Master Sgt. Scott Thompson

In addition to being an advertising photographer, Scott Thompson also serves in the National Guard. He was called to create photography and video of the Governor of Michigan and the state’s initiatives to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Thank you for your service, Scott.

Here is an account from Scott of his current transition from advertising work into shooting for the National Guard.

“Looking at where I’m at now, it’s hard to believe that only a month ago I was traveling across the country, working like normal. I captured photos and video stories for Google, visiting 12 states over a month and a half to report on businesses that use Google services. Once the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, however, I had the opportunity to volunteer for State Active Duty Orders with the Air National Guard in Michigan.

One of the ways I get to provide assistance during this pandemic is by providing public affairs support to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s communication team. We’re creating still and motion campaigns that provide the strongest and most accurate stories, as well as supporting press conferences and interviews. Essentially, we’re trying to convey this information the most efficient way we can, and really tell the story of how Michiganders, the governor and her team, and the National Guard are handling this situation day by day.

I’ve developed this love of narrative and storytelling throughout my time in the Air National Guard. I first joined when I was just a punk ass 17-year-old kid, looking for a way to pay for college. I didn’t know that the years I spent as a kid playing G.I. Joes would lead me to the military, I just knew I needed something to give me a push in the right direction and provide discipline.

I’m so grateful I took that leap. The military has given me a better sense of loyalty, honesty, and integrity. That’s the reason I stay; I intend to give back as much as I can. To me, that means telling the stories of all the cool things that we’re doing, things that a civilian might not otherwise get to see. Being able to create workshops on storytelling has been an especially rewarding way to give back, and I take a lot of pride and effort in helping to teach the next generation in public affairs. I like sharing the technique I’ve developed over the years, helping to tell the most open, authentic, and transparent stories possible.

That kind of authenticity is the key to my approach—I’m not just walking up to people and asking them to pose for a picture. Being a military photographer, I really get to embed myself into whatever is going on. You start to notice that every job and group has their own language and way of communicating with one another. To get the real stories, I make it my job to learn those languages, observing their similarities and differences. By doing this, I’m able to break down any boundaries. We see each other as friends, and I get to capture their true stories.

Taking this approach to my work has been key in balancing my military life and my personal creative work as well. While the military may have different standards that it operates within, the connection I strive to have with the people stays the same.”