Back in 1977, my sister and I were both married, and the four of us went to see the movie Rollercoaster.

We enjoyed it so much that we stayed through the credits. And that’s when we noticed something that would change things for me.

The roller coasters in the film had been shot at parks in Virginia—Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens.

That was all it took.

The very next morning, we got up early, got in the car, and drove to Virginia to ride those same roller coasters.

Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but that trip sparked something in me. A fascination. A feeling. Something about the energy of amusement parks, the motion, the excitement—it stayed with me.

And eventually, it found its way into my photography.

The Calls That Went Nowhere

When Six Flags Great Adventure opened, I knew I wanted to photograph there.

So I did what I thought you were supposed to do.

I wrote letters.

I made phone calls.

I tried to connect with anyone I could.

Nothing.

No responses. No callbacks.

At the time, I was freelancing and trying to find my way. My wife and I were strong in our faith, and we decided to pray for an opportunity—not something big, just a door to open.

We prayed for something very specific.

If I ever got the chance to photograph something at Six Flags, we hoped that the person I worked with would give me the opportunity to freelance.

The Phone Call

Then one day, the phone rang.

The News Tribune assigned me to photograph the unveiling of the Scream Machine at Six Flags.

That alone felt like an answer.

But what happened next is something I’ve never forgotten.

After the assignment, Anita Baranowski from marketing and PR asked me if I was a staff photographer. I told her I was a freelancer.

She then spent a few hours taking me around the park so I could capture additional images they needed.

We talked. We walked. I photographed.

And then, before we wrapped up, she asked me a simple question:

“Would you like to freelance for Six Flags?”

That was the moment my wife and I had prayed for.

35 Years… And a Few Surprises

That one opportunity turned into 35 years of photographing for marketing and public relations at Six Flags Great Adventure.

It’s still something I’m incredibly grateful for.

And along the way, there were a few surprises.

For one—I never liked photographing weddings.

Especially in the summer.

Summer was for roller coasters. For time with my family. For being involved with Drum and Bugle Corps.

The last thing I wanted was to be in a shirt and tie in July or August photographing a wedding.

But somehow, the marketing and PR team at Six Flags convinced me to photograph three weddings at the park over the years.

And I have to admit… even those turned into great experiences.

Looking Back

When I look back at that road trip in 1977, it’s amazing to think about how one small decision led to something much bigger.

A movie.

A drive.

A few unanswered letters.

A prayer.

One phone call.

And a 35-year journey doing something I truly enjoyed.