There San Diego just had its largest Instagram contest to date, in the search for our first There San Diego Photographer!

Over 500 people voted for their favorite picture of San Diego. The surprise star and winner, with over 100 votes for his photo alone, was 25-year-old novice photographer Patrick Toth.

We are so excited to introduce Patrick Toth as the first ever There San Diego Photographer!

Winner and There San Diego Photographer, Patrick Toth (Instagram’s @patricktoth.photography)

Looking at Toth’s photography, you would never guess he was 25.

His pictures have a depth and thoughtfulness that defy his young age. And his artistic eye and camera skills, developed over less than a year, make him nothing short of a photographic prodigy!

The Winning Photo: Coronado Sunset, @patricktoth.photography

Originally from Kentucky, Toth moved to San Diego two years ago after graduating from Purdue University. One reason he chose California was his love of nature.

Toth says, “I find enjoyment, adventure, peace, and solitude in hiking and backpacking, as well as cycling.”

And it was in California where Toth’s passion for photography first sparked. After a night hike, he and his friend watched the sunrise from the top of Half Dome, Yosemite.

He recalls the sunrise that morning as the exact moment that he fell in love with photography. It’s incredible what one moment can do. After doing some soul-searching and connecting with his faith, Toth was inspired to become more serious about his new passion and within it found a new sense of life purpose.

Ocean Beach, @patricktoth.photography

San Diego has been the ideal locale for Toth to pursue his new purpose. The city has been his muse.

He says, “San Diego’s diversity inspires me creatively. I have not witnessed one place in the city that has the exact same type of shot as another place in the city… When I walk around to capture some of the most amazing sceneries in the world, I am overwhelmed with a sense of peace, passion, and purpose (not a bad photography slogan, huh?). When I take pictures, I feel blessed and grateful for everything I have. Photography humbles me in such an exciting way… and that is a rare thing to find.”

Shelter Island, @patricktoth.photography

And Toth has remained dedicated to his craft.

After his 9-5 job, you can find Toth biking around San Diego – impressively his only mode of transportation for the last 7 years – trying to find his next favorite photo.

And he has found much more than just that. He says, “I enjoy finding myself through photography. Photography often times shares a lot about the individual who captured the photo. In my case, what I photograph usually reflects my feelings, recent experiences, or desires for the upcoming season of my life.”

Mission Beach, @patricktoth.photography

Over the past year, photography has introduced Toth to a new city and community. It has given him direction, purpose, and new exciting goals (his dream job is to be a travel photographer).

Embarcadero Marina Park, @patricktoth.photography

Toth hopes that his photographs will inspire others to follow their own passions. He says:

“My goal is… to reach as many people as possible so that they may see the amazing results of pursuing a passion. Their passion may not be photography, but I hope my photos give them motivation and inspiration to follow theirs. Incorporating my work in this way also reminds me why I love photography and why it is such an important aspect of my life… I want to be remembered as the photographer who found faith and pleasure in little and gave back to those around him generously.”

Patrick Toth, we couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to have you on our team. You, your photography, and your story are so inspirational and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

SD Pier Cafe, @patricktoth.photography

Look for Patrick Toth’s amazing photos on our Instagram (@theresandiego) as well as on our There San Diego Facebook Page, where this month a new Cover Photo by him is being posted every week!

Also be sure to follow Patrick on his Instagram account: @patricktoth.photography and on Tumblr: patricktothphotography.tumblr.com.

And join the fun every Sunday by voting in our Instagram photo contests, where you get to see and support other amazing local San Diego photographers!

La Jolla, @patricktoth.photography