I’m a freelance reporter based in Staunton — owner of my own business.
Have worked as as a photojournalist in the Shenandoah Valley for right about 30 years.
Started as a freelance photographer with the News Gazette in Lexington, first staff position was with the News Leader back in the early ’90s. Later worked as a photographer with the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg before moving back to the News Leader where I was Chief of photography and Multimedia for more than 15 years.
In 2019, struck out on mys own and started my own business, Mike Tripp Media LLC, which specializes in the art of storytelling through images and multimedia.
Known to be a huge fan of Star Trek and science fiction, and he’s something of a history nut. He “commands” the U.S.S. Calypso — a local chapter of an international Star Trek club named Fleet 31.
He is a father, husband, photographer, hunter of stories, Klingon warrior and Viking explorer.
His Klingon / Viking name is “ᚻᚨᚢᚲ ᛏᚻᛖ ᛗᛟᛟᚾᛋ ᛖᛉᛖ” … aka. “Hauq the Moon’s Eye” — meaning “one with an adventurous spirit” with a keen eye that sees what others might miss.
Also happens to be an avid lover of adventuring and history.