Well, I Am. AKoch stands for Andreas Koch. But I go by many names such as Andy, Daddy-O, or whatever description people can think of when they see me for the first time or on a regular basis.
Photography is my passion and my love right along with hot rods. I'm pretty much a "German Rockabilly." I love the music of the 50's and the lifestyle. I am a proud graduate from the New York Institute of Professional Photography.
Originally from Germany, east side of Nürnberg to be precise, I came to the USA in July of 1989 and have never looked back. I fell in love with the free life style and the American dream of being whoever I want to be and living life any way I see fit.
Starting my life in the USA at 18 kind of put me at a late start for any kind career fresh out of school. Also, back then, I  had to deal with a language barrier and the sheer horror of living in a small Mississippi town. Sorry "y'all".
Eventually I worked my way up in various jobs ranging from fast food to operating machinery at a local tube mill. I always felt like something was missing so I went to school and  learned about computers, graphics, webpage coding and much more.
Coming from an artistic background, I quickly learned and picked up things that just seemed to come to me naturally. I started to enjoy putting my visions onto paper, or as in my case, onto a computer screen and over the past 12 years, I've sharpened my skills especially in computer graphics and image editing. Many people refer it to these days as "Photoshopping".
It was about 10 years ago when I really started to get interested in digital photography. But with pretty much no budget I started out with as good of a camera that I could afford, which I think was a 640x480 (!) Casio. But I still managed to take hundreds of pictures each month only to improve on my skills and upgrading my equipment as my budget would allow or sometimes even beyond my budget (just don't tell my wife).

But to make a long story short, because I'm a Photographer, not a Novelist.... =)
I started my little Freelance Business of creating Websites about 8 years ago. It's been a nice side job. You can see some of my work by clicking the Web Design link above. My main focus on Photography started a few years ago as my skills improved and people started to ask me to bring my Camera to all kinds of events because they enjoy my 'craftsmanship' when it comes to taking pictures. As with any kind of craft / trade / skill, the only time you stop learning is when your final day comes and you stop breathing. Life is an ongoing learning experience and although I consider myself rather knowledgeable about  a lot of things, I'll be the first one to sign up to be a student and be willing to broaden my horizons even more. I feel that is the way it should be.

Even though Photography is not my bread winner, yet, I'm working towards the goal of making, what started out as a hobby and a passion, a career and profession that I will be able to enjoy all the way up to my later years. Like my late Dad used to tell me, find something that you really love and make a career out of it and you will be happy for a long, long time.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my website and feel free to browse all the different categories. Perhaps you'd be interested in some of the services that either me or my wife Shelly provide for your next event or project. Feel free to e-mail me with any comments or questions at  info@akochphotography.com.
Thank you for your time and interest.