How Photography Could Be the Ultimate Spy Cover—Inspired by My New Thriller, Double Exposure

As a professional photographer, I’ve spent decades capturing moments that tell stories. But recently, I started thinking: what if the camera wasn’t just a tool to document reality, but a tool to manipulate it? That idea became the foundation of my new spy thriller, Double Exposure.

Think about it—photographers have access to places most people can’t go. Armed with a camera and confidence, we’re often waved through security, given front-row seats, or placed in highly sensitive environments. After all, who questions the person behind the lens when they’re “just there to take pictures”?

In Double Exposure, my protagonist Reed Sawyer uses his photography skills as his spy cover. His knowledge of lighting, angles, and timing isn’t just for crafting beautiful images—it’s his survival tool. Whether he’s slipping through security under the guise of a photo assignment or coding secret messages into image metadata, Reed shows just how powerful the photographer’s role can be in espionage.

So, I want to hear from you: • Do you think photography would make the perfect spy cover? • Have you ever noticed how photographers seem to blend into the background, even in high-security places? • And for my fellow thriller readers, what’s your favorite example of an unconventional spy cover in books or movies?

Let me know your thoughts, and if this idea intrigues you, check out Double Exposure! It’s my debut novel, combining photography and espionage into one suspenseful ride.

(Mods, let me know if this post isn’t allowed—happy to adjust!)