Meet Doug Stidham: Marine Veteran, Master Photographer, and Happy Leather By Dragonfly Client
Doug Stidham of Doug Stidham Photography is a multi-talented craftsman, photographer, Marine veteran and satisfied owner of a Leather By Dragonfly bespoke leather apron. Doug has an exciting project that you won't want to miss: his 2025 All Female Veteran Pinup Calendar is available for preorder until Aug. 3, 2024!
From Marine to Maker
Doug grew up roots in Dayton, Ohio. Just two months after high school, he shipped off to Boot Camp at Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot in South Carolina. Doug's service took him to Japan and then to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. He served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, finished his enlistment for four years, and then departed the Marine Corps as a corporal in 1992.
These days, Doug calls Liberty Township, Ohio, home, though his work often takes him to California. His crafts are as diverse as his experiences—music, woodworking, photography, and art. His love for creating began in childhood, inspired by his parents' bluegrass music and his early days in woodworking at the Boys Club. He doesn’t read music but learned by ear and plays guitar, mandolin, and drums.
Crafting and Creating
Doug’s primary craft is photography, a passion that started in high school and was rekindled around, 2007 when his daughter requested and received a camera for Christmas. This reignited his own interest. By 2012, Doug went full-time with his own photography business. His work has taken him all over the world as he captures landscapes and people with his unique eye and style.
Doug's photography work includes a special project close to his heart: working with Pin-ups for Vets, a nonprofit. He created a deck of cards featuring pinup-style photos of female veterans. This led to his current project—his first calendar, a 2025 calendar showcasing these inspiring women. You can preorder this calendar until Aug. 3 by contacting him on Facebook or Instagram and going to the link posted in the bios. Or go directly to this link.
Doug’s passion for making and creating stems from his lifelong interest in figuring out how things work. “I would take things apart and see if I could put them back together to see if I could get them to work again,” he said.
The Leather By Dragonfly Connection
Doug was scoring some wood with an X-acto knife when the knife slipped and cut the cheap apron he had been using. Frustrated, Doug did some research and, through YouTuber Jay Bates, discovered the superior quality of Patrick and Michelle’s handcrafted leather aprons. Since April 2018, Doug has relied on his Leather By Dragonfly apron for woodworking projects, like building tables and shelves. He praises its durability, flexibility and softness.
“I like the fact that a Marine veteran and his wife handmade this,” Doug says. “Not mass produced and is personalized. It fits perfectly and is very practical for use.”
Doug’s core tool set includes a pencil, mini square, micro square, tape measure, and scribe knife—all neatly housed within reach in his reliable apron. He also uses a mouse pad from Leather By Dragonfly, The Dragonfly Pad, which he describes as essential for precision in his photo editing work. He relies on it so much, he bought a couple more.
A Testament to Leather By Dragonfly’s Quality
Doug is passionate about his apron’s safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal, recommending it to anyone in need of a reliable, long-lasting tool. If you're considering a custom leather piece, Doug encourages you to connect with Patrick and Michelle for an experience and product that stands the test of time.
“I would like to say, if you are looking for a great handmade item with excellent quality of material and craftsmanship, you should get a hold of Patrick and Michelle,” Doug says. “They are very professional and walk you through the whole process of your apron. As they say on their website, this apron will outlast you. It’s a very good item to have in your shop, whether you are a wood worker, machinist, or mechanic. They will make an apron to fit anything you are looking for. Get a hold of them. You will be very thankful.”
Watch a video of Doug unboxing his apron.
Doug also uses a Leather By Dragonfly mousepad that Patrick made for him.
Get in Touch with Doug
Interested in Doug’s photography or his calendar project? You can find him on social media:
· Instagram: @dougstidhamphotography
· Facebook: Doug Stidham Photography
· X (formerly Twitter): DougStidham
Don't forget to order your signed calendar by Aug. 3 and support Doug’s incredible work. The calendar costs $25, plus a $10 shipping fee. Only 300 copies will be printed.