He received dual B.A. degrees from the University of North Texas where he studied photojournalism and political science before starting a career as a freelance photojournalist in 2008. After several years of editorial freelancing across Texas, he returned to Dallas where he established his own photography business in early 2012. In addition to editorial assignments with The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Tyler Morning Telegraph, and The Dallas Observer, Stephen also trained under UNT alum and staff Getty Images photographer Chip Somodevilla based in Washington, D.C. and assisted staff National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita as a photo editor where he processed, archived, and prepared work for publication in National Geographic magazine. Mr. Masker currently resides in the North Texas area and can be contacted at info@stephenmasker.com.