Photographer Profiles

Early in our talk, Sebastian Copeland mentions the relationship of art with nature, and how photographers who work outdoors end up loving the landscape and wanting to preserve the environment. He adds, “I’m fond of saying, ‘He who walks the land will become a warrior in its defense.’ It’s hard to venture into nature and the wild and appreciate the beauty of extraordinary landscapes and not feel a sense of responsibility to make sure they remain.”

Some people think of Man Ray strictly as a photographer but those familiar with his broad body of work recognize him as a sculptor, artist and filmmaker as well. Born Emmanuel Radnitzky in Philadelphia in 1901, Ray’s eclectic background helped him reinvent photography as a significant force in the Dadaist and Surrealist movements.

For Jess Findlay, outdoor photography was a natural. Growing up in British Columbia (BC), Canada, surrounded by lush landscapes, enthralling wilderness, and birds of every feather, nature called to him every time he stepped outside, spurred on by family activities that included hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. As a young child, he would buy disposable cameras for family outings, and that only whet his appetite for the photographic arts. Before he knew it, he was thoroughly immersed. Nature and photography were on converging paths, meeting at a crossroads that would mark his future forever.

Jeff McPheeters is a Kansas-based pro whose extensive portfolio encompasses everything from interior design and event photography to landscape, nature and wildlife. While all of McPheeters’ work is impressive, the images he captures of raging storms in rural Kansas are especially spectacular.

Stephen McMennamy is a photographer and creative director with a sense of humor, and his “Combophotos” project is a collection of humorous images he made by splicing together two unrelated photos into a single image. It’s a fun and simple technique you should try yourself over the coming long weekend.

The legendary American photographer William Eggleston was a true pioneer in the potential of color photography and his quirky, eccentric portraits of everyday life can teach us all a lot about candid artistry and composition.

Grey Chow is a Malaysian photographer based in Kuala Lumpur and while his extensive portfolio of nature, architectural and landscape work is impressive, his images of starlit skies are absolutely spectacular.