Every person’s goals, time that they can commit and conditions are unique. PhotoCredit - Tracy Solomon

Every person’s goals, time that they can commit and conditions are unique. PhotoCredit - Tracy Solomon

My career in photography came by the same winding path that most of the great experiences in life do.  My mother was a prairie elementary school teacher who's love of teaching, art and photography inspired my passion for all three. The vast prairie landscape, the dramatic ever changing weather and witnessing all of the stages of life created a visual sensitivity that is still with me today.

College in the 1960s was focused on taking courses for a degree in education teaching communications. In 1970 I spent he summer as a field assistant for a geologist / philosopher / photographer / artist hiking and exploring the canyons of southern Utah. The visual memory of the vast rolling grass lands of Nebraska were enriched with snow capped mountains, deserts, amazing light and the ever present spirituality of the canyons. The first photographs that I ever sold were created that summer. The 1970's also brought about my first experience as a personal / portrait photographer which is something I still enjoy today.

I attended the Brooks Institute in the mid 1970's when the only standard was creating images of uncompromising quality. My clients have included: General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, US Air, New York Port Authority, Fairmont Hotels, Lear Crop, Delta Faucets, Formica Corp, Wood Mode Custom Cabinets, Wine Spectator, Architectural Digest, Robb Report, Cake bread Cellars, Merry Edwards Wines, Chalk Hill Estates and a variety of national and international clients.

I founded PhotoArts Marin in 2007 and I have taught approximately 1,600 students, via Living Social, Groupon and Amazon, originally in small groups or as private in-person classes.  The Private In-person classes that I have been teaching through PhotoArts Marin have been very successful as have the Private Zoom streaming video classes via PhotoArts Califronia.

Back in the glory days of shooting 4x5 transparency film. Time consuming, unforgiving and beautiful.

Back in the glory days of shooting 4x5 transparency film. Time consuming, unforgiving and beautiful.