Artist Biography

John Stottlemyer has always known he would be an artist. He had his first "one-man show" at his elementary school when he was seven years old. John graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BFA in drawing and painting and worked in advertising and marketing communications as an illustrator, graphic designer, creative director and product photographer.

Although John has been lugging a camera around for many years - he shot his first travel images of Spain and Morocco when he was twenty, he became really 'switched-on' about photography after exploring the Colorado Plateau in the 1990s. He was instantly captivated by it's magnificent color and form, visual diversity and fascinating history. Also at this time, he became inspired by the work of Michael Fatali, David Muench and Jack Dykinga, leading photographers of the southwest. John has since conducted photographic workshops in the canyonlands of northern Arizona and southern Utah. He also teaches workflow for film and digital photographers.

John finds his subjects primarily in Europe and North America. Besides dramatic southwestern landscapes, he obviously loves the character of old Europe and seeks every opportunity to find new locations and interesting subjects. On recent trips, he was fascinated by the indigenous cultures of Ecuador, Peru and Guatemala.

John loves to talk photography and will readily tell you it is all about light, timing and composition. John carefully studies the way light defines his subject matter and often returns many times to a location before it's right. John states his personal strength is thoughtful composition. He spends a long time moving around his subject - often sans camera, to determine the optimum position before planting the tripod and releasing the shutter. John admits it can take hundreds of captures before achieving an image worthy of printing.

It is John's sincere hope that his work inspires you to travel and enjoy the wonderful destinations he cares so deeply about. Please don't hesitate to contact him directly. He'll answer any questions you have and gladly share his stories about your favorite image or photographic destination.