A Glimpse into My World

Dennis's lifelong affair with nature began in the meadows of Lake Tahoe, where he was born and raised. The small, tourist-driven community of his youth has since transformed into a bustling hub, quite unlike the tranquil ghost town he remembers. Those early years spent living in a handmade tent behind his parents' home cemented his profound love for the natural world and its seasonal rhythms.

His creative journey sparked unexpectedly. In his teens, he worked for his friend's father, who managed a forensic photo lab serving numerous sheriff's departments across Nevada and California. What started as a job soon morphed into a revelation. Dennis discovered he could alter the images, adding a depth and emotional resonance he hadn't anticipated. This epiphany—reminiscent of an Ansel Adams moment of clarity—unveiled photography not as a static capture of a single moment but as a dynamic, malleable medium, ripe for artistic exploration.

Despite earning an AA degree from a community college, Dennis was never particularly enthralled by formal education. His father, a contractor, introduced him to the craftsman's world, where he found he could create tangible structures with his hands as effectively as he could conjure artistic visions with his mind. The dual pursuit of construction and art suited him for a time, especially as he raised three beautiful children. But, as his children grew and settled, Dennis felt a persistent void—his creative soul yearning for an outlet that traditional construction couldn't satisfy.

Thus, he returned to his true passion, diving headfirst into professional photography and never looking back. For Dennis, writing has always run parallel to his visual artistry. The intrinsic link between images and narratives fuels his work, making the process of creation deeply fulfilling. His inspirations range widely, from the early film photographers like Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams to traditional artists such as Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper. The untold stories in Wyeth's paintings, in particular, reverberate through his photographic compositions, infusing them with a storytelling quality.

Each of Dennis's images is a narrative, requiring a unique approach. He used to capture vast quantities of photographs when he transitioned to digital but has since cultivated a more meticulous and disciplined practice. His focus on selective imagery ensures that every photograph conveys a vital story, transcending the realm of mere snapshots.
​
What sets Dennis's art apart is his integration of images and words, each enhancing the other to craft compelling visual stories. Among his favorite projects are those that seamlessly blend these elements, providing him a platform to explore and express his resonant themes. He is continually shaped by his major influences, including Wyeth, Lange, Dixon, Hopper, and Adams.
Dennis's work is featured in prestigious galleries such as Anticus Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ, and he continues to build panels and frames for fellow artists. His contributions to art go beyond photography and writing; they reflect his love for craftsmanship and the changing landscapes he adores driving through. His broad appreciation for nearly all musical genres adds to the rich tapestry of his artistic life.

Still, Dennis's goals are clear and ambitious. He aims to further blend his written and visual work, aspiring to produce a book that encapsulates this harmonious relationship. His belief in the intrinsic connection between words and images drives his ongoing projects, anchoring his deep-seated conviction that art plays an essential role in society.
​
Dennis's biography is not just a chronicle of artistic evolution but a testament to the enduring power of nature, narrative, and relentless creativity. Each photograph is not merely an image but a portal into a story, an emotion, a moment—ever malleable, ever alive.

Resume

Photo courtesy of photographer, Scott Taft.