What I do

My Services

I have many interests with a camera — different topics, subjects, shooting styles, and visual looks. I don’t hold my art back by conforming to one single niche. People often say that to be successful in business you must focus on one thing and become great at only that. I believe that kind of thinking limits an artist. It prevents experiencing the full range of a genre and technique, and it slows the real creative process.

At heart, I’m a purist. I believe in making an image, not manufacturing a computer graphic through excessive editing and distortion. Photography, to me, should begin in the real world — in light, timing, and intent — not be rescued later by software.

Weddings

I carry that same philosophy into the way I photograph weddings and events. I work quietly and observantly, letting real moments unfold instead of staging them or forcing poses. My goal is to document the day as it truly happens — the nervous anticipation, the laughter, the small interactions people don’t realize are meaningful until years later. I rely on light, timing, and awareness rather than heavy editing, capturing honest expressions and genuine emotion. When the day is over, the photographs aren’t manufactured memories; they are a faithful record of how it actually felt to be there.

Photojournalism

I approach photojournalism and photo essays with the same discipline and restraint. My role is not to interfere with a story, but to witness it. I spend time observing, learning the rhythm of a place and the people within it, allowing the narrative to reveal itself naturally rather than directing it. I do not stage scenes or manipulate reality. I work with available light and honest moments so the viewer can trust what they are seeing. A photo essay, to me, is a visual narrative built patiently over time. Each image must stand on its own, yet also serve the larger story. I look for the quiet details — the gestures, the environments, the expressions between major events — because those are often what explain a life or a situation more truthfully than dramatic moments alone. The purpose is simple: to document reality faithfully and allow the photographs to speak without distortion or spectacle.

Assignments

Whether I’m working on a magazine assignment, a piece of spec work, or a personal project, my approach stays consistent. I begin by understanding the purpose of the story and the people or place involved, then I build the images around observation rather than direction. I research, spend time on location, and let the environment guide what I photograph. The goal is to create images that serve the publication or concept honestly while still carrying my visual voice. Self-assigned projects are just as important to me as commissioned work. They allow me to explore subjects deeply and refine ideas without pressure, but I still hold myself to the same standards. I don’t rely on gimmicks or excessive manipulation. I work with real light, real situations, and thoughtful composition so the final photographs feel grounded and believable. Whether the images are destined for print or simply part of a long-term body of work, they are made with intention and respect for the subject.

Contact us

Want to get in touch? We make it our priority to respond to every request within 24h.

Call me

(970)-980-9427

Support

hawkbuckman@proton.me