Hank Church

Much of my work is rooted in the idea of re-seeing—slowing down long enough to notice the subtle structures, textures, lines and rhythms that quietly shape our visual world. Through photography, I hope to reveal the artistry embedded in ordinary environments and natural forms, inviting you to pause, observe, and discover beauty where it is often overlooked.Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, or the unusual abstractions, I am drawn to pattern, geometry, and the interplay of light and shadow. These elements allow me to transform familiar scenes into compositions that feel both refined and contemplative. My goal is not simply to document what exists, but to interpret it in a compelling way - to translate visual complexity into images that resonate emotionally and aesthetically.At the heart of my work is a belief that art does not require exotic subjects or distant destinations. Beauty is present in bark textures, weathered surfaces, shifting light, and quiet moments of balance between line and shape. By reframing the everyday, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the visual richness that surrounds us and to encourage a more attentive way of seeing.

I was first exposed to a camera by my grandfather, who had a serious collection of antique cameras. He gave me my first one, a basic Nikon 35mm film camera with a 50mm lens (don't remember what the f/stop rating was...didn't know what it meant anyway:)).I had always wanted to be a National Geographic or a Sports Illustrated photographer, thinking that it would be a "great" life to live. I started taking photos, using B and W film, of my grandparents. I still have a 11x14 print of my grandfather in my office. It was a hobby at that point...a pipe dream. After graduating college with a business degree, I kept up my interest, slowly investing in better equipment and taking some photography classes at the local community college in Tacoma, Wash. I received a "spark" there, getting one of my black and white still lifes onto the cover of the school's art magazine. "Maybe I could be good at this."One thing led to another. I dragged my wife over to Spokane to attend a pretty good photography program at a local community college there. I earned a photography degree, specializing in Illustrative and Commercial photography. We were required to buy and use a 4x5 sheet film camera for all of our school assignments. Because that kind of film was not cheap, I had to be very particular and precise about my subjects and my composition. What I learned there, and the encouragement I received from the professors there, would become significant in my development as a photographer. Family life, and the need for a steady income, caused me to forego my dream for a while (actually, about 30 years), as I became a member of the corporate world. Photography was always in the background, however. I continued to learn more about modern equipment and processing, as the digital age came upon us. A trip to Las Vegas to the Red Rock Canyon was the second "spark." My images received great reviews from fellow photographers and friends alike. They encouraged me to go farther.I decided to do just that. Now, after "retiring," from the corporate world, I've had more time to dive into my art. I began going to more national parks, drives in the desert and rural areas of Arizona, California, and Washington, looking for interesting subjects. I shoot your standard scenics, yes, but I try to find something new about them, some different perspective to focus on. Even your run of the mill tree bark can provide patterns, shapes, and colors that can be transformed into amazing images. Architecture, especially Frank Gehry-designed buildings, has always intrigued me, especially if presented in black and white. I find the way the light plays off of the permutations in his structures is just fascinating. Right now, that is where my heart lies.