About John Dettling

Yeah, I know I'm supposed to write this in third person but personally, I think that just sounds too pretentious. Let me simply tell you a little about what I do and myself. Then feel free to contact me if you feel there is something I can do for you. Photography is my passion. For my day job, I teach college biology. I can't draw or paint and I don't even sing in the shower. So photography is the closest I can come to an artistic endeavor. Some of my photos have their own story to tell and others are just pretty. My goal in photography is to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. To give meaning and a deeper awareness of and appreciation for something we would otherwise dismiss.

I'm an independent photographer. My work often appears in newsprint and has even been published in magazines, CD covers, and on numerous websites. I'm not a portrait or a wedding photographer but I have been hired for those jobs. “How much do you charge?” is the first question usually asked when someone is considering me for a job. I hope that you would consider hiring me for the quality of my work and not because I may be less expensive than someone else. I don't post prices on my site but I will assure you though, I am very conscious about the quality of work that I produce and will work hard to make sure you get your money's worth. If you have a cause that you think might interest me, feel free to contact me. It doesn't hurt to ask as long as you don't mind the possibility of rejection. But if you're not a non-profit with a really good cause, please don't ask for free stuff.

We can do without the fake backgrounds

I can not stand photos with fake smiles in front of fake backgrounds taken in unfamiliar locations. I would consider it a great compliment if your friends were totally amazed when they see the pictures hanging on your wall and ask if you took them because they look so natural. I like to place the subject in a familiar setting where they can relax then snap lots of frames. I'm not concerned with what the subject wears or that they strike the perfect pose or if they have a few wrinkles or if a photo make their butt look big. I know an awesome photographer that I'd be happy to refer you too that can make you look absolutely beautiful. I work to capture the true personality and character of the subject.