It seems silly to try to write anything about the photographic ability of someone who is able to seize such a range of emotions in any given photo. His talent lies in the ability to capture an entire moment on film, the actual article coming a distant second to the photos ability to describe the moment in question.
Craig Mitchelldyer’s fondness for life’s action packed moments are rooted in his time spent working at a newspaper. After going to school for computer sciences he navigated his way into the local newspaper by shooting high school sports for the paper at night while still keeping his IT job by day. Eventually he was able to leave the IT department behind and added shooting other local events to his job title. With no formal training, just a keen eye for catching liveliness, MitchellDyer was able to eventually part with the local ‘action’ ie shooting tree planting and dog parks, and head out on his own for freelance-land.
His current gigs range from corporate bio shots and weddings, the Blazers and Timbers, to working for ESPN the magazine and photographing the Pac-12 covering the Ducks in the championship game – literally giving him the best seats in the house.
A graduate of Milwaukie High School, where he met his current wife, Craig loves the small town feel as well as the short geographical distance to downtown Portland. The possibility of riding the max to shoot a Blazer game makes his toes tingle. “I love the small town feel, but I still get to ‘live’ in a big city. I love that I can be downtown in 5 minutes and not have to live in Multnomah County.”
His demeanor has not changed since the advent of hand held camera’s or the demise of local paper journalism, although it does make him a little sad. “The downfall of journalism is depressing. Shooting for newspapers doesn’t happen anymore and I used to do 5 a week. Journalism is where my heart is, but I like money.” Freelancing has given Craig the ability to be at home with his children, something that means a lot to him. “If I didn’t work for a newspaper I wouldn’t have had the experiences or connections I have. I started freelancing for my kids – I want to be able to be there, it’s important.”
Check out Craig’s site for more breathtaking photos or reach him at:
Craig Mitchelldyer Photography
3087 SE Monroe St Suite 200
Milwaukie Oregon 97222
http://www.craigmitchelldyer.com/
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