about2

These photographs represent several projects that I collectively call Appalachian Light.
They are my attempt at capturing the essence of light, weather, and atmosphere as they
define the "Blue Ridge" and characterize the mountains of southern Appalachia.

I hope that through these photographs, I can also share some of the remarkable
experiences I have had while mingling with the elements in our southern highlands.
Interactions between the elements are often dramatic and inspiring during stormy
weather, dense fog, and those amazing twilight hours. These photographs are based
on such experiences.

No filters or digital effects beyond the range of darkroom printing techniques were
implemented during the creation of these images. In fact, I have often found the range of
light on the mountains to be even too remarkable or surreal for rendering a believable
"straight" photograph. I thank God for these experiences...and for constantly reminding
me that I am just a visitor.



		Long Story Short

	I currently live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I shoot weddings and landscapes and work as a staff photographer for the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper. Before starting at the paper in 1997, I spent two years pursuing independent photographic studies along the Blue Ridge Parkway while making ends meet as a custom black and white printer at Iris Photographics in Asheville and also at J.W. Photo Labs in Raleigh, NC. From 1992 to 1995, I freelanced for many clients including the Raleigh News and Observer, The North Carolina Symphony, and The Cary News. After being introduced to photography my senior year in high school, (1987), I was primarily interested in fine-art photography and became obsessed with the art of black and white print-making. I took a couple of elective photo classes in college and ended-up making the darkroom at Appalachian State my second home. So I changed my major from anthropology to art/photography and transferred to a small fine arts program at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA. The following summer I landed a part-time job at the Bristol Herald Courier, and surprisingly developed a deep respect and passion for photojournalism. I transferred again to the Univ. Of South Carolina, where I worked at both of the school's newspapers and left with a degree in media arts. This site is dedicated to my parents, John and Judy Fletcher, for their patience and support through the years, and also to my sister, Jan, for always setting an example and helping me so much along the way!