• What to look for in a photographer

  There are many things that go into the making of a great picture. There are photographers who are great at making a good looking image, but only have one style of taking pictures. There are others that have great personalities, but lack the technical skill to produce a truly stunning image.

  I have years of education and practical experience in a wide variety of photographic subjects. I have won awards and have enjoyed the honor of having my pictures published in national publications. But none of the acclaim holds a candle to the pleasure that I feel when a client looks at themselves in a new, and exciting way.

  Why am I a photographer? The best answer is that I HAVE to be a photographer! I love what I do, and I can't imagine not making beautiful images. I do this because I love to do this, and I would love to help you capture images of you and your special day that will bring joy to your heart for years to come.

About

I have included this page to tell you a little bit about myself. Not because it is comfortable for me, but because I think it matters who takes your pictures. Without a great photographer, you won’t get great photographs. Without a photographer who cares about their work, and about you, you won’t capture great memories.

I began my journey into the art of photography back in 1973 when I first began taking formal photography classes. I was drawn to the medium by the work of the great photographers of history. The images of Julian Vannerson, George S. Cook, Timothy O’Sullivan, Alexander Gardner, and others, haunted me into learning the craft of creating images that last for generations. So began my love affair with photography.

In the ensuing years, I have never lost that passion for capturing images with the marvelous little instrument called a camera.

Each opportunity to create an image is special for a different reason. Weddings are a time of celebration and joy. As someone who has been married for over 26 years, I can tell you that I believe in marraige and I am committed to making the images of your wedding the type that will bring back memories for generations to come.

Photographing high school seniors allows me to showcase the vitality and hopefulness of youth, while capturing the independent spirit of people who will help shape our future. Every genre of photography has its own special place and its own appeal.

Why am I a photographer? There is only one answer to that question. My creative being will not allow me to do anything else. But a photographer cannot create images without a subject. I hope that you will consider being that subject.

Derek Ralston

Photography by Derek Ralston, 2114 5th Ave., Oroville, California 96965

(530) 532-0492

Email by clicking here

p.s. I can’t let this page end without thanking my friend, Julie Lowry at Chanterelle Photography in Montgomery, Alabama for capturing the image of me that you see here. You done good, girl!