I am a native of Greer, South Carolina, located in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains. Yes, I do have a hint of a southern accent, but just a hint. I graduated from Clemson University in 2003 and loved every second of my experience. The Fine Arts department was great and helped me grow as an artist. It was at Clemson that I started to find my voice as a documentary photographer, particularly when I was introduced to the twin lens camera, allowing me to be less intrusive on the streets. Also, while at Clemson I had the opportunity to participate in an internship with South Carolina Wildlife Magazine, which helped me develop my photographic editing skills and gave me my first published work.
Life in Upstate South Carolina was quite a contrast to my current home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. But as we photographers know, contrast can be a good thing and my move to South Florida has suited me well. I recently completed my MFA in Photography at Barry University located in Miami Shores. The photography program at Barry has been a perfect fit, and I have truly enjoyed every moment. One of the great benefits of graduate school was the opportunity to teach and work closely with the undergraduate students. Teaching makes you a better student, and I am continuously learning and growing. This curiosity carries over into my images, and can be seen in both my documentary and experimental process work.
While at Clemson I discovered my other passion in life, competitive shooting, and had the privilege to compete for my school. So the term shooter definitely takes on a duel term for me. If I am not shooting images, I am shooting targets or at least teaching someone how to sharpen their marksmanship skills. Specifically I am involved with Olympic style competition, primarily air rifle, and work with shooters all across the country as an instructor for the Civilian Marksmanship Program. My experiences with CMP have taken me all around the world including the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, and of course I am always carrying a few cameras with me because I am also involved with the organization's publications creating videos and photographing events.
The discipline required to be successful in shooting has gotten me through graduate school and made me better photographer; the creative thinking I have developed as an artist has gotten me through the many challenges I have faced in my sport and daily life. Thank you for taking the time to look at my images, and visit again soon because I am always shooting.
The life of a shooter
Photography Portfolio
Sommer Wood
Sommer Wood © 2013