BIO

My name is Don Crowson and Crowson Photography specializes in both fine art and commercial photography. My career history spans both the visual and performing arts with eight and a half years in graphic design, 10 in music and seven in photography. After receiving a Certificate in Commercial Art from Lively Vocational School in 1993 and working for various local papers/magazines and state government, I then graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Jazz Studies and traveled the world on cruise ships as a professional saxophonist. In 2016, I completed an MFA in Photography at Academy of Art University and started Crowson Photography here in Tallahassee, Florida, my home base for the last 30 years. We (I) love everything about the photographic process and it shows in our work. Commercially, clients include DoorDash, AirBnB, Grad Images, Cherry Hill Programs, Perky Pets and staff photographer for Good News Outreach, a local faith-based organization. My fine art passions gravitate to the fascinating organic shapes and beautiful qualities of light found in wonderful Southern Pine forests.

MISSION

My main goal is to become a full-time photographer with 100% of my income coming from photography. Further, I want to be an industry leader, understanding the importance of continuously learning and giving back. Artistically, my mission is to develop a deeper understanding visually and connection spiritually with plant forms and the forest and to bring these experiences to others in the form of ever more award winning, surprising, stunning, and beautiful imagery. Commercially, my mission is to exceed expectations creating an environment where capturing magic moments and exciting imagery flow easily.

RESUME

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Photographer and Owner, Crowson Photography, 2016 to present

Event Photographer, GradImages, 2018 to present

Photographer, Snapwire, August 2020 to present

Photographer, Cherry Hill Programs, Christmas 2021 and Easter 2022

Delivery Driver, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, 2016 to present

Image Analyst, Zen3 Infosolutions America Inc., May to August 2020

Music Director and Orchestra Member, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, 2007 to 2016

Gallery Assistant, Park West Gallery at Sea, part-time 2008 to 2016

Writer and Travel Photographer, Examiner.com, 2010 to 2011

Graphic Designer, Bailey Publishing and Communications, 2006 to 2007

Music Director and Showband Musician, Carnival Cruise Lines, 2002 to 2005

Graphic Designer and Public Information Specialist II, Florida Department of Insurance, 1996 to 1999

Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Homes & Land Magazine, 1994 to 1995

Graphic Designer, Thrifty Nickel Want Ads, 1992 to 1994

 

EDUCATION

Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Academy of Art University, 2011 to 2016

Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies, Florida State University, 2000 to 2003

Certificate in Commercial Art, Lively Technical Center, 1990 to 1992

 

AWARDS AND PUBLISHED WORKS

Finalist, Photographer’s Forum’s 34th Annual College & High School Photography Contest 2014

Russian House and Garden, “Landscape Projects, Gardening Like Travel,” page 45, June 2012

Chasing the Light, Summer In San Marco, Self-Published Fine Art Photography Book 2011

Winning Logo, Lively Technical Center Logo Design Competition, 1993

Winning Logo, The United Way of the Big Bend’s Logo Design Competition, Take Time To Care, 1993

 

ASSICIATIONS

COCA, Council on Culture & Arts, Tallahassee and Leon County

 

VOLUNTEER WORK

Staff Photographer, Good News Outreach, 2019 to present

Pet Photographer, Perky Petz of Tallahassee, Yappy-Hour Holiday Pet Photography Contests, 2017 - 2018

Event Photographer, Tally Top Pet Annual Photo Contest, 2016

Photographer and Graphic Designer, WFSUTV and Radio, 2010

Photographer, Intergroup of San Francisco, 2011

 

EXHIBITIONS

Artopia, a fund-raising auction and show, Big Bend Cares, June, 2016 & 2017, Tallahassee, FL

Southern Exposure Art Gallery, Tallahassee, FL, Visiting Artist Group Show, April 2017

SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES