Mike Keller Photography

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I started my photographic journey when my art teacher in high school encouraged me to pursue my talents. I began with a 35mm SLR camera to take black and white photos which I developed at school and eventually in a home photo lab that my Dad built in our basement. I enjoyed making photos in black and white, and the creative aspect of developing those images in my darkroom.

At that time, I had a keen interest in the well-known landscape photographer Ansel Adams whose works were also in black and white and whom I credit with influencing my creative interest. After HS, I attended Stevenson University for my formal training and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts with an emphasis on photography and video.

I found that I enjoyed creating photos of my surroundings. Common things that are there, but we don't really see... common objects, shapes and colors that present interesting patterns and form or summon tranquil thoughts. With all of my subject matter, I enjoy taking the common and ordinary and causing the viewer to pause and really feel a personal, pleasing inner emotion.

For example, I've done many projects for a glass engineering company in Washington, D.C., which provides creative glasswork to commercial buildings. I've been able to highlight their work with the creative use of natural sunlight (dawn and dusk) and unusual perspectives to bring their creations to life in exciting visual ways.

As with Ansel Adams, I was also inspired by the Baltimorean A. Aubrey Bodine, who chronicled Baltimore life for years as a photojournalist for the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore City presented me a wide range of subject matter in its architecture, harbor and historic neighborhoods of Fells Point, Canton, Highlandtown, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, to name but a few locations.

After a while, my visual interest and curiosity moved to Baltimore's harbor and the boats and ships resting quietly there. I began to appreciate the tranquility of calm water and reflections of an early morning light as seen in much of my work. This sparked my determination to move on to the Chesapeake Bay and its many possibilities.

I initially visited Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and then to journey to small fishing and crabbing villages generally unknown except to locals. I would look at a map and point to a destination, and off I'd go with my camera, tripod and fishing boots in hand, often following the roads and dirt paths to where they led me. My Dad referred to me as "Waldo," and "where is he now?" when I sent him pictures from wherever I might be!

I was fascinated with the subject matter; the scenery and the pureness of the environment, the shapes of objects in and out of the water, active boats and those whose time had passed; and there is nothing quite like the wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay! 

I generally started before dawn and searched around until finding something interesting. I slept in my car on more than one occasion. I became part of the environment to get the perfect shot, at the exact right moment. My goal was to capture and convey this very lived experience of true tranquility. 

Finally, I found Southern Maryland and Virginia hospitality to be so welcoming. I've met and been helped by many kind people who shared stories and the history of their communities. I was invited to experience crabbing on a commercial boat, and even met Mary Ada Marshall, the baker of the famous Smith Island chocolate cake who invited me into her home and gave me her last cake that day, which was supposed to be for someone else. How kind was that?

I hope you enjoy the many photographs of our beloved Chesapeake Bay and Delmarva region found at the link to my work below. I welcome any questions. 

Thank You!