My name is David Bates, owner and photographer for Fotografix Studio. Thanks for visiting the web site.

Being a photographic artist is far more than a job to me; it's a passion. To have the opportunity to suspend time through image-making, to capture a moment in someone’s life, to create an image that makes a profound difference is precisely why I relish coming to work every day. My exact photographic style is hard to pinpoint, since I am constantly developing my versatility. I feel it is very important to be extremely versatile at this stage of my career. My easy-going personality style plays a huge role in how comfortable my clients feel. Whether it’s senior portraits, family portraits or your wedding, you can rest assured that I will provide a stress-free environment. Your photos will then show you at your best. After all, photo shoots are supposed to be fun, and they always are here!

What got me interested? Back in the eighties, I took a few high school photography courses and was intrigued by the science of it all. However, I was still set on becoming a graphic artist. In the fall of ’89, I set off for CMTC to major in Graphic Arts. Two years later I graduated with my Associates Degree in Graphic Arts and Printing Technologies. However, while at CMTC, I had taken a couple more optional photography courses. The world of photography was opening my eyes to new possibilities. (Besides, I was a college kid and didn’t want to enter the workforce just yet) My idea of becoming a Graphic Artist was beginning to get eclipsed. I opted to further my education at the Maine Photographic Workshops in Rockport, Maine in the fall of ‘91. Through the intensive 2 years of workshops, I was simply hooked on photography. Coming away with an Associates of Fine Arts had given me a new direction. It was time to enter the real world. In 1993, I began assisting other photographers in the Portland area. After 2 years in that capacity, I decided to strike out on my own. Now, after more than ten years in the field, I am certain that I was meant to be a photographer.

My other passion is the outdoors. Activities like mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, sea kayaking and backpacking have become natural outlets for my deep aspirations to explore, discover and accomplish things in my free time. In short, the outdoors and the inner peace it brings me is my fix on life.

I grew up in central Maine, and I now reside in Kennebunk with the love of my life, our 11 year old son and our two dogs. For the past four years, we have been regularly climbing (peakbagging) to become members of the AMC New England Four Thousand Footers Club. To become a member of this unique club, one must summit all 67 qualified four-thousand foot or higher peaks in New England. It's a great, healthy activity and I would recommend the goal to anyone. On October 2, 2005 we submitted Saddleback and The Horn up near Rangeley, our final 2 peaks! We will be recognized as new members of the 4000 footers club by the AMC this spring at a special induction dinner. In the winter months between assignments, when not winter climbing here in New England I go out west to climb and explore the magnificent canyons, cliffs and mountains of Utah, Arizona and California. I have plans to climb many of the west's most prominent mountains, as I am continually motivated by the great western landscape. Give me a call, or drop me an email to set up an appointment, or talk photography, climbing, paddling, backpacking or anything else on your mind. Because while I really want to be your photographer, I also want to be your friend.

-Dave