Marty Hulsebos


When I was 18, during my family’s move to Arizona, I encountered a transformative moment that would shape my creative journey. Leaving the lush, compacted landscapes of New Jersey, I was struck by the vast, open spaces of the Southwest—a stark contrast that seemed to stretch infinitely, inviting curiosity and awe. Armed with my parents’ camera, I began capturing snapshots of this new environment. I still remember my mother’s encouraging words: “You take nice pictures.” Though photography would not take hold of me immediately, the seed was planted. Several years later, I reconnected with the medium, and the spark ignited into a passion that has now burned brightly for nearly four decades.

Early on, I named my approach to photography Being and Seeing. For me, Being signifies an openness—a state of presence and receptivity to the moment, to the interplay of time, space, and emotion. It is a foundational simplicity that allows the magic of Seeing to unfold. Beyond the technical expertise I’ve honed over the years, this principle remains at the core of my process: transforming an ephemeral moment into an enduring creative expression.

My fascination lies in the ever-changing qualities of light—how it falls on landscapes and alters their emotional resonance. Light inspires; it weaves mystery, drama, and beauty into the fabric of the scene. Capturing this interplay and reproducing it in a fine art print is both a joy and a challenge. The nuanced dance between highlights and shadows breathes life into an image. Beginning in 1987, I worked with both black-and-white and color film, gaining invaluable experience in the darkroom. Those years of developing and printing images taught me to master tonal control, an art heavily influenced by the insights of Ansel Adams. Since 2005, I’ve embraced the versatility of digital photography, which has allowed me to refine my craft further.

Traveling extensively in search of subjects and lighting that evoke a visceral “wow” moment remains a cornerstone of my practice. When a scene resonates—when the subject, light, and my own presence align—I feel it deeply in my body, an unmistakable synergy that fuels my creativity.

My work continues to evolve. Photography remains a fresh and inspiring journey because life itself is ever-changing. The natural world offers boundless inspiration, while the work of other photographic artists—both past and present—encourages me to push creative boundaries.

Over the years, I have exhibited at more than 200 juried fine art shows across the country, earning multiple best-in-show honors and other awards. My images are now part of over 10,000 homes and offices and have been featured on magazine covers, in calendars, and in gallery collections. Yet, the heart of my work remains constant: a deep love for capturing the beauty and emotion that light reveals in the world around us.