Dave Bouton was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and began working as an Emergency Medical Technician in the Bronx, NY. Later he earned a degree in Radiologic Technology. Though Dave already had a keen interest in photography, it was while studying the properties, uses and applications of X-rays in college that he began to gather an in depth understanding of many concepts shared by medical diagnostic x-ray and photographic exposure factors.
Upon graduating college Dave worked as a Radiologic Technologist at the Westchester County Medical Center until shortly after the birth of their first son when it was decided that Dave would work from or close to home while Suzanne continued her Manhattan-based position in the Municipal Bond industry, allowing Dave to be available and active in their son’s development as well as spending more time honing his photographic skills.
During the next several years Dave, an avid outdoor enthusiast, spent much time shooting film landscapes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State with an old Minolta camera. As Ryan grew it became evident he was a gifted baseball player. Subsequently Dave shifted his focus to Ryan’s skill development, spending much time on the ball field as a coach – while shooting whenever possible.
During these years Dave was fortunate to travel to Joshua Tree N.P., Banff, Saguaro National Park, Red Rock Canyon and Jackson Hole. It was during a trip to Jackson Hole, and its proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks that Dave finally realized where his heart lies – shooting wildlife and landscapes.
In 2001 Dave switched to digital photography and provided portrait and portfolio development services to upgrade his equipment to top-of-the line Nikon cameras and lenses. Switching to digital media allowed the flexibility of control over his images as he once enjoyed in the darkroom – in much less space!
Now Dave resides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming allowing him to capture its abundance of wild animals and rugged landscapes. His second son Griffin appears to have inherited the love of things wild and sometimes accompanies his dad on these treks.
Feeling a strong sense of community, Dave tries to balance the economic need for private sales with philanthropy to benefit local not-for-profit organizations. Dave also belongs to several photographic associations, most of which are dedicated to furthering protection of native wildlife and open spaces.
Dave’s work can be seen at www.daveboutonimages.com