About
Cliff Etzel - Photographer & Multimedia Journalist
“Slow Down & Understand The World Around You” is the foundation of the work I produce as a photographer and multimedia storyteller.
I’m a regional award winning photojournalist who has been a visual content creator since 1977.
I began my photographic interests as a sophomore in high school and eventually turned professional in the newspaper world of still photography back in the late 1980′s – when film was the defacto standard, where one photo of the decisive moment captured it all. Although compelling at times, I wasn’t satisfied with the single still image, and found photo documentary style projects for publication as a better medium to illustrate complex subjects.
Although I my first true love is capturing the decisive moment and producing photo stories, by late 2006, I felt that I wanted to tell a more compelling, engaging story, and I wanted it in the voice of the subject, so I purchased a microphone and digital recorder. I taught myself audio software, and brought the sound of the story to life. I found intensity and purpose in documenting my subjects in a way that told their stories with dignity visually and with sound.
I have gravitated to those specific issues that I personally feel passionate about: Local sustainable economies, sustainability in general, food security, social justice, alternative energy, and the environment. I strive to find those clients who are like minded in those values.
Having delved into this brave new world of digital multimedia story has opened up my eyes to the creative potential of multimedia story telling. I’m now leveraging these new technologies and publishing platforms to tell stories. I’m immersed in these emerging, and converging, forms of communication, all of which can be brought to their fullest potential for your project. I can shoot stills, video, or both. Most of all, what I bring to your project are the skills of an experience photographer, multimedia journalist & story teller who understands, and still works in, the field.
When we’re done, what you’ll have is a story. Your story.
Some Past Accomplishments & Awards for my photojournalistic work:
- 1 of 100 out of 847 applicants accepted to the Eddie Adams Workshop attending as a member of the “Green Team”. While there, I was 1 of 15 special merit award winners for my work. This award resulted in the publication of a photodocumentary project I had shot over the course of 18 months.
- Society of Professional Journalists (Willamette Valley Chapter) – 1st place Photo Page, Third place each for Feature Photos and Sports Photography
- Society of Professional Journalists (Willamette Valley Chapter): 2nd place – Best feature photo.
My Philosophy for work and life:
- Make the complex simple. If your mother doesn’t get it, your target audience probably won’t either. K.I.S.S. is the order of the day.
- Work on meaningful projects that have a positive message.
- I enjoy my work. I strive to bring that to all in my life.
- Alot of gear isn’t necessarily better, except sometimes. If more gear means the quality of the work suffers, it’s not better. In most instances, Less Is More.
- Under-promise and over-deliver. ’nuff said.
- Give back to the community.
- Leave as little a carbon footprint as possible - whenever possible.
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