About Spencer Pullen
My interest in photography began at the age of seven, when I set my sights on owning a camera. Through savings from odd jobs and birthday gifts, I purchased my first camera—a Kodak 110. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong photographic journey. In those early years, I photographed anything and everything, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how a camera worked and to grasp the foundational principles of photography. Around that same time, my father purchased a Minolta 35mm camera, and we often spent time together capturing images—an experience that further deepened my passion.
In high school, I explored graphic design through coursework that introduced me to emerging digital tools. The school provided access to a Sony Mavica camera—a one-megapixel device that stored images on 3.5-inch floppy disks, each capable of holding just a single photo. Carrying multiple disks across campus was part of the process, but the novelty of digital photography was exciting, especially at a time when the technology was still in its infancy.
After graduating, I began working at a local newspaper in the Photoshop department. There, I operated a Fuji mini-lab, developing film for staff photographers. My responsibilities included scanning negatives and performing color correction for editorial use. During my time at the newspaper, the organization invested in a Nikon D1—a two-megapixel digital camera that represented a significant step forward. It was then that I recognized digital photography as the future of the medium. Shortly thereafter, I purchased my first “serious” digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 990. Despite its modest resolution by today’s standards, it was a powerful tool at the time, and I embraced every opportunity to photograph.
While working full-time, I pursued a college education in communications and graphic design. Many of my assignments required original photography, and it was during this period that I realized my true passion lay behind the camera rather than in web design, audio production, or coding.
Over the next two decades, I built a career in the printing industry, ultimately working as a prepress manager. Photography remained a consistent part of my work, as clients frequently required original imagery for their projects. In 2005, I upgraded to a Nikon Coolpix bridge camera with eight megapixels and an impressive zoom range. While it expanded my capabilities, the fixed lens and limited manual controls eventually led me to seek more advanced equipment.
In 2007, I began attending Photoshop World in Orlando, Florida. Between sessions, I explored the trade show floor and discovered the breadth of professional photographic tools available. This experience led me to invest in a Nikon D300 paired with an 18–200mm lens—equipment that significantly expanded my creative potential.
The economic downturn of 2008 brought unexpected change, as the collapse of the housing market impacted the printing industry and left me without a job. While challenging, this period also presented an opportunity. After discussing it with my father, I launched a photography business. I became actively involved in local Chambers of Commerce and began marketing my services. Within months, I was working with newspapers, magazines, and private clients. Each assignment presented new challenges and learning experiences. To supplement my income and share my knowledge, I also began teaching photography courses at local colleges, covering topics such as camera fundamentals, lighting, HDR, and Photoshop.
Living in Southwest Florida placed me near the gallery of renowned photographer Clyde Butcher in Venice. Seeing his large-format black-and-white work for the first time was transformative. I was struck by the extraordinary detail and tonal depth of his prints. When I asked how such quality was achieved, the answer was simple: film. Observing his 8×10 large-format camera inspired me to explore this medium myself. After extensive research, I decided to make the transition.
I sourced large-format equipment from a specialty dealer in New York, marking the beginning of a new and technically demanding chapter. Learning to develop sheet film at this scale presented a steep learning curve, but I embraced the challenge, supplementing my knowledge through online resources. Rather than building a traditional darkroom, I adopted a hybrid workflow—developing film and scanning negatives using an Epson V800, followed by digital cleanup in Photoshop. To produce final prints, I invested in a 44-inch Epson printer, enabling me to create prints up to 40×50 inches. The deliberate, methodical nature of working with a large-format camera transformed my approach, encouraging me to slow down and thoughtfully compose each image. During this time, I also began sharing my experiences through a YouTube channel, offering insights, techniques, and lessons learned.
In 2018, seeking greater stability and a more localized lifestyle, I joined my county government, working within the library and history division. My role involves program development and marketing, which has been both rewarding and demanding. However, it also prompted me to reassess how I balance my professional responsibilities with my creative pursuits.
In 2021, I transitioned back to digital photography, investing in a Nikon Z6, which remains my primary camera today. Despite this shift, my passion for black-and-white photography has remained constant. I continue to explore a variety of subjects, including nature, studio work, abandoned spaces, and macro photography—each offering its own creative challenges and rewards.
Thank you for taking the time to view my work. I hope my images inspire new ideas and perspectives. I invite you to explore my blog for insights into my current projects and visit the gear page for a detailed look at the equipment I use. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please feel free to reach out.