About the Artists
Nathan
Bell
Greetings! My name is Nathan Bell. I am the head Photographer and Manager of Richard Bell Photography.
My Convictions:
The most important thing that people should know about me is that I
am a Christian, a designation that influences every aspect of my life
and career. My highest goal in life is to honor God by loving Him and
by loving others. I therefore strive to operate this studio with the
highest degree of integrity, excellence, and beauty that I know how.
My sincere desire is that many may also come to know the freedom and
love that I have found in Christ.
My Prospects:
On August 5, 2005 I married the lovely young lady named Mell,
(now, adorably, Mell Bell). Come visit our studio, and I'll show you
some of our wedding pictures. Mell has been among the greatest blessings
in my life, and every day she gives me more reasons to cherish her.
We are making our life together here in North Charleston, SC, while
I persue a career that I am thankful for, near my family and friends.
My Education:
I graduated Magna Cum Laude, with Honors College from the South
Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina, with a
Bachelors degree in Media Arts, which is a joint study of photography,
video, film and multimedia design. USC was an extremely formative time
in my life and made me very much into the man I am today.
My Experience:
I have worked at Richard Bell Photography for most of my life,
assisting Richard Bell, my father, who founded the company under the
name Aspen Photography in New York circa 1989. I was a wedding videographer
for over 4 years here before I switched exclusively to photography.
I was an assistant and second photographer to Richard Bell for over
ten years. Richard has since stepped down from the studio. Nearly all
of the sample work that you see on this website is my work.
I have also done video work in Ghana, West Africa where I helped produce a documentary style promotional video, for the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy, and Bible Translation.
I have done extensive web design for a variety of organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ, and Lowcountry Wedding Professionals.
My Certifications
I am a member in good standing of Professional Photographers
of America.
I am currently member and board appointee of Lowcountry
Wedding Professionals.
My Hobbies:
My major hobbies include photography (of course!), reading,
philosophy, theology, and web design. I enjoy a variety of board games,
and I love a game of Ultimate frisbee if I can get a team together.
Valerie
Schooling
Somebody pinch me. I get to wake up in the morning
and do THIS as my full-time job? For real?
To me, the title "Photographer" doesn't say enough. Maybe
something more like "Portrait Artist" or "Lifestyle Photojournalist"
would sound better to describe what I do. Though anyone can pick up
a camera and take a picture, God has blessed me with the imagination
to make my images speak. I am a passionate, creative people-person who
appreciates beauty in the details. It thrills me that I am able to create
order and beauty through the lens of my camera from a scene most people
would walk right past and never see.
Beyond photography, I love to travel. I've challenged myself to see
as many different cities/countries as possible. I am a connoisseur of
good coffee, but never without cream and sugar. I'm not a very good
cook, but I can shake up a mean martini. My mom says I've never met
a stranger. I love spending time with my friends and laughing until
my sides hurt. I believe sarcasm can be an art form. I also enjoy dog
training. My little Yorkshire Terrier, Sully is my best little buddy,
and he can do some amazing tricks! Oh, and I love taking pictures...did
I mention that yet? :-)
Valerie has a Bachelor of Art degree in Mass Communication
from Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, a strong background in news
journalism, and has worked for Richard Bell Photography, LLC since February
of 2006.