ABOUT DOUGLAS DEAS A Charlestonian by birth and nature, Doug prefers the timeless image, natural and “real.” Rarely does he create the melodramatic and staged photograph, unless the subject (or subject matter) requires it. Though partially educated and “cultured” in the northeast, Doug is rooted in the southern, story-telling manner of allowing an event or personality to unfold – not rushed, not forced, perhaps with a slight massaging and guidance when needed. In addition to eating a lot of rice and worshipping his ancestors (a Charleston thing), he explains his approach to photography by quoting a very old Chinese saying, “Hey, I am as flexible as a wet noodle.” That is to say, he goes with the flow. He uses light, gesture, and emotion to reveal character and personality, whether for a commercial shoot or for a wedding - sometimes posed, but never stiff or artificial. After enlightening years as a ship chandler, food broker, and public relations kind of person, it seems a logical progression to him that he would become a photographer. He credits his first bullfight for this burning desire. Standing before thousands, he made the ultimate decision never to enter the bullring and to sit down before he and his instamatic were sacrificed for obstructing the view. It was a defining moment, a true revelation. Extensive Rorschach testing further convinced him that the smudged butterfly that others envision was in reality a bride with wings or just the most amazing golf swing. Anyway, the ink blotch smelled like printer’s ink, which has led him directly to a full life in photography. Doug Deas takes his work seriously, likes a challenge, but can’t resist having a bit of fun, too. It’s not just a job, it’s a calling.