Born and raised in southern Indiana, Joseph Dollens discovered his passion for photography at the age of 13. He began as a photographer for his school newspaper, where he learned to capture the essence of moments with his lens. Joseph then embarked on a path that led him to work with local newspapers and to become a local wedding photographer. Throughout this period, he focused on the art of black & white photography. Following his graduation from Indiana University, Joseph ventured into the dynamic world of advertising. Here, he cultivated a unique expertise in the visual language of communication, crafting campaigns that resonated with viewers on a visual level. Today, Joseph Dollens is President at GIO Intelligence ( www.gio.com ), a distinguished visual marketing firm headquartered in Chicago Illinois. Joseph's photographic philosophy centers on capturing images that reflect the subjects state of being at that moment. His preferred medium, black & white, allows him to distill the essence of an image, emphasizing content, contrast, and shape. Through his lens, Joseph conveys a myriad lifestyles and daily rituals of people from every corner of the globe. Among the photographers who’s styles he most strives to emulate are Ansel Adams, for his sublime landscapes and Dorothea Lange for her ability to capture the human struggle. In an ever-evolving visual landscape, Joseph Dollens uses photography to reveal the world's hidden narratives and celebrate the exceptional found within the ordinary.