Photographer

Ryan Hulvat has been taking photos professionally since 1989. Currently an Artist in Residence with ArtsLehigh at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Hulvat also shoots for numerous regional, national magazines and corporate clients. Although his images cover a wide variety of subjects, all of Hulvat's photographs showcase a consistent vision based on an intimate knowledge of light and sensitivity to subject.

In 2005, Hulvat launched a career in teaching by sharing his love of photography with 100 fifth grade students through unseenamerica, a nationwide program that provides a mode of expression for individuals often "unseen" by commercial media. "Since that time I have gone on to develop classes for beginning photographers through advanced shooters," Hulvat says. "Teaching allows me to share my love for the medium with those hungry to find their voice through photography."

Today Hulvat teaches photography to disadvantaged youth through the Photo Documentary Project. This innovative jobs-training program, based at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, represents a unique partnership of ArtsQuest, CareerLink and the The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. "I have also taught photography to three- to five-year-olds with Pasela: Art as a Way of Learning," Hulvat says. "I also learned an incredible amount about teaching by inspiring middle-schoolers with the B-Smart after-school program. Additionally, I spent three years developing and implementing educational programs at a leading Pennsylvania camera store." Creating and teaching such programs as Zen and the Art of Photography, Digital Journaling, Kids Summer Camp, and Principles of Design and Composition for Photographers has provided Hulvat with a visual "voice" that inspires students of every age.

Photography is a deceptively simple medium, especially in a digital age when competent pictures are a snap. “But to take a photograph that is exceptional and deep—and to be able to do that on a consistent basis—often takes a lifetime of experience,” Hulvat says. “That’s awesome because photography is more than mastery over a physical and technological medium. Great photography draws upon who we are and the life views that we hold. It is a mirror to what we love and fear, and provides opportunities to explore subjects one might be too timid to explore without the excuse of a camera.”

In summary, Hulvat notes, “Photographers are voyeurs.”