Here’s the thing about award-winning photographer Alan Maltz: He’s a total romantic.
Take a closer look at his stunning photograph, “Dramatic Ending,” gracing the cover of our summer issue of DESTINATION FLORIDA. Or, for that matter, peruse any of Maltz’s other works. His photographs effuse deep emotion and envelope you with the artist’s visionary magic.
Whether capturing nature’s allure or everyday life’s subtleties, this self-taught prodigy never uses shortcuts to achieve virtuosity.
Instead, he simply follows the light.
The funny thing is that becoming a professional photographer never crossed Alan Maltz’s mind. But then, something extraordinary happened at his college graduation. He heard this “Voice.” A Voice that resonated from deep within and whispered four simple words: “Pick up a camera.” The message was clear and insistent. The young Maltz was awe-stricken.
Having just graduated with a degree in psychology, Maltz had absolutely no inclination toward art. Heck, he had never even taken a photo in all of his young life. Still, the “Voice’s” message continued to resonate: “Pick up a camera.”
Maltz and his friends headed overseas the following day for a celebratory graduation trip. Carefully stowed in his carry-on bag was a shiny new Miranda Sensorex camera.
During the long transatlantic flight to France, Maltz tutored himself on the camera’s inner workings. By the time his plane touched down in Paris, Maltz was eager to start shooting. His first photo, “Meeting in Marseilles,” marked the official start of a four-month “Photo Safari.”
Once he returned stateside, Maltz reviewed the collection of photos from his journey. That moment changed the trajectory of his life forever. The now budding photographer suddenly understood the mystical instruction propagated by “The Voice.” It was an epiphany that revealed Maltz’s true calling.
Early in his career as a photographer, Alan Maltz made a critical decision to make Florida his life’s work. Today, he is “Florida’s Official Wildlife & Fine Art Photographer”. He has nearly four decades of images in his expanding collection of Florida Art.
Working from his Duval Street Gallery & Studio in the heart of Old Town, Key West, Alan Maltz oversees all aspects of business operations, including gallery management, corporate and residential projects, and the never-ending creation of new works of art. Quality control is paramount for Maltz, who credits much of his success to his wife, Leslie, his talented staff, and the “Higher Power” within us all.
Now celebrating 25 years, the Alan S Maltz Gallery is a sight to behold. See for yourself at 1210 Duval Street. Info: 305-294-0005; alanmaltz.com.
