From 1985 through 2006, Charles Purvis was one of the top studio photographers in New York City, creating groundbreaking imagery for a wide variety of internationally known clients.

In addition to commercial assignments, Charles has created a large body of innovative art inspired by a relentless curiosity and desire to uncover the creative potential of the photographic medium to enhance our experience of visual perception.

Although considered still life, Charles’ images are not primarily concerned with a literal or symbolic reading of the object. Paradoxically, meaning is enhanced by the ways the object is defamiliarized through formal means. Much of the work references the materiality of the traditional medium and the plasticity of the digital as performative objects integrated into the structure and meaning of the image. The intent is to evolve the image away from literal representation and evolve the viewers’ relationship with the image beyond one of accepting what is offered as a representation of reality.

Through the years Charles has taught and mentored hundreds of people in photography, art, and creative expression. He understands the necessity of personal healing and is passionate in supporting people to realize their full creative potential.

Charles lives and works in New York’s vibrant Hudson Valley, close to family, friends, and the ultimate creative force, Nature.

Every image on this site (except the above portrait) originated as film—negative, transparency, or Polaroid.

35mm,120mm, 4x5, 8x10, or 20x24.