Pat O'Hara
Pat O'Hara's photography has been showcased in seventeen books. Washington Wilderness, The Unfinished Work, with writer Harvey Manning and Washington's Wild Rivers with writer/poet Tim McNulty (both published by The Mountaineers Books, Seattle) were important regional contributions early in his career on behalf of wilderness preservation. Pat's work was featured in Woodlands Press National Parks Books, an award-winning series designed by McQuiston and Partners of Del Mar, California. His extensive publication history encompasses trade books, magazines, calendars, greeting cards posters, advertisements, and electronic mediums.
Professional awards have recognized Pat's talents over the years. Some notable examples are: Photography Gold Medal presented by the New York Art Directors Club, Award of Excellence by Communication Arts magazine, numerous editorial salutations and Distinguished Alumni Award from Central Washington University. Nikon USA selected Pat recently to be one of the initial photographers featured in its "Legends Behind the Lens" Internet portfolio series. Pat has served as a Board member for the Olympic Park Institute.
Several book concepts featuring Pat's photography are currently under development. Places of Inspiration, a fine art portfolio, will be complemented by exhibitions of his fine art prints. Impressionistic images will be featured in another portfolio. Collaborating with Russian photographer, Afanassi Makovnev, another book will honor the natural history, wildlife and subsistence cultures of the Beringian Heritage International Park, (a co-proposed park by the US and Russia) along the Bering Strait and the Chukchi Sea straddling the Arctic Circle.
Fluent in digital imaging, Pat actively uses technology for creative endeavors, particularly with fine art printing. Exhibits of his images have received accolades from the professional community. In 2003 he was invited to be the first photographer to exhibit at the National Parks Conservation Association's new gallery and information center in Seattle and enjoyed a successful three-month exhibit at the Mountain Light gallery in California. His fine art prints reside in public and private collections internationally.
His Studio and home base are located on Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula.