Welcome to Spirit Photography Ltd Company. My name is Shawn Van Dyke, and I proudly serve as the Owner, Photographer, Editor, and Manager/Coordinator of Spirit Photography. My primary focus and specialty lie in photographing individuals in action, with the goal of capturing the mood, attitude, reactions, personality, and unique character of each person. I am highly skilled in candid and outdoor natural light photography, a style that enables me to create authentic, vibrant, and compelling images that genuinely reflect the true essence of my subjects.

I use a manual wheelchair due to Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), a condition that has significantly shaped various aspects of my life and daily routines. I am happily married to a US Army Veteran, and together we share a strong and meaningful bond that is deeply rooted in our shared values and life experiences. As a convert member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my faith is an essential and guiding part of my everyday life, providing strength and comfort. I greatly enjoy interacting with others and find genuine fulfillment in forming and nurturing meaningful connections. Additionally, I have a deep passion for photography, a craft I have been dedicated to for over nine years, since 2016, which allows me to creatively express myself and capture significant, memorable moments in life.

Photography came into my life in a very unexpected and unplanned manner. It all started after I experienced a near-death accident on my Harley-Davidson motorcycle on February 28, 2012. Despite the severity of the crash, I continued to ride for two more years following the accident. However, eventually, I became disabled due to Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), which forced me to completely rethink and reinvent my life. As a result, I made the difficult decision to sell my beloved Harley-Davidson. It was at that point that my journey with photography truly began. I decided to invest in a Canon camera at the PX located on Base, Ft. Belvoir, in Alexandria, Virginia.

For nearly an entire year, I dedicated myself to practicing almost every single day in order to learn how to shoot confidently in Manual Mode. I have spent countless nights and many bright days attentively studying and refining my ability to master the subtle interplay of “Lights and Shadows.” One day, my wife suggested I focus more on photographing people instead of objects. Taking her advice to heart, I began to concentrate on capturing individuals in a natural, candid way. From that moment on, my focus shifted from photographing buildings and structures to truly connecting with people through my lens, and I have grown to love this new direction immensely. I find great joy in photographing a person’s behavior—whether it reflects good or bad moments. What excites me the most are events and games because they offer such a diverse range of genuine reactions and emotions. This passion has become the essence of my life: to FREEZE THE MOMENT in time, preserving it forever through my photographs.

I’m ready to photograph you at any outdoor event, day or night, all year round. I can work in different weather conditions like rain, wind, and temperature changes, as long as it’s safe and doesn’t cause harm. Your safety and comfort, along with mine, are always my top priority.

I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to be of service to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and together, let’s create meaningful memories that we can cherish and share for generations to come. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Shawn Van Dyke