Darnell Bates is a Long Beach, California based photographer who specializes in landscape photography. His images tend toward a minimalist view, isolating images in natural, open, or urban landscapes creating a sense of solitude. Bates shoots images that calm his soul and honor the landscape we are all part of. He hones his craft as a student at Long Beach City College.
Bates’ love for the arts came first through music, studying saxophone and clarinet while a student at Centennial High School in Compton, California. He joined the Army and became a Goodwill Ambassador touring the world as part of a military jazz band. While living in Germany and France, Bates was exposed to the art of Monet and Rodin, and photographer Ansel Adams, whose romantic and minimalist approaches influenced his vision.
