About Craig McCord
Fine Art Landscape Photographer | Kingsville, Missouri
A Lifelong Journey in Light and Shadow
Born in 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida, my photographic journey began in the early 1970s while serving in the United States Air Force. What started as a curiosity soon became a lifelong pursuit. After building my own darkroom at home, I immersed myself in black and white photography—drawn to its expressive depth and quiet power.
Though I often say I’m self-taught and a slow learner, I’ve spent decades refining my craft through persistence, experimentation, and a deep respect for the medium. Influences like Ansel Adams, Brett Weston, John Sexton, Eliot Porter, and David Muench helped shape my creative foundation.
Losing—and Finding—My Way
In 2006, I transitioned to digital capture and focused primarily on color landscapes. For a time, the shift felt invigorating. But as the genre evolved, I found myself increasingly disconnected from the work I was producing. I nearly walked away from photography altogether.
Then came a quiet but persistent voice:
“Return to the cradle.”
That phrase now defines my renewed commitment to black and white photography. It’s not nostalgia—it’s a reconnection to the expressive freedom and tactile process that first drew me in. Today, I work primarily with medium format and 4x5 large format film cameras, embracing the deliberate pace and technical precision they demand. I still shoot color film on occasion, but my heart is in monochrome—where nuance, texture, and light take center stage.
Where I Work and What I Share
I currently reside in Kingsville, Missouri, where my home serves as both a creative retreat and a hub for collaboration.
My work has been featured in private and corporate collections. In 2016, the National Park Service honored my photography as part of their centennial celebration, and several large prints are now on permanent display at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Visitor Center.
I’m a contributing author to Visual Wilderness and have received recognition from Black and White Magazine, Monovision Awards, Noir International Photo Magazine, and Black Box Gallery.
Let’s Connect
Whether you're a fellow photographer, collector, or simply someone who finds meaning in the landscape, I welcome the opportunity to connect.