I reckon you’d like to know more
about myself and the history
of Bell Photography.
Here We Go:
Bell Photography is currently owned and operated by David and Dee Bell. Bell Photography was first established by David's father, Gene Bell, back in the mid 1950s. Having been surrounded with imaging throughout his life, David first began working professionally during his high school years photographing weddings, providing layout and B&W images for both local high school yearbooks, as well as working in the darkroom printing all the images that he was shooting. “This experience taught me a lot about what I was shooting. I knew that if I got the image “right” in the camera, it would save me major headaches once I was in the darkroom.”
David's educational background includes, after graduation from WCHS in 1976, attending regular university courses at UNC-W for one year, and later attending commercial photography courses at NC State under the guidance of Pete Turner (one of the world’s leading commercial photographers).
Portrait training was established at Winona School Of Professional Photography during two Summer sessions. David was fortunate enough to have Dean Collins, as well as Gerhart Bakker for his primary instructors. “Dean Collins was totally awesome. I can remember afternoon classes wrapping up around 4:30 and Dean would welcome any interested students to return after dinner. I was there every night as he would continue on sometimes well after midnight.”
But probably the most beneficial education occurred during the 12 years David worked by his father’s side. Actual hands on, real world experiences have led to an educational experience that no university or money could have possibly provided.
Somewhat unique to most photography studios, Bell Photography began operating an in-house color lab way back when color photography first became available. This continued to include every aspect of delivering the finished photograph. From image capture, to framing and all the many processes required to deliver the highest image quality available during those times.
Now we’ve entered the new millennium and along with it comes the digital era. “It’s interesting that when my father began in the business he was one of the early pioneers in using color film and was also using his own equipment for printing his work. I’m now experiencing a very similar evolution in the photographic industry with all the new emerging digital technologies. The days of using a 20 year old Hasselblad film camera are ending. As better digital equipment becomes available you need to reevaluate your systems and adapt.” As the times have changed, so has Bell Photography. Bell Photography now incorporates these new developments in digital imaging technology and continue to produce the final products that are delivered to their clients. Combined with over 10 years of Macintosh computer experience and having worked within a traditional color lab for over 20 years, David, and Bell Photography continue to provide the finest service, creativity and image quality available. "I would have never believed it possible, but the newest digital imaging surpasses all of my expectations. And the good news is that it's getting better everyday and we have made a huge commitment to pursue the digital realm. It's truly an exciting time to be working within this industry."
Bell Photography has remained in the same location since the 1950’s. Located just off Highway 70, it is easily accessed via a traffic light located between Parker Pontiac and The Carteret Pride Car Wash. After turning onto Mansfield Parkway our office is located within the second house on the left, directly across from the access road leading to the K-Mart ("Big K").
Thanks For Looking,
