Renowned Fine Art Photographer Alan S. Maltz is a true romantic. The ethereal nature of light inspires him to create imagery that is both immediate and eternal, abstract and impressionistic. A Nikon camera and Fuji Velvia slide film (ASA 50) are his brush and palette. Whether photographing the subtleties of wildlife or the charms of daily life, this self-taught artist does not use filters to achieve virtuosity; instead, he follows the light.

Maltz has been designated the "Official Fine Art Photographer for the State of Florida" by VISIT FLORIDA and "The Official Wildlife Photographer of Florida" by the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. His art is represented in private, public and corporate collections throughout the world. Among them are: Bank of America Tower at International Place in Miami, FL; Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, GA; The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater, FL, and Canson in Caen, France. Sixty of his fine art images are on permanent exhibition at the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, FL. These commissioned, limited edition pieces hang in large format (72" x 52") and capture the allure of everyday life in the natural world.

His acclaimed books have received numerous honors and recognition. Both Key West Color (1995) and Miami City of Dreams (1997) were named "Best Coffee Table Book of the Year" by the National Association of Independent Publishers. Florida... Beyond the Blue Horizon (2006) was selected as the "Official Welcome Gift for Super Bowl XLI" and received numerous awards, including "Best Florida Book for Adults" and "Best Interior Design" by the Florida Publishers Association. Governor Charlie Crist represented his state by presenting Florida... Beyond the Blue Horizon to dignitaries around the world. Visions of Beauty — Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond... (2010), has already received much acclaim from the media, local government, corporate and private sectors of Lee County, FL. His fifth book, Journey Through Paradise… Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades will be released shortly.

National and regional publications have featured his work, including The New Yorker, Robb Report, US Airways magazine, Publishers Weekly, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald, New York Post, ARTnews, Newsday and O, The Oprah Magazine. Florida Monthly chose him as one of their "21 Most Intriguing Floridians."

The Alan S. Maltz Gallery, established in 1999, is located on Duval Street in Old Town Key West and features his cutting-edge fine art, innovative framing designs and published works. Alan and his family enjoy the tranquility of nature from their home in the lower Florida Keys.

Inner Visions - An Artist's Perspective

As far back as I can remember, I had a desire to express myself an artist. Yet whatever my talents might have been they remained hidden. Then one day in June while Helen Hayes was speaking at my college graduation, a voice from within spoke these words, "Pick up a camera." The message was clear and insistent. The following day I left for Europe and North Africa with some friends, my newly acquired camera in hand. After I reviewed the results of my first rolls of film, I realized my visual interpretation was unique. I had found my calling in life.

Photography for me expresses a natural, intuitive sense of knowing what to do and when to do it. Through the years I have perfected my technique, but my initial vision remains unchanged. The substance comes straight from the heart. I choose studies that are positive and uplifting, reflecting the joys of life. Sunsets and sunrises recur in my work like perennial bookends to my growing collection of images. My goal as a photographer is to capture the essence, the spirit of my vision in the most romantic light possible. The observer is invited to connect with the subject in a process intended to enlighten and inspire.

Although my work looks good over the sofa, I hope it accomplishes more. As an artist, I want to share a poetic interpretation of the beauty and mystique that surrounds us. In presenting the familiar at the most ideal, I reveal the fanciful as everyday occurrence. At best, I think my images open a door of perception that leads the viewer to see the world with new eyes.