JOIN A PRIVATE LIGHT HUNT

By Sam Minkler, Full Professor of Photography, Northern Arizona University

I first met Michael Fatali while I was a college student—long before I became a professor of photography. His work had an immediate and lasting impact on me. Created with large-format cameras, natural light, and masterful darkroom technique, his images of the American Southwest stood out not just for their beauty, but for their depth and spiritual resonance.

As a full-blooded Navajo (Diné), I saw in Michael’s photographs an extraordinary reflection of our core values—the reverence for Mother Earth and Father Sky, the harmony of land and light, and the sacredness of place. His work embodies the spirit of Hózhó—balance, beauty, and interconnectedness. He doesn't simply photograph the land; he honors it. His imagery has contributed to the broader recognition and emotional connection people have with places like the slot canyons of Southern Utah, elevating them from hidden treasures to national icons.

Michael is a rare kind of photographer—deeply artistic, yet also highly scientific and calculated in his craft. He studies and understands light with extraordinary precision, making decisions about exposure, timing, and composition with a level of care that borders on the mathematical. His knowledge of the environment and natural rhythms allows him to capture fleeting moments of perfect illumination that most would miss. This balance of intuitive beauty and technical mastery is what sets his work apart.

Beyond his photographic achievements, Michael has built a strong and respected reputation within the art and photography communities. He is known not only for his skill and vision but also for his integrity and generosity. He is supported by a loving and engaged family, who have stood by him through the years and contributed to the sense of groundedness that is evident in both his life and work.

His personal journey and success as a photographer, gallery owner, and entrepreneur are a model of what is possible with vision, dedication, and authenticity. He has operated a world-class photography gallery, developed a distinctive and enduring artistic voice, and established a legacy that continues to inspire others.

He possesses the rare ability to teach across generations. Whether engaging young students or adult learners, he offers not only technical mastery but also a profound sense of purpose, storytelling, and reverence for the land. He understands both the artistic and commercial dimensions of photography—excelling in marketing, presentation, and audience engagement. His lived experience operating a world-class gallery and navigating the business side of photography makes him uniquely suited to prepare students for careers in fine art, editorial, and commercial photography alike. Just as importantly, he brings insight into the spiritual and cultural layers that give photography its deeper meaning.

Michael is also known by the Native name Light Hunter—a title that reflects not only his artistic identity but also his lifelong journey of chasing, capturing, and honoring light. His path as a light hunter is not merely a profession but a calling—one that inspires others to see the world with clarity, gratitude, and respect. His ability to create value, foster appreciation, and inspire a lifelong love for the photographic arts is truly unmatched.

Very few know the land and people of the Four Corners region more intimately or more respectfully. His insight, his artistry, and his lived experience make him an invaluable resource—not only as a photographer but as an educator, mentor, and community voice. I can think of no one better suited to teach, guide, and inspire future generations of photographers.

Respectfully

Sam A. Minkler

Professor, School of Communication

Northern Arizona University