BFA Photography, Shepherd University

Based in San Francisco Bay Area

I love music. I hug trees. I adore chocolate. I heart San Francisco. But those are chapters of my story for another time.  

The photosounds chapter began in 2018 while hiking in Berkeley’s Tilden Park. I heard music on the trails and in the trees, so I picked up my camera to capture those moments. The resulting images and songs came together in my first book, Tilden: An Epic Photo Poem. And with that book, I discovered my calling:  

I’m a photo essayist, and I tell musical stories. 

A picture may speak a thousand words, but places have bigger tales to tell. From mountain trails to city streets, I’ve been recording the photosounds of my northern California home. It is my passion, and with my books (now 9 of them!) and Instagram Gallery, my purpose is to help you see scenes in a new way and to inspire you to look and listen for the musicals in your world. 

What is photography that goes to 11?

It’s more than a picture, it’s a feeling. It’s the aura of a place and time that draws you in and intimately connects you to our world.

Also, my photography gives more by giving back. Between 10%-100% of profits from my photosounds merchandise go to environmental and humanitarian causes. Because we are all connected. 

CONTACT | photosounds@DeniseBarnhart.com