The Story of Wittmayer Photographers

   Eric and Dan Wittmayer are proud to comprise the third generation of Wittmayer Photographers. Founded in 1908 by their Grandfather, Gustave Wittmayer, and relocated to Atlanta by their parents, Bob and Ruth in 1978, they continue a tradition dedicated to artistic innovation, real life documentation and reliable customer service. Gus Wittmayer was one of the honored members of the Manhattan Camera Club and created portraits of the generation of immigrants who settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the early 20th century. He continued to photograph these same people as they prospered and migrated to other parts of the greater New York area from the 1920’s through the 1950’s. Gus Wittmayer and Son became a recognized neighborhood institution and was part of the recorded history of that important section of the city.
    Bob Wittmayer apprenticed with his father as a child and took over management of the studio after doing naval service in the South Pacific during WWII. With a unique vision, a desire to work hard and portray beauty, he expanded the business to a chain of studios, eventually establishing one of the most recommended photography businesses in the Atlanta area. His love of photography propelled him to become a nationally recognized teacher, award winning photographer, a Master of Photography/Photographic Craftsman from the Professional Photographers of America, and a past president of the American Society of Photographers. Retired now, he continues to hone his talents, photographing people and nature in Hilton Head, S.C.
    The late Ruth Wittmayer also passed a rich legacy of creativity, love for people and dedication to the quality of the studio’s product, to her sons. With a background in painting from the Art Students League, she used that foundation to begin photographing the flowers that grew in her lush gardens. With a style that was a cross between impressionistic painting and abstract art, she created hundreds of award winning images that were an expression of her giant heart. Much sought after as a lecturer and instructor, she became the first woman in the state of Georgia to receive the Master of Photography Degree from the Professional Photographers of America. Ruth’s service as a mentor to her colleagues earned her the Photographic Craftsman degree. A few months before her death, Ruth received the highest honor the Professional Photographers of America can award. She was one of a small group of women to earn the Fellowship of the American Society of Photographers, the seventy-fifth person in the world to do so. Known among her circle of peers as “The Flower Lady” she had one woman shows at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Dunwoody Public Library and her photographs were exhibited at Epcot in Orlando, Florida. She inspires us still!

Eric Wittmayer

Eric, with his love for travel and documentary photography, has learned to apply his awareness of his subject’s natural gestures and expressions to create a unique look to his wedding and portrait photography. By portraying the personalities and emotions of the individuals and families who seek his vision, whether it is a child in his room, or a bride and groom on their day, he incorporates the unique aspects of the environment they inhabit to create a look that his clients never tire of viewing.
    After growing up in the family business, much like his father before him, and learning to love and appreciate art from his mother, he took a need for visual expression into a career in photography. Practicing his craft on the streets of N.Y.C. and on the coasts and countryside of the northeast, he learned to love and appreciate black and white photography, which also shows up in his favorite wedding and portrait images. Traveling to places like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Europe, North Africa and six different visits to the former Soviet Union have helped develop his eye for emotions and body language, along with a concern for the human condition.
    His goal is “discovery” every time he picks up a camera, whether it is for professional assignment or for fun. The joy of accomplishment whenever this is achieved helps keep his passion for serving people and his appreciation for photography alive.
    Eric is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and has qualified for his Master of Photography degree. In addition, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Long Island University. He has received a Georgia Fellowship award and the Dick Dickerson Memorial award from the Georgia Professional Photographers Association. He is also an active member of Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. His work has been exhibited in traveling collections, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and has been seen in In Style Magazine and on television.
   A partial list of subjects include Bill Moyers, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner and family, country singer Travis Tritt, former Atlanta Hawks coach Lenny Wilkins, sports agent Lonnie Cooper and Monica Kaufman of WSB TV.

Dan Wittmayer

Dan loves that as a photographer, he shares and documents people when they are at their best. “I get to photograph my subjects when they are into their rites of passage. When a bride and groom, for example, step up onto the altar, they step back down changed forever. Emotions run high for all involved. Between the fashionably dressed, excited people and the beautifully decorated locations, and my own inspiration from them, the mix produces great images,” Dan says. Wherever possible, Dan strives to flatter people in his images. “I want my subjects to look back on their big day loving how they looked.”
   Dan translates his fascination and curiosity for art and life into images that reflect his caring nature. With an understanding that a child’s portrait can enhance the development of his or her self image, Dan aims to portray each child’s intelligence, and dignity as well as the child’s fun side. Dan’s gift for relating to his subjects on that magical childlike level is unmistakable in his photography. Dan says, “When I became a parent, my photography of children improved 200%.” Dan's son, Jared, born in 1992, is already an accomplished photographer, a fourth generation.
    With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and Filmmaking from Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn, Dan has taught photography and the art of seeing to children and adults. Dan learns while he teaches, and considers his education an ongoing process. His pursuit of knowledge and understanding helps in his growth as a talented photographer.
   Dan’s images have won awards; he is certified by the Professional Photographers of America, in addition to the Georgia Professional Photographers Association. His dedication to creating the best he can for his subjects, whether it is a bride and her attendants, a mother and her newborn or a family group of multiple generations insures that the Wittmayer tradition continues to live on.

Philanthropy

   The Wittmayers have a policy. We regularly donate our photographic services to worthy causes. We support with our donations to fund raising auctions to various Cancer Charities, schools, service organizations such as the Junior League and the Dunwoody Rotary Club, Synagogues and Churches, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and by our participation as event photographers. We believe in our responsibility to give back to our community.
    Along with our top team of associates, Joseph Aczel, David Beckers and Susan Kay, we consider it an honor to have the opportunity to capture the passages of life and the memories that will bring joy to you and future generations.

Sincerely,
Eric and Dan Wittmayer

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