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.
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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