About Gavin Haag Photography
Seattle, WA | info@gavinhaag.photography
I am a Seattle-based photographer born in New York and raised in San Francisco. I specialize in commercial and corporate headshots, real estate and architecture, and event photography. I’ve been told I have a keen eye—which is always lovely to hear—and I pride myself on creating the highest quality photo possible. I’m passionate about capturing the decisive moment (yes, I am a big fan of Henri Cartier-Bresson). I deliver high-quality images that exceed expectations. I’ve spent my life dedicated to creativity and I’d love to collaborate with you for your photography needs.
From New York City to San Francisco to Los Angeles and now Seattle, my life has been shaped by a lifetime of creative exploration and a passion for capturing the connection between people and places.
The roots of my creative journey were planted in Soho, New York City, by my parents, who were surrounded by the arts. We relocated to the eclectic streets of San Francisco, notably Castro Street, when I was three. I studied theatre and acting at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and TV; then those undergraduate years took an unconventional twist when I toured as a roadie for the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. Post college, I kept touring, playing drums in bands throughout the lower 48. I returned to the entertainment industry, acting in small roles in big projects (most notably in The Trial of the Chicago 7, White House Plumbers, Plot Against America, and The Incredible Jessica James). I learned from my experiences working in front of the camera with masterful directors and technicians. That real-world education developed my compositional and visual storytelling style.
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a standstill in March 2020, I experienced a transformative experience while walking the New York streets with my old 35mm camera. I began documenting the rapidly changing landscape of my Brooklyn borough and New York City, framing a new version of the city that emerged as it went quiet, with subways emptying and strangers avoiding each other on the streets. Through photography, I began to see the world in a new way. Like I said, this was transformative. This photographic study of my city marked a significant turning point in my life and photography became my primary means of creative expression.
Rugged, maybe? Timely, yeah. I started my first personal work with, "NO YORK: 2020" a series capturing the details of life during the pandemic in New York – masks, boarded-up businesses, social distancing, illness and recovery, and the social inequalities laid bare by the crisis. By the way, the series title was coined by Mauri (Luisa Black) Skinfill, an early champion of my photography and a voice of wisdom who whispered this amazing branding into my ear when I shared some shots. I shot exclusively on 35mm film using a Nikon F2s; I got up close to strangers on the streets and showed a novel and raw slice of a city transformed. With the camera, I saw the world around me with fresh eyes.
In 2021, my family and I left NYC for Los Angeles. I started developing a fine art series called "NO ANGELS: Alleyways of Los Angeles." LA inspired me as a cinematic backdrop imprinted in my brain from watching millions of movies and TV shows filmed in LA. The series was an exercise in framing contrasts — within footsteps, LA streets are glitzy and glamourous, then seedy and dark. I started photographing alleys, which, to me, have significance, such as the urban underbelly and the shadowy byways of Los Angeles. Heavily inspired by Harry Gruyaert, Todd Hido, Jay Maisel, and the cinematography of Robby Müller and Stanley Kubrick, I made long exposures using low-light techniques to juxtapose the commercial sheen of Melrose Boulevard's neon-lit boutiques with the gritty reality of the parallel alleyways. These typically unseen and ignored corridors struck me as portraits of isolation, danger, and hiding whatever runs beneath the veneer of Hollywood's glamour. These fine art projects began attracting overtures to make commercial and corporate photography, so I leaned into applying an artistic vision or concept to various subjects and styles.
Why Should You Work With Me?
My approach to photoshoots is informed by my background as a touring musician, actor, corporate marketing professional, and father. I take pride in bringing artistry and technical precision to projects. I approach my work by bringing positive energy and a collaborative camaraderie— call it years of practice from working in bands and plays. Just as in music, a successful band is often about successful relationships -- getting along with bandmates is way more important than virtuosity. I work hard to create an atmosphere on set where we can leverage our collective expertise, work diligently, and enjoy the creative process. It's a blend of technical mastery with a team-oriented approach, ensuring we produce outstanding work while fostering an enjoyable, productive experience for everyone involved.
I deliver high-quality visuals that elevate brand storytelling for businesses across the USA. I bring creative leadership from my multifaceted acting, music, and corporate marketing career to create campaigns with intelligence and vision.
Seattle is home today, but my unique experiences in NYC, San Francisco, and LA continuously shape my photographic approach. Whether crafting corporate visuals, preserving street scenes, or working on a personal fine art project, my work attempts to distill the culture and essence of a moment into resonant frames.
I'd love to hear from you if you're interested in collaborating or learning more about my work. Feel free to email me at info@gavinhaag.photography.
