Christopher Davies is a seasoned professional photographer with over 45 years of experience. His journey began in 1976, when he was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious New York School of Film and Media at SUNY Buffalo. The following year, he earned another full scholarship to the renowned School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, further honing his artistic vision and technical skills.
Davies was mentored by acclaimed photographers Joseph Szabo and Peter Laytin, whose guidance left a lasting imprint on his creative approach. Between 1977 and 1980, he built his reputation as a freelance photographer, capturing electrifying moments of Rock and Roll performers for Concerts East and the historic Calderone Concert Hall on Long Island. Some of the iconic bands photographed include Led Zeppelin, Santana, Cheap Trick, Todd Rundgren and Utopia, Twisted Sister, and The Spinners.
In 1981, Davies embarked on an 18-year journey into the business side of photography, seeking financial prosperity while staying close to his passion. He excelled in senior management roles at industry-leading companies, including GMI Photographic (Bronica), Satter Distributing, and The Charles Beseler Company. Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, Davies co-founded Challenger Photo Marketing, which became an early US representative for esteemed brands like Billingham Camera Bags, Paterson/Phillips Enlargers, and Widelux Cameras.
In 1997, Davies became Network Sales Manager at Petersen Photographic Magazine, where he managed advertising sales for top clients including Nikon, Kodak, Minolta, and Tamron. Immersed in a network of the world's most talented photographers, Davies found fresh inspiration to reignite his own creative pursuits and return to the heart of professional photography.
Peter Layton and his mentor Minor White were pivotal influences on Davies' early work. Ever the innovator, Davies experimented with special lighting and filtration techniques, achieving striking results as an avid user of Kodak Black & White Infrared Film. This medium evokes nostalgia for the classic days of film photography. In the 1990s, his creative approach captured the attention of Eastman Kodak's professional film marketing department, which sponsored his projects by providing complimentary "bricks" of this sought-after film. Among his notable works are captivating documentaries of the Golden Gate Bridge and the landscapes of Taos, New Mexico.
In the late 1980s, Davies became friends with renowned high-rise photographer Peter “B” Kaplan, the official photographer for the Statue of Liberty restoration. Together, they produced several photography equipment expos at Kaplan’s New York City studios, titled “Focus on Quality.” Kaplan’s mentorship profoundly influenced Davies’s approach to photography and introduced him to the field of skyscraper documentary work. In 2007, Davies secured a multi-year contract to document the construction of 1800 Larimer Street in Denver, a 22-story LEED Platinum skyscraper.
In 2002, Davies and his wife Darcy founded Wine Country Network, the publisher of Wine Country International ®—a high-end print magazine celebrating wine, food, and travel. As Editor and Publisher, Davies continues to photograph major cover stories for the magazine, profiling luminaries such as A&E's Bill Curtis, superstar chef Daniel Boulud, Warren Winiarski, founder of Staggs Leap Winery, and NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. Today, Wine Country International reaches over 600,000 readers every month as a quarterly online publication, with print editions available on demand.
Davies proudly continues as chief photographer for Wine Country International magazine, capturing the vibrant spirit of the industry. He regularly takes on exciting assignments for corporate clients like Guidepost Publishing, Scholastic, and a lively mix of Colorado restaurants and wine-industry partners. With the world opening post-COVID-19, he's thrilled to be back on the road, embracing a packed travel schedule. As a dedicated General Member of ASMP, Davies enthusiastically welcomes challenging projects for select clients.
