Martin Church is a native of Watauga County, North Carolina and was first taught darkroom based photography by the librarian at Mabel Elementary School in Zionville. Martin has a BA in Photography from Virginia Intermont College and an MFA from Radford University. Exploring the mountains around Boone in his youth, he first developed an appreciation for the land. The Appalachian mountains became his first inspiration for photography where he began, not only to document the landscape, but the people, the shadows of this ancient place and the highlights of personal experience. He has taught photography at James Madison University, Radford University and Virginia Western Community College. He currently teaches in the Art Department at Appalachian State University. Martin seeks to create images exploring the cycle of life, of subjects in flux, the process of change, and moments of spiritual awakening. Chances are you can find him just out back or perhaps taking a long walk a short way from here.