In 1970, Joe Butts became a professional photographer. He opened his studio in 1974. The Professional Photographers of San Diego County awarded him Top Wedding Photographer for five consecutive years and Top Portrait Photographer for three consecutive years as well as Photographer of the Year from 1986 to 1994 and again in 1998 after taking a two-and-a-half year sojourn from his business from 1994 to 1996. Joe is now living in Silver City, New Mexico with his wife, Cecilia. He continues photographing throughout the United States as well as internationally.

He began his career as a commercial photographer producing advertising and illustrative images of products, architectural interiors and exteriors.

In time Joe discovered that he preferred photographing people more than boxes and has since become recognized internationally for his expertise and talent as a people-photographer. In 1980 his peers honored him with the degree of Master Photographer from the Professional Photographers of America.

Now, as a Commercial Photographer, his people images are used for illustrating products and services for all types of publications, annual reports and board room portraits that express the tenacity of success and the wisdom of maturity.

Joe's approach to Portraiture is to discover the personal story behind each and every subject, expressing their individuality through the highly refined art of photographic portraiture.

The joys of life are fleeting. We can't capture them, but much of their sweetness and fullness can be retained and continually re-experienced through the sensitive portraiture of Joe Butts.

Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs take place in the mind and in the heart and that's where Joe Butts photographs to capture real feelings and emotions. He looks for naturalness and spontaneity. Joe visualizes your special occasion from your point of view.

The photography of your event can be scheduled at your convenience so that your day is not monopolized by a photographer but is left for your enjoyment of family and friends.

A series of well done photographs combining beautiful portraits and photojournalism that captures the magic of your day, will become an album of substance, individuality and memories that will be cherished for generations. If this is what you want, then Joe Butts, Master Photographer, is your ultimate choice.