Welcome to Culture Connection

Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District's newsletter,
featuring the events, stories, and people of our community

GVNC: What is your medium?

Thompson: Photography, specifically editorial portraiture. I focus on capturing real people in beautiful light, often working with small businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders to tell authentic visual stories.

GVNC: At what point in your life did you realize your calling?

Thompson: I started both my passions in high school, photography class but at the same time electronics and computer science. Photography has always brought a creative balance to my highly technical career.  I’ve been in IT for nearly 30 years, but it was only a couple years ago I started to shift and lean more into my art and creativity.

GVNC: Tell us about your creative process.

Thompson: I like to keep things simple, relaxed and fun. Most of the time I meet people where they’re already comfortable, whether that's at home, at work, or out in the world, and that’s where the most genuine moments happen. I pay close attention to light, mood, and expression, and I move quickly without a big setup. From shooting to editing and delivering final images, I keep the process smooth and efficient so people can enjoy the experience and get their photos back without a long wait.

GVNC: What inspires you?

Thompson: I’m drawn to real emotion, thoughtful composition, and the quiet beauty of rural life. Even though I often work with studio lighting, I aim to keep things feeling natural and honest. Living in Nevada County gives me constant inspiration, from the textures of old buildings to the character of the people who live here.

GVNC: What are you most proud of?

Thompson: Building my photography business from the ground up on my terms. I’m proud that clients trust me to represent their work, values, and identity in a way that feels real and timeless. 

GVNC: What do you love best about our creative community?

Thompson: There’s a deep sense of mutual respect here. Whether it’s visual art, music, or something in between, people in Nevada County show up for each other. It’s collaborative, not competitive.

GVNC: Name two Nevada county artists you admire and why.

Thompson: One artist I really admire is Gene Crowe. He was my first photography teacher and mentor, and he taught me how to see with intention and work with discipline. His approach was honest (brutally) and thoughtful, and that left a lasting impact on how I shoot today. I also admire Chris Hall (Chris the Bard), whose work feels deeply connected to the area. Their creativity shows up not just in their art but in how they live and contribute to the community around them.

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Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District
PO Box 1833
Nevada City, CA 95959-1833