Bob Ocken picked up a camera for the first time in 1985 and thankfully, he hasn’t put in down since. A self-taught freelance photographer, he founded Ocken Photography in 1994 where, with his two siblings, opened offices in Little Rock and Chicago.
Bob is also an avid cyclist and father of four, living in Little Rock, Arkansas. He can often be seen riding a race, then photographing the next one (if, of course, he’s not carrying a camera during his race).
As a freelance photographer, Bob was part of a team of Associated Press photographers team that shared in the 1993 Pulitzer Prize in feature photography for the coverage of the 1992 Presidential campaign. Chris was also a part of the team.
Bob is active in the his community. He volunteers his time and talents with many organizations, specifically CARTI, a cancer treatment center located in Arkansas.
About the Photograph
While visiting and camping on scenic Petit Jean Mountain in Central Arkansas, Bob and his family were preparing for a hike towards Cedar Falls when the early morning light caught Bob’s eye. It was falling across the overlook near Mather Lodge, it was so wonderful, as you can see.
“Our challenge as photographers is to create depth in a photo,” Bob says. “In landscape photography, you cannot control anything. You have to be patient and wait for the perfect light. It was by luck, and joy, that I happened upon the perfect light that creates the so many layers in this majestic valley scene.”