Mike Davis’ role as a visual editor has taken many forms since he began as a picture editor in 1987, after completing graduate school at the University of Missouri. Regardless of the setting his goal has been to help elevate the craft and storytelling of photographers while making publishing environments better for visual media.
Most recently Mike directed The Alexia Grants and taught project-based courses as an endowed faculty member at Syracuse University, where he is now a professor emeritus. He continues to work independently with photographers the world over to develop, refine and achieve significant bodies of work that speak to aspects of life on the planet that matter. He has edited more than 50 books in this capacity.
Mike wrote the book Creating Visual Narratives that is published by Focal Press/Routledge. Before teaching and working independently, Mike worked as a visual editor at National Geographic magazine, The White House and four metro newspapers.
Another great joy is helping photographers successfully submit work to competitions and for grants. It’s an equal pleasure to be on jury panels with such esteemed members.
Photo credit: Mark Osterman, George Eastman Museum.