THE LIGHT HUNTER

MICHAEL FATALI – Born Name, 1965

“LIGHT HUNTER” FATALI – Reborn Name Change, 2017

His birth name was Michael Fatali, born in New York in 1965. The name "Light Hunter" was given to Fatali with honor by the Navajos back in the early 80s when he first explored and helped discover slot canyons bordering Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. These sacred canyons, like the now-famous Lower Antelope Canyon in the Navajo Nation Tribal Park, became his cathedrals of stone, serving as a sanctuary for solace during his spiritual healing as a teenager. Before its popularity, this slot canyon was only accessed by those brave enough to rappel down into the deep sandstone abyss. This marked the beginning of his intimate relationship with the canyons, the light, and the native people. The Navajo embraced him during his early grief, offering their love without judgment. This unconditional welcome was further expressed through sacred ceremonies of healing and rebirth. This intimate bond has forever changed Light Hunter’s life, and he holds deep gratitude for the Navajo people and their land.

In 2017, he legally changed his name, reverting to his spiritual roots, officiating as "Light Hunter" Fatali. After decades of navigating the ups and downs of an artist's life, believing he was meant to enjoy the perceived success of mingling with the rich and famous—despite generating millions from the sales of his artworks—he felt spiritually bankrupt and sought realignment with his true essence. More of his story remains, leading to a second quest for a lifeline, where he chose to return to the same foundation he had during his healing and creative journey as a teenager.

He recognized that this second awakening was another leap of faith towards spiritual healing and fulfillment. Soon after, he felt called to serve others unselfishly and unconditionally, returning to his love affair with the land and its native people. Learn more about his humanitarian efforts at www.LightRanch.org and explore the spiritual journey of Michael Fatali through his artwork at www.MyLightStory.com.

Light Hunter and his wife, Morgan, reside in Utah and Arizona, where they maintain a private studio for by-appointment viewings of Michael Fatali photography, showcasing images from his four-decade journey of "hunting for light" throughout the Desert Southwest. He has gained recognition as one of the world’s top landscape photographers, primarily using custom large-format film cameras along with classic darkroom techniques to create Cibachrome original photographs that possess timeless authenticity. His works are collected by art enthusiasts globally, and their value has steadily increased over time. Light Hunter's images are produced as original Cibachromes, limited editions, and other special releases.

BEHIND THE LIGHT  "A language of light, speaking from the heart of land and spirit, was not learned overnight. I have walked, camped, climbed, and hiked for decades, while intimately engaging with nature, slowly crafting a universal language that blends nature’s physical beauty with spiritual energy. I serve as a visual narrator of this language, continuing my mission to celebrate light. Today, I feel my journey has come full circle; moving back to Arizona allows me to reconnect with close Native friends and revisit my purpose for why I originally pursued Michael Fatali photography—to foster healing, share my passion, and unite others with the beauty and power of this land and the allure of its light. I aspire to continue growing as an artist, touching more hearts, and being a better role model. It is my honor to share the hope that inspires you to use creativity as your journey and voice.

MORE... I'm often asked, "How did you get into photography?" My answer goes beyond mere technical execution; it reflects a heartfelt story that shaped my passion and mission.

As a visual person with a profound admiration for nature, picking up a camera early in my mission allowed me to express myself in a natural way. My love for discovery and appreciation of the awe contained within the natural world began when I was a child, inspired by many walks in the desert with my father—memories I cherish deeply.

As a teenager, I endured a spiritual crash following my mother’s battle with cancer. Along with my brothers and father, we grieved for hours after she passed. Our family went into protection mode, shutting down any verbal expressions of our loss. It remains difficult to believe that we didn’t speak of her for years. Navigating teenage life was already complicated, but the loss of my mother thrust me into a spiraling sensation of being lost, compounded by endless emotional aches that were hard to shake.

The only refuge for me was returning to the desert—this time alone. I felt an undeniable pull to the canyonlands, where nature carved deep abysses within the rocks. I would rappel hundreds of feet into the dark sandstone canyons like Lower Antelope, finding sanctuary in their depths. It was akin to being enveloped in the womb of Mother Earth.

Years spent in nature, in solitude, proved to be both my healing journey and the catalyst for sharing my images. My focus shifted to the purpose of conveying the ancient healing energy and the beauty found in nature's canvas.

At eighteen, I received two Social Security checks, each for $450. Though not a lot, it funded the start of my purpose. I bought a manual film camera with one check and a large-format enlarger for my first darkroom with the other.

My early experiences taught me that the darkroom was 50% of my vision for crafting exquisite photographs. I dedicated nearly three years living in my Cibachrome darkroom before I could afford a two-bedroom apartment. Creating images, particularly large pieces, became my obsession.

Recognizing the importance of print presentation for capturing even the most delicate details has driven me, ensuring that seeing my images leads to truly feeling them. These tools allowed me to focus and transform my emotional aches into a form of earthly, naturopathic therapy. During my grief, I didn't have mentors or organized religion to rely on; the wild was my escape, where I sought to find myself.

Navigating the process of healing—being vulnerable and raw—became integral. I understand grieving deeply and recognize how surreal that experience can be. It is a tumultuous ocean you must navigate to rediscover solid ground. Trust me when I say, those left behind are not without support. The spirit surrounds us, and it is this source we return to for the reunification in loving light. This realization dawned on me during numerous healing journeys in nature. Whether one's spirit exists here or within a complex bodily form, a life rooted in genuineness, kindness, and compassion embodies the essence of service.

For me, photography is an extension of this love affair with nature. It serves as a tool to articulate my perspective of the world and share nature's phenomena. My passion lies not in photography itself but in creation and the spirit of nature that connects us all.

I often smile inwardly at how many people marvel at my patience—waiting for hours or even weeks for that perfect light. When asked, "What do you do while waiting?" I respond, "I marvel at light and the creation all around me; it's not difficult for me; I love it!" Light is my subject, and my study of it shapes my relationship with nature. This dedication is the foundational step toward crafting successful and meaningful images.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of leading not only my own private photography escapades but also for remarkable organizations like Sierra Club, Anderson Workshops, and Arizona Highways Magazine's PhotoScapes. Teaching my photography students over four years at Coconino Community College brought immense satisfaction as well, particularly working one-on-one with individuals seeking to improve their ability to see and capture the light.

Regarding my growth, I believe my best work is still ahead. I've begun focusing on a new project and hope the timing will soon be right to release the images I've held dear to my heart. My quest for innovation continues as I seek new tools that bring us closer to nature's spirit. One of my artistic initiatives is delving into motion pictures, aiming to create experiences that elevate the spirit and inspire. In pursuit of the bigger picture, I've formed an independent IMAX-style production company, utilizing 70mm cine film, alongside a custom-made camera in a unique 20”x24” size for still photography of people and places, which will be my next artistic tool.

I am grateful for two wonderful sons who allow me to pass on the legacy of discovering nature's hidden treasures and to teach a life of service. Morgan, my loving wife, mission partner, and best friend, supports my creative pursuits and continually motivates me to elevate my work while maintaining a life connected with the natural world. She inspires me every day as we serve and live together.

I share my journey with you, fueled by a passion to express and expand our perspective of the extraordinary world through a lens of beauty and wonder. This generation craves a harmonious existence with our planet and the resources crucial for our survival. It has been over forty years since I embarked on my first solo trek into the wild, capturing Michael Fatali photography that embodies the spirit of nature. The glorious moments I've been fortunate to witness are gifts I share with you, carrying the hope that they will serve as footprints of inspiration for our legacy.

I invite you to look beyond the details of my Cibachrome original photographs, and feel the spirit within them. Together, let's remember the wonderful gifts we receive from this marvelous earth we call home and acknowledge that our journey with spirit is eternal.

In celebration of light, land, and spirit always,

-Light Hunter Fatali