Covering President Bush in Africa, 1986 Photo by Mike Topham
Experience
"Experience is not what happens to you;
it's what you do with what happens to you."
Aldous Huxley
In his twenty three years as an active, professional photographer, Mike Topham has, literally, circled the globe covering an immense variety of photographic subjects, giving him a wealth of experience to draw upon in every shooting situation. It is this level of expertise that will allow you to relax on your happiest day, knowing that Mike will get those perfect shots!
As a former member of the White House Press Corp and as a White House news photographer, Mike has covered the President at the White House and on the road. First issued a White House Press Pass in 1982, Mike also became a member of the US House and Senate Radio and Television Corespondents Association that same year and began covering news stories at the US Capitol. In addition, Mike has covered news stories for various agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
More locally, Mike was the Staff Photographer for the magazine "The Virginia Cavalcade" and worked for the State of Virginia as a staff photographer from 78' to 80'. He served as a News Photographer & Sports Reporter for ABC affiliate WRIC TV 8 in Richmond from 80' to 82'.
Some former clientele include:
ACC basketball, 2005 Photo by Mike Topham
ABC News - Washington
Norfolk Sentara Hospital
CBN
Railpace Magazine
Good Morning America
Richmond Magazine
Independent Network News
Thalhimers Photography Studio
ITN
The Richmond Times Dispatch
National Geographic Society
The University of Richmond.
Musée du Louvre (The Louve Museum - Paris)
Loreal USA - New York
The Bank of Richmond
Sheetz Inc., Altoona, PA
Gateway Bank
TV Guide Magazine
NBC News
U S Senator George Allen & friend, 2001 Photo by Mike Topham
Other photography assignments have included backstage and on stage photography with Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Ritchie, Lowell George & Little Feat, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Kenny Loggins. He's even done an album cover for The Andrew Lewis Band's "Blue Album".
Mike has photographed many weddings and knows the flow intimately. Mike knows when to appear and when to blend in, always working towards capturing the experience, not interfering with it.
His extensive equipment list includes a 4" x 5" view camera, professional medium format equipment, portable studio lights and numerous Nikon/Canon/Fuji cameras. And as for film finishing, Mike is the consumate expert - having logged over five thousand hours in darkroom time!
All in all, Mike Topham has a deep, abiding love for every facet of photography that shows through in the quality of his work. Let him apply his many years of craftsmanship to your most precious moments.
Governor Tim Kaine at the Virginia State Capital, 2006 Photo by Mike Topham
