Dayton Molzen has been a professional photographer for more than 35 years. He says that for as long as he can remember, he has been fascinated by nature and the great outdoors. Photographing subjects that can be shared with others is one of his greatest thrills.

Dayton began life in Kansas where he received his first camera at the age of 13. He spent many hours learning how to use the camera and managed to create images that kept his interest alive.

During the Korean Conflict, he was recalled to active duty in the U. S. Air Force and was stationed in New Mexico. The grandeur of the west beckoned, and he remained in New Mexico after separation from the service.

His other professional life has been as a civil engineer. The nature of that work allowed him to spend a great deal of time outdoors and combine his engineering and photography to create photographic documentation of projects.

Dayton’s photographs are in several corporate collections, as well as exhibited in the offices and homes of many private collectors. His photographs have won awards in many professional competitions and shows.

He also has taught numerous classes in photography and conducted workshops throughout the west and southwest.

The professional library of Dayton Molzen contains more than 60,000 images. Most of the images were taken in color using 35mm or 6x7 cm cameras and using Fuji-chrome Velvia or Provia film. All images are presented true to the original subject matter and without extensive manipulation.

The images in Dayton’s files cover extensive and dramatic scenics and landscapes of western, southwestern and northwestern America. Over the past 25 years, he has photographed deserts, mountains, flowers, streams, national parks, petroglyphs, pow wows, pueblos, ruins, civil and military aircraft, air shows, hot air balloons, steam trains, bicycle tours, southwestern churches, slot canyons, and wildlife.

Dayton Molzen’s photographs have appeared in many publications: Airways, Albuquerque Journal and Tribune, Albuquerque Monthly, Ballooning, Civil Engineering, Consulting Engineers, Field and Stream, Kudo Review, Lapidary Journal, New Mexico Magazine, New Mexico Business Journal, New Mexico Vacation Guide, Southwest Contract, Spirit, Texas Monthly, Top Form Data, The New Mexico Experience (book), Albuquerque Museum Foundation, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Southwest Airlines Vacations, Orvis Catalogs.

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