Dale May is a New York based photographer, renowned for his richly stylized, character driven, conceptual imagery. His personable demeanor and technically layered craft give Dale the ease to get up close and personal with any subject as well as create epic digital composites. Dale likes to work with the inspiration that the unthinkable can be real, as well as believable.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Dale has over 15 years experience in Advertising, Editorial, Music and Celebrity photography.

In 2001 Dale established Post Image Group a high-end, professional digital retouching studio servicing photographers, advertising agencies, and publishing companies alike. Dale's first film, a short entitled "Jer-Z Knights", was accepted into the 2003 Sundance Film festival.

Clients include Sony, Universal, Shure Audio, Acclaimed Entertainment, Bluefly, Nordica, Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Time Magazine, Forbes, Men's Health, Time Out NY.

What’s your creative process like?

Every jobs is different. I like to do as much "in camera" as possible. That means shooting the subject on location or building and shooting the subject on set. The more you can do to ground your subject in reality the better the outcome. However, given my experience in post production and retouching, I'm able to create backgrounds if necessary, and shoot the subject almost anywhere. In some cases, I've shot in a hotel room, the backstage hallway in a club, and numerous other areas that are not ideal. This happens more often then not with bands and other touring acts. In these cases, I prefer to have my concepts sketched out and background plates shot in advance. I can then show my subject where they will end up, after retouching, and it's easier for them to react accordingly.

I always know what I want and how to get it. I preflight and shoot quickly to make sure the subject is comfortable and that the process is as smooth and painless as possible.

Where do you find inspiration and why you like photography?

Most of my inspiration comes from people watching and from films. I've always loved the power of Photography and it's ability to transform something. Even more so now with Photoshop. The possibilities are endless.

What are some tips you could give to people that really like your work?

Shortcuts will haunt you - avoid them at all costs. The more you learn, the more you realize you have more to learn. Be prepared, know what you're doing and always leave room for happy mistakes. Don't eat the yellow snow. I could go on and on.

Thanks Dale for sharing the pictures with us. They are amazing, and we love them. Good luck with everything you do.