Photographer John Bowen Lights Up Rebel Nation via HottyToddy.com

HottyToddy.com has its fair share of amazing contributors – in all disciplines from writers to photographers – but few with a body of work like photographer, water-skier, printer, husband and father of two, John Bowen.

The Bowen family (from left) Cyndi, John, Lindsey and Chase

Bowen, a Dorsey, Mississippi resident makes his living as a printer for Itawamba Community College but his passion is photography and water-skiing.

When asked how he makes a living for his family of four – or his “bread and butter” – Bowen responded; “Heck I wouldn’t even be able to eat supper if I was counting on nothing but my photography to feed us. No, I’ve been in the printing business since 1980 to put food on the table.”

Bowen, who isn’t on anyone’s payroll, does it for the love of the art and to share them with the world.

As far as future assignments, Bowen is psyched about the grand opening of the multi-purpose Pavilion at Ole Miss on Thursday, January 7 as the Ole Miss Rebels host Alabama – something he’s been looking forward to for quite awhile.

“I’m sure I’ll take pictures of the building itself but I’m pretty much there to cover the game,” Bowen said.

Bowen’s wife, Cyndi, is given total credit for how he eased into the world of photography.

Chase, Cyndi and Lindsey Bowen

“She’s my main inspiration of how I got into photography,” Bowen said. “My daughter, Lindsey, was a senior in high school at Itawamba and she was a cheerleader and they needed someone to take pictures and make them into posters to give to the seniors. Well, no one would volunteer so my wife and I decided that I’d give it a try – and here we are.”

“I also have a son, Chase, and he’s a senior in high school at Itawamba,” Bowen said. “Lindsey graduated from Ole Miss last year.”

When asked about whether or not he had any shots that were his favorite; Bowen paused respectfully for a moment and said that there was one of Bo Wallace last year that garnered tons of media and social network attention.

This photo, taken by John Bowen at last year’s Auburn game, garnered tons of social network and media attention and pretty much speaks for itself.

“Yes, I had one picture that I made last year at the Auburn game – the one where Treadwell went down and Bo Wallace was holding his hand. I took that picture and I was shocked at the attention it got. When I saw it (the photo) I didn’t think much about it and almost didn’t post it. But when I did, it (the internet) completely lit up,” Bowen said. “It was amazing how one picture meant so much.”

We, at HottyToddy.com, couldn’t be more excited about Bowen and his potential to “light up” Rebel Nation with his awesome photography in the near future – beginning this Thursday night at the Pavilion at Ole Miss.

All photos courtesy of John Bowen

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Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer for Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com

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