Nolan McCants

Nolan W. McCants, an award winning photographer, had his initial encounter with photography in his 6th grade dark room class. This is where he first “saw the light”—the beauty, symmetry and the emotion that photography evoked. This would later spark a fascination with art and culture, people and imagery within him that grows stronger every day. As an adult, he continued to connect with the fine arts community as an executive in public relations.

Well traveled, Nolan has immersed himself in diverse cultures throughout the world. His inquisitive nature and insatiable desire to touch and be touched by ethnicity and customs motivates his inspiring photography. His images stir imagination and emotions, while uncovering rich cultural treasures. His gifted “eye for the exceptional in the ordinary” captures the uniqueness of life, bringing observers of his art into the intimacy of the moment.

Nolan was born and raised in the western suburb of Chicago. Improv was a norm in his boyhood home. He was introduced to the arts through the professional music career of his late Father, Walter “Butch” McCants, an accomplished Jazz drummer. While growing up, he was captivated by his dad and some of Chicago’s most celebrated jazz musicians as they interpreted and articulated many jazz standards through their own musical talents. In his own words, “It was mesmerizing!”