Dennis Walker is the President and Founder of Camera Bits. He started the company in 1996 after his initial exposure to digital photography at his previous job showed him a need for improved image quality and workflow solutions.
Prior to founding Camera Bits, Dennis worked in the field of neural networks and was co-author of the award winning game Dungeon Master. He then started working with digital pioneers, Kodak and Minolta, to vastly accelerate the RAW processing and image quality of their early attempts at digital cameras for working professionals. Dennis initially focused on image quality issues such as color artifacts and high ISO noise-reduction, creating Photoshop filter plug-ins to solve these difficult problems.
After attending several photojournalism workshops and seeing the woes of workflow at professional football’s biggest game, Dennis realized that the biggest contribution he could make to digital photography besides image quality was to improve the selection and editing process, which at the time was (to use a technical term) rather “clunky.”
Dennis continued to create Photoshop plug-ins that improved image quality by using new RAW processing algorithms and advanced image filtering techniques. Interestingly, he implemented RAW exposure compensation before Kodak did for their own cameras, earning him an award from the NPPA for his contributions.
Taking all that he had learned, assisting photo editors in the tense environment of major global sporting events, Dennis released the first version of Photo Mechanic in February 1998. An instant classic was born. Because everyone in the photojournalism business used IPTC standards, Dennis also became an accidental expert on metadata, incorporating tools like batch captioning and variables in Photo Mechanic to simplify and expand the application and usage of metadata in photography.
Photo Mechanic isn’t just for photojournalists; its speed and organizational tools now help all professional photographers work faster and more efficiently. For over 20 years and counting, Photo Mechanic remains the go-to software for professional photographers around the world.
Dennis is the creator of Photo Mechanic and Chief Bit Wrangler / Photo Nerd. He doesn't take photos unless it is worth it, but admits this is really either by convenience or purely an aesthetic judgement on his part.
Kirk is a Senior Software Engineer and he likes to play video games, heavy metal guitar, brew beer, and go off-roading in his spare time. Kirk loves making software that makes a difference in the lives of photographers and editors.
Support Manager Bob was the first Support employee, helping craft the department into the benchmark it is today. When he's not creating solutions to complex workflows, he's refurbishing the historic Camera Bits main office building.
Jamie is the Camera Bits Sales Manager. She enjoys travel, family time, gardening, and reading. During time away from the office, she likes road trips, big cities, and warm beaches.
Mick is the Director of Marketing at Camera Bits. He enjoys photography, Portland Thorns soccer, and getting lost in 13th century Icelandic literature.
Amy is the Director of Operations. When she isn’t making the Camera Bits wheels turn, she likes to spend time taking pictures, singing, crafting, and hanging out with her family.
When he's not playing board games or playing ukuleles, John loves taking photos and videos, and has for a few decades now. His background helps him as Technical Marketing and Support because he's been there and knows how photographers think and work.
Andrew is the Senior Manager of Technical Support and has a 75lb. pit bull named Tater and a 2lb. rabbit named Beans. He tries to never do the same hike twice and enjoys cycling, photography, and video games… maybe his next hobby will be less expensive.
Niq genuinely enjoys phone calls! When not ensuring Customer Success, they are drawing or roller-skating. They live with their rescue dog, Sinclaire, and have been trained by their local murder of crows to deliver daily bread-crumbs in a timely fashion.
Maury is a Support Team member. He has two cats, Cosmo and Aden, who love food more than he does. He enjoys hiking in the mountains, yet still appreciates the warm air and sand of Atlantic Ocean beaches. His background as a sports photographer helps him develop (a penny for my thoughts in the pun jar) workflows for customers.
Pablo is our Director of Software Engineering. He enjoys participating in long distance Randonneuring events on bicycle or Iron Butt challenges on motorcycle. When not riding, he likes to spend time with family, traveling, taking photos, or just hanging out.
In Memory of Bill Kelly 1971 – 2021
Team headshot photos: Ben Hutchinson
Original hand-drawn artwork by: Greg Bigoni
Ballerina/Dance Photoshoot:
Photographer/Subject: Jason Hill Photography
Model: Natalie Reyes
Studio Location: Cobalt Studios PDX, Portland OR
