I've been a photographer since six, a writer since 12 and a poet since birth.   Santa brought me that camera...don't tell me there isn't a Santa!

I love this stuff...let's make magic happen.

An Artist Making a Statement

Anyone can take a photograph. Push a button. Snap. It is the seeing, not the taking that predominates my thinking and creative process, my thoughts and inspiration, and it is what directs my use of images and words to enhance my goal of sharing with others what I see: ultimately, each gaze shows me beauty. I utilize all five senses to enhance my ability to see. It is the Seeing, Not the Taking that matters.

Photography

• Owner of Dion McInnis Photography (1977-1994), freelance business providing commercial, portrait, public relations and fine art work in the Houston area. Currently providing fine art and commissions.

• Photojournalist and writer for weekly suburban newspaper 1978-1982 (Advertizer Advocate, now out of business); won national award for series on special education in Fort Bend Independent School District. Freelance writer for various publications, including two national photography magazines—The Rangefinder and Studio Photography.

• Fine art photographer, public speaker and author since 2001.

• Served as portfolio judge, critiques images for Houston Photographic Society, teaches photography and has organized photography exhibitions.

• Photos exhibited in four one-man shows, held in archives of City of Houston library (“Alief Faces”), and shown in several juried competitions.

• Taught at Houston Center for Photography for ten years, developing several classes around his methods and concepts. Also, one of the founding reviewers of Houston Photography Study Group. Also, reviewer/judge for Houston Photochrome Club's annual banquet 2012. Reviewer/judge for Ft. Bend County's Celebrate the Arts photo exhibition. Former board member of Texas Photographic Society.

• Served on the board as president of The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake.

• Cited as “Man Who Champions Women” by New Mexico Woman Magazine for his work; also, received Bay Area Turning Point shelter’s “Caring Heart” volunteer award.

• Photography instructor at Artcamp, held at University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Held presentations for the community through University of Houston-Clear Lake on the teaching experiences:  "Art Removes Borders," and "Art Changes Lenses."

• Regular presenter at photography organizations, including Houston Photography Study Group, Houston Photographic Society, NW Houston Photo Club, League City Photo Meetup, Woodlands Photo Club and more.

Writing

• Published fiction and nonfiction; prolific with essays, stories and poetry. “Best Fiction” award in 2002 Bayousphere literary journal.

• “Listen to Life: Wisdom in Life’s Stories” published by Xlibris in December 2005 based on Dion’s weekly newsletter by same name.

• Previously wrote for two national photography magazines: The Rangefinder and Studio Photography.

• Recently published four photography books: “The Seeing, Not the Taking: A guide to seeing for photographers,” and "Literary and Visual Metaphors" with Laszlo Perlaky (photography) and my poetry in response to his images.

• “Daddin’: The Verb of Being a Dad,” a collection of stories, journal entries and poetry celebrating the moments of living the verbs of being a father and son.

• Cited in media internationally on parenting, morale boosting, creativity, expression, writing and more.

• Completed 50 Years, Faces, Stories as part of Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's 50th anniversary. Project involves interviews, photographs and profiles of 50 people who helped make the Clear Lake area what it is today.

Exhibitions

• Fotofest 2018 "Meditation:  Seeking Enlightenment" exhibition 2018

• Fotofest 2018 "Meditation:  Contemplating Stillness" exhibition 2018

• Solo exhibition, Meador Library, Seabrook, TX  2016

• Jung Center-Houston, 2015 (member exhibition)

• Solo exhibition, Freeman Public Library, 2015

• Houston Center for Photography Faculty Exhibit, 2014

• Houston Center for Photography Art Auction, 2014

• Society of Photographic Educators Member and Student Exhibition, College of the Mainland 2013

• 50:  Years, Faces, Stories, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2012 (portraits and profiles photographed and written by Dion McInnis)

• Body Image: juried competition at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, August 2011

• Landscape of Life: Cultural Landscape—dual exhibition with Sandria Hu (printmaker) in Pilzen, Czech Republic, July 2010

• Vermont Photo Place Water juried exhibition, 2009

• "Show Me Who You See in Me” solo exhibition at Good to Go café, 2009

•  The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, 2008 Winter Juried Competition

•  Learning Curve 2 exhibition at Houston Center for Photography, 2008

•  The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, 2006, (juried figurative art exhibition)

•  The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, 2004-5 (juried all media exhibit)

•  The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, 2004 (juried photo exhibit)

•  Barnes and Noble, Clear Lake City, 2003 (as part of featured poetry reading by Dion McInnis)

•  University of Houston-Clear Lake 2002 (images of women inspired by their stories, from Her Legacies Foundation)

•  George Library, Richmond TX, 1984 (community "Celebrate the Arts" juried exhibition)

•  First Alief Bank, Houston TX, 1983 (solo exhibition)

•  Westwood Mall, Houston TX, 1983 (solo exhibition)

•  Houston Public Library (Alief Branch showcasing “Faces of Alief,” images and stories of some familiar names in Alief history), 1983