Debra Van Swearingen: Capturing the Beauty of Nature Through the Lens

Debra Van Swearingen’s passion for photography began at the age of 11 when her father gifted her a Kodak Instamatic 104. Viewing life through a lens felt natural to her, sparking a lifelong pursuit of capturing the world’s beauty.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Debra worked in government contracting for the Department of Defense while studying photography in the evenings at the Oklahoma School of Photography. A pivotal moment came in 1995, following a year of cancer remediation, when she decided to turn her passion into her profession. For two decades, she shared a studio in the vibrant Paseo Arts District of Oklahoma City and is currently a member of Gallery 123 in Norman, Oklahoma. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition as an award-winning photographer in the field of photographic arts.

Debra’s work primarily focuses on the beauty of nature, capturing botanical imagery, trees, wading birds, and landscapes. Preferring natural light, she strives to give each image its own distinct character through digital techniques. Recently, she has embraced the art of gilded vellum printmaking, a process that involves printing images with pigment ink on vellum and applying metal leaf to the back, resulting in striking, luminous presentations. These limited-edition prints, produced in runs of five or ten, further showcase her ability to blend artistry and craftsmanship.

Through her photography, Debra Van Swearingen continues to share her unique perspective, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the natural world’s beauty and serenity.