Darren Modricker
Our Founder
Biography
Darren Modricker founded Willow Street Pictures in 2002. Willow Street Pictures is now a prominent family and pet photography studio in the Philadelphia area. The studio specializes in capturing the natural and loving bond of families and their pets. Along with pet photography, the studio captures family pictures, high school senior portraits, couples portraits, tasteful boudoir photos, and lifestyle photography.
The Beginnings
Born in Lancaster, PA, Darren Modricker moved to Berks County early in his childhood. A friend of the family and a music teacher, Mr. Bozart, taught an elective photography class and introduced Darren to the world of photography.
It was here that Darren made his first print in sixth grade. As a result, he grew a lifelong passion of creating images. He would bring the camera along with him everywhere. Darren continued to explore and refine his art and education by attending the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He graduated in 1990 with a BFA.
Upon graduation, Darren was one of ninety-nine artists in world to be accepted into the Eddie Adams Workshop. Eddie Adams was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer. Darren was now in a very select group of young artists who were mentored by the top photo editors including Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, Business Week, and National Geographic. Moreover, from this elite group, only 10 won awards based on the work created at the workshop. Darren is very proud and honored to be included in both groups.
An Artist with Heart
Janice Lipzin, Director of Visual Arts and Education for the Banana Factory in Allentown, PA sums it up best in her review of one of Darren’s solo exhibits:
“Darren Modricker is a nationally acclaimed artist specializing in portraits that capture the essence of a person without artifice or posing…. Moreover, he creates an atmosphere of trust with his subjects that enable him to capture such honest images. These powerful photographs celebrate the beauty and the strength of these cancer survivors.”
Apprenticing in NYC
While in art school, and afterwards, Darren worked as an apprentice for several of the leading photographers in NYC. Here, he learned first-hand the technical skills required of professional photographers. He learned it is equally important to know all the steps involved in producing an image for a client in any environment. He also learned how to make sure each and every project was completed on time, on budget, and produced outstanding images that exceeded the client’s expectations.
With this knowledge and a portfolio of images, Darren started to show his work around NYC. He soon began receiving calls from photo editors of the top magazines and record labels for projects. From this, he became nationally recognized for creating portraiture and lifestyle images, which are real, spontaneous and creative.
Darren’s commercial clients were local, national, and international. Additionally, his projects have taken him as far as Madagascar! Darren did an amazing shoot for Mountain Bike magazine in conjunction with a nonprofit Pedals For Progress. He has been commissioned for projects in London and cities all over the world.
Here and Now
After two decades of building Willow Street Pictures fine art portrait studio, Darren has the same passion and drive that he had when first opening. He is always looking for a creative project where his talent and vision can take the studio to the next level.
Most recently, he has been putting his creative energy into film and capturing art through motion. Between his video projects and community efforts, he’s been keeping busy!
Our Founder FAQs
How long have you been involved with photography?
As I grew older, I had my 35mm film camera with me 24/7. I would always be seeing and capturing images on film, then running to the darkroom to process it.
After that, it was about making the best print possible which turned into long hours in the darkroom.
What other passions do you have?
It’s kind of funny how things come full circle in life. I still love to ride and while I have dirt bikes, most of my time is spent on a beautifully made bike that allows me to go on long distance roadtrips on-road and off-road.
My first long distant ride was a little over 3000 miles to the tip of Cape Breton in Canada. My next ride doubled my miles and went cross-country through the heartland of America until I hit the West Coast. My longest ride was over 10,000 to Alaska and back.
I had my camera with me 24/7 and would pull over in my full motorcycle gear to take pictures of beautiful scenes impossible to ignore.
What were you doing before starting Willow Street Pictures?
What type of projects do you like to work on?
What media outlets have you been featured in?
What celebrities have you been on photoshoot with?
There was another photoshoot where I lit the band members of Queensryche with a flashlight. I was painting with light and creating something different for each frame. I’m not sure what I was thinking back then but it was a lot of fun.
I’ve also been on photoshoots with Steve Jobs, Barbara Walters, Peter Jennings, Sam Walton, Martin Scorsese, and Bob Weinstein, among other celebrities.
What's something you're proud of that people wouldn't expect?
A Fine Art Portrait Studio
Darren Behind The Scenes
Darren + Family
Adventures in the creek
Father + Daughter
Darren + Chelsea
Darren + Helen
Darren + Jasmin
Love To Ride
Take The Road Less Traveled
“There’s something so free about hopping on my bike without a destination in mind. I’ll set out in a direction and discover so many hidden gems you would never find on a main road.”
Recently, Darren has been strengthening an interest in adventure photography. Capturing outdoor lifestyles including, riding, camping, kayaking, and hiking. Darren believes there’s always a new adventure around the corner.
Alaska or bust
Enjoying small town America
Grand Canyon
Off the beaten path
Visiting old college buddies in LA
Expect the unexpected
Giving Back
The entire Willow Street Pictures creative team is known both locally and nationally for our generous donations to many organizations
We are very proud of the valuable contributions we have made to public and private schools, animal rescues, cancer organizations, service dog foundations, and numerous nonprofits.