| Bill Sampson was born in Detroit
Michigan in 1955. In the early 60's, Bill’s family relocated
to Dearborn Michigan. After graduating from high school, Bill
enlisted in the United States Air Force working in the Air
Force's Special Operations Pararescue division. During the last four years of Bill’s Air
Force career, he work with NASA, coordinating rescue support
for the first flight of the Space Shuttle, Columbia. In 1982 a
service connected skydiving accident forced his early
retirement.
After a lengthy rehabilitation, Bill applied and was
excepted to the Center for Creative Studies, College of Art
and Design in Detroit, pursuing a B.F.A. in Photography. In
1984 he married his new best friend and physical therapist,
Nancy McMenamin/Sampson.
After graduating with honors from C.C.S. in 1988, Bill was
employed by Bon Secours Hospital as Chief Medical
Photographer. In 1990 he resigned from Bon Secours to expand
the photography business he established in college.
In 1994, with his two daughters, Rebecca and Heather on
their way to college Bill and his wife Nancy fulfilled their
dream by relocating to Marquette.
In 1996, Bill was contacted by Marquette Senior High School
art instructor, Brenda Striler and asked if would be
interested in coordinating a high school photography club.
With the help of many, the now ten year old, after school,
non-credited program offers all high school students the
opportunity to explore photography and associated career
possibilities.
Currently, Bill works as a fine art and self employed
commercial photographer. His award winning photographic
documentary titled "Hallowed
Ground" is a powerful documentation of roadside
memorials. Bill’s commercial client list includes, St.
Martins Press, SetSeg, Ford
Motor Co., Pepsi Cola, Este Lauder, Warsau Insurance, Henry
Ford Hospital, University of Michigan Medical Center, The
State of Michigan, Ameritech, The Phone Guide, Downwind
Sports, Sawyer Lumber, Northern Michigan University, Marquette
General Hospital, Northern Initiatives, Macomb Community
College, Riverside Osteopathic Hospital, Great Lakes
Rehabilitation Hospital, Horizon Surgery Center, National Golf
Distributors, Pioneer Surgical Technology and Curtis Snowplow. |
