Dale May

Bio

Dale May is a New York-based, award-winning photographer, director, and CGIist whose iconic imagery has defined the realms of advertising, entertainment, and editorial photography for over 29 years. Renowned for his richly stylized and character-driven conceptual work, Dale has had the privilege of photographing some of today’s most celebrated personalities, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Charlize Theron, and Benedict Cumberbatch, alongside luminaries such as Jared Leto, Amy Poehler, and Christina Aguilera. A passionate for music and performance, Dale has also captured the essence of countless musical acts, ranging from the legendary Black Sabbath to the modern rock sensation Thirty Seconds to Mars. His lens has turned to Broadway as well, immortalizing the casts of productions like West Side Story, 9 to 5, Hair, and Annie. While Dale has established a formidable commercial career, his artistic roots run deep. Hailing from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania—a mere 45 minutes from Philadelphia—he grew up in a family steeped in the arts. His grandfather was a big-band drummer and bandleader in the 1920s and 30s, while his grandmother graced the stage as a supper club singer. Inspired by his artistic neighbor, the esteemed American contemporary realist painter Andrew Wyeth, Dale began playing the drums at the tender age of five, nurturing his creative spirit. Dale's artistic journey led him to New York, where he studied painting, color theory, and art history at Parsons School of Design. Graduating in 1993 with a BFA in Photography, he melded his foundational knowledge of fine arts with his photographic prowess. This unique blend of skills informs his innovative approach, allowing him to transform the unthinkable into breathtakingly believable imagery, captivating audiences and clients alike.