About

I am a visual historian and documentary photographer dedicated to preserving the narratives often left in the margins. As the founder of Black Lion Cinematography, now Oliver Pettis Photography. I have spent years documenting the resilience and history of the midwest, most notably as the filmmaker behind the award-winning documentary what happened at Benham West, which chronicled the erasure of Elkhart's "village" community. My work focuses on "The Human Canvas" the layers of history, struggle, and beauty found in our streets and structures. Whether I am shooting a commissioned project or wandering the Rust Belt with my cameras. My goal remains the same: to capture the raw, unscripted truth of a moment before it fades.

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Recipient of the Celebrating Minority Business Excellence Award (Communication Category) - Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

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Recipient of Rising Stars Award - Indiana Black Expo, INC.