Nate Gowdy (1984; Elkhart, Indiana) is a Seattle photographer of 13 years who documents this American political era. He also takes on commissions of all kinds, including professional headshots, environmental portraits, community arts, corporate events, nonprofit galas, industry conventions, weddings, real estate, and commercial promotion. He prides himself on making his clients look their best.

In 2011, Gowdy was hired at Seattle Gay News. As staff photographer, he suddenly became immersed in the city’s vibrant queer and trans communities, primarily documenting drag and nightlife culture. He was brought on as the official photographer for the Seattle Pride Parade, a role he continues in today. In 2012, he dedicated himself to covering the fight for marriage equality in Washington state.

Gowdy worked closely with President Obama in 2013 and Vice President Biden in 2014 during their respective visits to Seattle. Since 2015, he has self-funded coverage of hundreds of political rallies and demonstrations across 25 states and Washington, DC. In 2016, his portrait of Bernie Sanders graced the cover of TIME magazine, and editorial clients include Rolling Stone and Mother Jones.

In 2019, with a small core team, Gowdy spearheaded a collaborative studio portrait and storytelling series, The American Superhero Project. In 2020, he photographed and co-authored Our Students, Their Stories for Seattle Public Schools. The 100-page coffee table book celebrating LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff is the first project of its kind commissioned by an American school district.

In 2023, Gowdy self-published his debut monograph, INSURRECTION. The award-winning 150-page hardcover is the sole book to visually chronicle—with timestamped images and contextual captions—the deadly mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021. More than 1,200 copies have sold, and the hardcover editions remain available for purchase here and at select Seattle-area bookstores, such as Elliott Bay Book Co.

Gowdy is an Indiana University journalism graduate, former newspaper editor, preschool caregiver, and community outreach worker. He maintains a photography studio in Seattle’s International District, and his fine art is represented at Monroe Gallery of Photography in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He enjoys teaching, kayaking, riding his bike, yoga, and time spent with loved ones.

For work and print inquiries:
nate.gowdy@gmail.com