In Jungian psychology the archetype refers to a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.  It is this definition that is the basis for Archetype Images, with each image a reinterpretation of a specific archetype as defined by you.  Be it as a bride capturing her wedding day, an actor defining his niche in the entertainment industry, or a business person demonstrating the value of his products, all stories and images can be built on a handful of archetypes that form the basis of Western culture.

Many photographers name their businesses after themselves.  I very specifically chose not to use my name in my business because the work really is about what is happening in front of the camera, not behind.  Still, I understand that a fundamental element of the work is a personal connection between the subject and the photographer, so I've dedicated this page to introducing myself.

Like most photographers, I began taking pictures as a kid.  I was designated the official photographer of the family vacations and frustrated everyone when I tended to take more sunset shots than anything else.  I still love my sunrises and sunsets.

As an undergraduate at Drake University, I worked several part-time jobs at a time, and one of them was in a photo studio.  Then I moved to Chicago to become a professional actor.  For fifteen years it seemed like I worked everwhere, from The Lyric Opera of Chicago and Steppenwolf, to CityLit, Bailiwick, Circle Theatre and Trap Door, to little companies who came and went with one production.  I shot movies and commercials and industrials.  I took classes everywhere.

Then one day I decided I wanted a "normal" life and began working my way up the corporate ladder.  For another ten years I worked in human resources, focused primarily on employee performance and development.  I worked with employees to improve their performance, I worked with managers to develop their careers, and I coached beginning and experienced executives through some very difficult corporate transitions.

Through all of this, I wrote.  In 2007 I earned my master's degree in writing at DePaul.

Coming back to photography is a natural part of my artistic and professional development.  Archetype Images combines all the stages of my professional lives and creates something new.  I'm very excited about working with you to identify the archetypes that are the basis for your story, and helping you communicate that story through your own images of those archetypes.

Scott Cooper