Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta has talented and well-known photographers living in our midst. You may not know all of them but in at least one case, you probably have seen his work. Bud Ellison has shot a number of covers for the PV Mirror and the Vallarta Tribune, as well as having photo published in National Geographic Traveler and other well known publications.

Ellison's work has been exhibited throughout the U.S., and a number of his photographs have won awards in juried contests.

The International Friendship Club (IFC) currently has an exhibit of Bud Ellison's photography on display as a fundraiser in their newly renovated meeting hall. The exhibit runs through January and the work is available for sale. Bud and his wife Lois, also a fine photographer, are generously donating 25% of the proceeds to the IFC.

The exhibit is open to the public during office hours 9-2 except with the hall is in use, and every Friday evening during social hour from 5:00-6:30 pm.

Having lived in a variety of places and traveled to many more, Bud and Lois always have a camera in hand. Originally from Northern California, they moved eight times in the previous sixteen years before settling in Puerto Vallarta a year ago. Along the way they owned a B&B in a historic home in Alabama, moved to Florida, and lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Bud and Lois have been visiting PV for longer and longer periods since 1987 and say it is their favorite place. "Our family is scattered all over the world with no two members near each other, so we decided to make our home in our favorite place... Puerto Vallarta," Ellison says.

Bud has been taking snap shots since he was about eight years old but became serious about photography in 2006 when he retired and after visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was enthralled with the landscape, the photo opportunities, and the quality of work in Santa Fe.

I asked Bud about his photography and he says he has pursued several types but he says his favorite is urban photography, particularly candid shots of people. One of his favorite events is the 12 days of perigrinacion, or pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, every December in Puerto Vallarta.

Learn more about Bud and his work at his website: BudEllison.com. And be sure and come by the exhibit to see these spectacular photographs first hand!