Irrigation Festival profile: Honorary Pioneer Ross Hamilton

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Editor’s note: this is the fifth profile of Sequim Irrigation Festival pioneers for the 123rd festival, which ends May 13. See all of the pioneers and many more familiar faces in the Grand Parade starting at noon on Saturday, May 12, along Washington Street in Downtown Sequim.

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Whether on a post card or a print, it’s likely you’ve seen Ross’ Hamilton’s work.

The 75-year-old photographer continues to share his gift through instructional series and his annual “Olympic Peninsula” calendar despite losing his vision in 2000.

Ross comes from a long-line of Hamiltons in Sequim with his great-grandfather William Hamilton settling here in the 1880s and his father Oliver Hamilton serving as Sequim’s mayor.

His dad once served as a grand pioneer and Ross as grand marshal too.

Ross said he’s naturally an introvert but he finds it interesting how God continues to put him in positions with people.

“It’s an honor,” Ross said of his role as honorary pioneer.

“I’ve learned to really appreciate and love people and their beauty.”

Ross grew up in Burbank, California, and followed his parents to the Sequim area in 1969 after graduating from UCLA with a Master’s in marketing.

While building a name for himself in photography, Ross worked in retail, first at the People’s Store in Port Angeles and then about 20 years between Southwoods and Frick’s.

He became a full-time photographer in the mid-1990s.

He recalls his first exposure to cameras from his parents at age 9 when they gave him a camera. In 1966, he spent the “happiest summer of his life” studying under Ansel Adams’ Yosemite studio too.

In the 1970s, he purchased and began seriously pursuing photography as more than a hobby, Ross said.

Faith has played a big part in Ross’ life too. He’s been a member/ elder at Dungeness Community Church for 30-plus years.

For more information on Irrigation Festival events, visit www.irrigationfestival.com.