Carlan is a photojournalist and educator dedicated to documenting the social and environmental issues that define our times. A sensitive eye and an intimate relationship to his subjects are the signatures of his work.

At the age of six he received a camera from his father, an amateur photographer. Later, making his first black and white prints, he recognized the amazement of photography was to be his life's passion. He went on to study photography at Art Center College of Design. After graduation he worked with the National Park Service using photography to document socially caused changes in the natural environment. In the 1970’s he had the privilege of assisting the late Ansel Adams for three years.  Inspired by Ansel’s love of the natural landscape, Carlan produced a series of fine art photographs devoted to Mt. Rainier.  These are now in permanent collections in China, Australia, Seattle, and Mt. Rainier National Park.

In 2005 Carlan established a Federal (501c3) non-profit project Question of Power. The project tells human stories of individuals, families, and communities. Stories of unheard voices affected by the extraction, production, consumption, and waste materials of coal in the creation of electricity for America.

Carlan is a descendant of the Wicocomico Tribe, Taptico family. His strong belief and respect for the earth and all creatures is the continual theme in his work. His photographs have been published in numerous newspapers and publications including Associated Press, NPR - Living on Earth, New Mexico Magazine, and Honor the Earth. His project work was nominated for the National Geographic All Roads Projects.  He has received grants from the Evergreen Foundation and the Impact Fund for his social justice work. Redux Pictures in New York syndicate his photo essays nationally and internationally. 

As a life long educator, Carlan believes in sharing his knowledge and inspiration with students. He has taught at Seattle Central Community College, College of the Redwoods, Art Institute of Seattle, and Santa Fe Community College. In addition to workshops Carlan produces himself, he teaches workshops with Santa Fe Workshops, and National Geographic Expeditions.