Since 1983 he has shot Publicity Stills for over 60 major Feature Films including Lord of the Rings, Gods and Generals, Rudy, Office Space, Rushmore, Secondhand Lions, All the Pretty Horses, Major League 2, October Sky and The Apostle. Van majored in Photojournalism at Stephen F. Austin State University under Dr. Michael Roach. After graduation he worked as the House Photographer for the House of Representatives at the state Capitol. After the Capitol he was advertising photographer for Glastron Boat Company and then shared a commercial Photography studio with the late Reagan Bradshaw.