Jack is a native of Charleston, South Carolina where he opened Alterman Studios in 1980. His interest in photography began in 1968 while serving as a Marine in Okinawa. After his discharge in 1970 he went on to receive his technical training using the GI Bill at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California.

His expertise includes environmental photography as well as studio portraiture and travel essays. He has traveled extensively in Africa, Asia and Europe and contributes regularly to regional and national print publications.