Jim Kessler

Photography has always held an important place in my life.  From a very early age I was captured by images by Curtis, Stieglitz, Adams, Weston & Cunningham.  My imagery stems from their influences and the more traditional use of the medium; via composition, exposure, processing and cropping versus chemical alteration, differing materials or composite mosaics.  I was trained as a Naval Photographer through basic and advanced schools utilizing 35mm, medium format, 4x5 & 8x10 view cameras as well as in all processing and printing systems.  Over time, I have been encouraged to expand my interest in photography and to view things from alternative perspectives.  This is whether it is a large landscape or the small detail in a flower.  I gauge a successful image in two ways.  First, does the final image/print represent what I had visualized in my mind before I released the shutter?  Second, and equally (if not more) important, is does the final image/print result in it being a photograph that draws the viewer in and to look deeper?  To have a final photograph that can prove successful with both of these criteria is extremely satisfying.  

The galleries contained herein are separated between black & white and color imagery with sub-sets of varying subject matter.  A significant number of the images were shot on Kodachrome, Ektachrome & Fujichrome color slide film or Ilford, Kodak & Agfa black & white film using Nikon 35mm or Rolleiflex SL66 medium format cameras.  In addition, more recent images are also through the use of Nikon digital cameras.  Even when using a digital camera, I always approach each shot as though I am using a film camera.  I consider, plan, visualize and compose each shot in my mind before I bring the camera up.  

I am proud to be a member artist of the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, CA and SFCamerwork in San Francisco, CA.  I am a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and reside in San Francisco.