Jim Kessler
Fine Art Photography
Images in Contrast & Colors
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.
