The Journey of a Dedicated Lensman
Jim Kasson, known for his diverse photography career spanning several decades, began his journey when he received a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye in the early 1950s. Now residing in the United States, Kasson’s photography ranges from documentary to fine art, utilizing a variety of cameras such as the Nikon Z8, Hasselblad X2D II, and Fujifilm GFX 100 II. It is in these endeavors that Kasson’s mastery truly shines.
“In 1951 or 1952, when I was eight or nine, my parents gave me that Kodak Brownie,” Kasson recalls. “Since then, I’ve been making a pest of myself behind the camera ever since.”
Jim Kasson’s Photography Arsenal
Current Favorites:
- Nikon Z8 with a 105mm macro or Plena lens
- Hasselblad H2D II with 35-100mm lens
- GFX 100 II with a 110mm F2 or Rodenstock 105mm F5.6 HR Digaron Macro lens
Past Favorites:
- Nikon F series, Leica M series, Sony Alpha series, and more
For Kasson, the gear that best supports his current vision is his favorite. Recently, he’s been fond of the Fujifilm GFX 100 II paired with the Rodenstock 105mm F5.6 HR Digaron Macro, which showcases the prowess of the renowned photographer.
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Darkroom Beginnings
After getting his Kodak Brownie, Kasson’s passion for photography grew at Stanford, leading to photojournalism roles, processing costs drove him to build a rudimentary darkroom at home. “My father bought me a Kodak darkroom kit, and I began developing film in our bathroom,” Kasson notes. His dedication to learning and evolving his skills is a hallmark of his photographic journey.
Budding Photojournalist
At Choate, Kasson navigated unfamiliar darkroom equipment, executing his first professional assignments for the school newspaper. “My career as a photojournalist truly began here,” Kasson reflects, after overcoming the challenges of unknown technology. His career path illustrates determination and skill development.
Evolving Through Learning
From high school documentary work to attempting art photography with Hasselblad and Linhof cameras in the 1980s, Kasson’s improvement came through practice and learning from photographic workshops with legends like Ansel Adams and George Tice. His ongoing journey reflects a dedication to mastering the craft.
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Adventures Across Locations
Kasson’s projects are diverse and geographically varied. From Salinas Valley to the vibrant urbanity of New York and Zurich, and underwater explorations in the Caribbean and Papua New Guinea, his work exhibits a narrative depth and an intuitive feel for location. Each venue becomes a canvas for his creativity.
Improvement Through Practice
Kasson stresses the importance of personal evolution; each series is an exploration that guides his aesthetic and technique growth. “Your work will tell you what you need to do to make it better if you’re willing to listen.” Kasson’s philosophy is embedded in this perpetual quest for improvement.
Source: dpreview.com
Frequently asked questions
What kind of cameras does Jim Kasson use?
Jim Kasson uses various cameras including the Nikon Z8, Hasselblad X2D II, and Fujifilm GFX 100 II. He particularly favors the Fujifilm GFX 100 II paired with the Rodenstock 105mm F5.6 HR Digaron Macro lens.
How did Jim Kasson start his photography journey?
Jim Kasson began his photography journey when he received a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye in the early 1950s from his parents.
Where has Jim Kasson worked on photography projects?
Jim Kasson has worked on photography projects in diverse locations such as Salinas Valley, New York, Zurich, the Caribbean, and Papua New Guinea.
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