On Exhibit: “Eyes Wide Open” Photography by James Keller

Camden Public Library welcomes photographer James Keller for his exhibition Eyes Wide Open, featuring a collection of his striking black and white street portraits. The exhibit will be on display in the Picker Room Gallery during the month of August.*

Artist’s Statement

“Taking photographs has always been an act of joy for me. It has always been about the people; be it friends or on the street. So I suppose that I’m a portrait photographer.

You make contact out in the world with someone that otherwise you would never meet, and though it’s only a moment, there is something lovely about it. It’s like a spontaneous moment of theater; a sharing, a meeting.

I worked in close for many years, just a 35mm lens, and later an 18-200mm.  I asked permission;  “do you mind, can I take your picture, look right at me”. So there was always a correspondence between us, a shared moment, kind of a small dance with love. People seemed to be very open with me. Perhaps that was my gift.

Always black and white. I never worked professionally so my photography was always done on my own terms; just for the joy of the art and the moment.

The whole process is a pleasure; from taking the photos, to printing, to sharing. So I hope you enjoy them and that they bring a little light to you and a smile.” – James Keller

*The Picker Room hosts meetings and library events and is not always open for viewing. Please call ahead or check our website calendar to see what’s happening daily.