Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Freidin.
Jesse, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I became obsessed with photography at a very young age – I was given a Fisher Price toy camera and instantly fell in love with observing my world through a tiny view finder. Photography let me be a voyeur and articulate myself visually, which is what led me to this career. After moving to San Francisco many years ago and landing a job at a doggie day care, I started getting very curious about the human/animal bond and how powerful and life-changing it was. However, at that time the only images of dogs I was seeing were very cutesy and silly, with wide angle lenses and white backgrounds and over saturated colors. To me, these creatures and our relationships with them deserved a much more serious approach. I thought that I could redefine dog portraiture by approaching the subject with my own fine art style – shooting medium format black and white film, hand-printing my work, and simply creating portraits that were elevated to much higher standards.
That’s how it all started. I asked a friend and her dog to sit for me so that I could see if this theory of mine would work. And it did. I started my studio in 2009 and have been working steadily ever since. This is my full-time job, I do it with an immense amount of passion, and I’m continually inspired by my clients and their animals.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a fine art dog photographer. Wonderful clients in San Francisco, Santa Fe, Boston and beyond commission me to come to their home and tell a visual story about the amazing and beautiful bond they share with their canine companions. Some clients’ dogs are very old and nearing the ends of their lives; some clients’ dogs are just young pups hopping around the yard with a sock in their mouth. The common thread through all of my commissions is that my clients want to work closely with an artist that will truly understand their deep bond and create work for them that will not only look impressive on their walls, but more importantly provide a true sense of relief in knowing that their companions’ memories will stay alive long after they’re gone.
The majority of my work is shot on black and white film, and I produce all my prints on archival fiber paper. Each hand-cut mat is signed, ensuring the prints are protected and meet museum standards. It is so important that I provide my clients with incredibly high-quality work. I never give away cheap digital files or CDs. I am an artist; I provide artwork and that’s why clients come to my studio.
I love my job, and I love being part of the dog world and art world. This work is very emotional, and as someone who has shared my life with an old dog for many years I know exactly what my clients need without them having to say it. I think that makes my job even more fulfilling.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Artists tend to thrive on both ends of the spectrum – we need lots of mental and physical space to create our work and look inward for inspiration, but we also need to lean on community for feedback and support.
I have shared studios in the past with other photographers, which is always really beneficial. I also think it’s important to have artist friends, get yourself out to events with other creatives, join your local business community etc. Those things are really challenging for me, but I know that participating in my community helps me thrive.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can visit my website to see galleries, learn more about my process and how to schedule a Photography Session, or just to get in touch: www.jessefreidin.com
I also have a handful of exhibits up at all times. Currently I have a large exhibit in North Adams, MA (that’s in the Berkshires, right by MassMoCA) at the Museum of Dog.
And I’m active on social media:
Facebook: @jessefreidin
Instagram: @jessefreidin
Twitter: @jessefreidin
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessefreidin.com
- Phone: 415-370-5054
- Email: studio@jessefreidin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessefreidin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessefreidin
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessefreidin
Image Credit:
Headshot Image: Sarah Deragon
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