Photographer, Jim Westphalen has always had an affinity for the built landscape; those features and patterns reflecting human occupation within the natural surroundings. His current body of work entitled, vanish is an ongoing narrative that speaks to the decay of iconic structures in rural America. Inspired by such painters as A. Hale Johnson, Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper, Jim’s photographs open like windows to a world that is rapidly disappearing before our eyes. He captures his dynamic landscapes using a vintage 4×5 (film) view camera that has been adapted for digital capture. He then processes his imagery using proprietary methods that create a unique painterly feel. The effect is further enhanced by employing matte finish rag papers for the prints themselves.

Largely self taught, Westphalen has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His work is widely published and collected both nationally and abroad. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, in 1996 he moved to Vermont to be closer to the rural landscape that he loves. He lives with his wife Kendra in Shelburne, Vermont where he also runs his studio.