JAY MAISELBy: Brooke Hill

Date/Place Of Birth

◦ He was born on January 18, 1931 in Brooklyn New York

Date/Place Of Death

◦ Jay Maisel is still alive, and is currently living in New York

Mediums/Methods

◦Natural-Light is his biggest method for photography◦ “Jay Maisel is recognized as one of the top natural-light photographers in the world.”

◦ He is now shooting 100% digital with Nikon's D1 digital camera, and printing his photographs on an Epson 1270.

Favorite subject matter◦ Jay Maisel has spent the last 60 years visually documenting New York City.

◦ “While his portfolio includes the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Miles Davis, he is perhaps best known for capturing the light, color, and gesture found in every day life. This unique vision kept him busy for over 40 years shooting annual reports, magazine covers, jazz albums, advertising and more for an array of clients worldwide.”

The Route He Took◦ After studying painting and graphic design at Cooper Union and Yale, Jay Maisel

began his career in photography in 1954.

◦He did years of commercial shooting for 40 years ◦ He quit taking on commercial work in the late 90’s because he felt it wasn’t personal work.

◦He’s also won many awards, including an Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Media Photographers.

◦ Photographer Jay Maisel has spent the last 60 years visually documenting New York City.

◦ “I think shooting photographs is like breathing to him. Photography is not something he does, but rather something he is.”

Best Known Photographs:

For most of Jay’s work he used natural light, which gave his photo’s a very distinct look.

The Impact on Society◦ Jay Maisel is a great photographer, and he is an inspiration to other photographers

around the world. He allows us to see New York with a lens perspective, and he does an amazing job. Jay quit commercial shooting, because he felt he couldn’t express himself through his photography. He shows people and photographers not to do something just because society is pressuring you to do it. His photo’s are evidence that it’s okay to take a stand for what you believe in; it’s okay to stand out.◦ “His vision and passion for his craft have inspired countless photographers, including Joe

McNally and Scott Kelby.”

“I’ve seen really good photographers get sucked into thinking their commercial work is their life. What I mean is that they do not do enough personal work. If you don’t listen to your inner voice, you will be voicing what other people motivate you to do. You’ve got to reveal yourself to yourself.” -Jay Maisel

My Favorite Photo’s: “Maine Forest Mist”

My Favorite Photo’s: “Boy and Inner Tube”

My Favorite Photo’s: “First Snow, Elizabeth Street”

My Favorite Photo’s: “Two Miners”

Resources ◦ http://fadedandblurred.com/spotlight/jay-maisel/

◦ http://www.jaymaisel.com/contact/

◦ http://bermangraphics.com/press/jaymaisel.htm

◦ http://potd.pdnonline.com/2014/10/28757

My Reflection◦ I just randomly chose Jay Maisel on the assignments page, before this project I was

not familiar with his photography. When I saw his pictures I kind of liked them and I was in a rush to find the person to do my project on, so I picked him. I started to dislike his photos the more research them, I wasn’t impressed, and I didn’t understand why he was a famous photographer. After I did a lot of research on him I realized he is not only a great photographer, but his story is amazing! He was a famous commercial shooter, and he gave it up to do more personal work. It amazes me that he stepped out, and quit something he had done for so many years. Some people might say that he was crazy for quitting; but I call it boldness. He also is known for shooting with natural light, and I love that about his work. I think so many photographers are so focused on Photoshop and setting scenes up, that they forget the true meaning of photography. Jay’s photography might not be the best, but I love the techniques that he chooses to use and I love his photos.

My 2 RecreationsHis Pictures:

Recreations: