About Me...
My name is John Simpson, I’m an artist from Youngstown, Ohio. I started this journey when I was a kid in the 80’s with a cheap, little Kodak 110 film camera. I was too shy to make photos of people so I practiced making photos of my cats and dogs. Eventually, I mustered the courage to photograph some friends, then some colleagues and musicians… and now it’s not only my passion, it’s also my job.
I love the idea that Photography is an art of collaboration. It’s an art of connection… You have to get to know people, disarm them, have a conversation, and in return they allow themselves to open up and offer you a glimpse into their soul. As a photographer you can shape light, use shadows, or find a beautiful backdrop, but all of that is meaningless without the emotion. That’s the part I Love. Seeing someone’s eyes light up, a little half smile when they’re trying not to smile, maybe there’s a hint of sadness, or vulnerability? I always want this work to reflect something genuine and honest, of course I want it to look cool too, but the most important thing is that we feel something. There’s a story in all of us, I guess that’s the point, I try to find the story.
Photography has allowed me to meet and collaborate with so many interesting people. Actors, musicians, models, dancers… it even introduced me to the Love of my Life, and it led me to Bern, Switzerland, where I currently work and live. The majority of my work is focused on people (portraits), but I also do events, travel photography, landscapes, and I’m slowly learning and exploring video.
In April 2024 I opened Studio 408 in the old town of Bern. If you are interested in photography, subscribe to my newsletter to learn about events taking place in the studio - small exhibitions, workshops, special shootings and more.
If You’re interested in a shoot, please feel free to contact me.
