Kim Weston

Edward Weston's Desk, Black and White Photograph, Wild Cat Hill

2001

Kim Weston is a third-generation member of one of the most well-recognized families in modern photography, which includes his grandfather Edward Weston, his uncle Brett Weston and his father Cole Weston. Weston's experience with the art of traditional black and white photography was cultivated assisting his father and his uncle in their respective darkrooms. He learned photography assisting his father, Cole Weston, in the darkroom making gallery prints from the original negatives of his grandfather, Edward Weston. He also worked for 15 years as an assistant to his uncle, Brett Weston. Weston first photographed using a Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera. When he reached his 20s, his main camera was a 4_5 (large format) Linhof, a gift from his uncle Brett Weston. Weston used this camera for many years, his interest shifting from photographing rocks and trees in the traditional Weston family-style to nude figure studies. In his 30s, he switched to an 8_10 Calumet given to him by his father. His studio nudes were becoming quite complex, often telling stories of his life in each series. Weston now photographs with a medium format Mamiya RB67 he inherited from his father. He prints 8_10, 11_14 and 16_20. He still develops, prints, and finishes his work. Weston now resides in Carmel Highlands, California, at his grandfather’s former home.

Weston’s statement, “I make pictures which are meant to be direct and truthful. I do not explain or rationalize this work or my passion for it. I leave it to the viewer to find the surprises. I hope the work generates feelings; otherwise, I have failed.”

(Biography provided by Robert Azensky Fine Art)