James Schnepf

James Schnepf is a location photographer with an emphasis on people. He has photographed for a long list of America’s leading corporations and publications, and these assignments have taken him to all parts of the world. In his travels, he has always kept an eye open for a climate and community to balance the cold winters of his family’s Midwest base. He and his wife, Christiane, found that place in California’s Coachella Valley, where they own a 1959 William Krisel–designed home. From James Schnepf, “The Palm Springs Project took root as I was beginning a new relationship with the desert in 2010. With the purchase of a 1959 William Krisel designed home, curiosity began to get the best of me, as I began exploring the desert architecture, landscape and its people. As a people photographer, I began to question...“Who lives in that house? Who is the person that designed that house?” The camera has always acted as my passport into other worlds and a wonderful learning tool. Simply put, I wanted to meet the modernists that lived behind the decorative screen block. I went to work. Throughout the four-year project, I photographed over fifty architecturally significant homes, owners and original architects that have lovingly nurtured these homes. My camera has also captured a few of today’s contemporary desert architects who stand on the shoulders of the pioneers, as well as the region’s vast blend of artists, preservationists, revivalists, members of the old guard and the assorted cast of characters who make up the new Palm Springs renaissance. I hope you will enjoy exploring this fascinating world and its people as much as I’ve enjoyed discovering it."

Since the introduction of photography in the 19th century, it has been used to show the earth’s diverse landscapes. Modern and contemporary landscape photography continues to capture scenes of landscapes from around the world while becoming much more exploratory.

Historically, artists have played a key role in landscape preservation. Early 20th-century landscape photography provided a powerful argument for the establishment of the U.S. National Park Service a century ago, and iconic national park shots by Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter captured the public’s imagination and fueled conservation efforts.

The world of landscape photography has grown far more experimental in the last several decades, bolstered by innovative techniques and creative talents. Abstract landscape photography is often a thought-provoking exploration of bold, bleeding colors. To understand just how abstract these images can be, look no further than Jean-François Rauzier's outstanding landscape compositions.

A simpler style is offered by minimalist landscape photography and its subdued tones. These pieces tend to imbue their surroundings with a sense of serenity, making them an excellent addition to bedrooms and quiet living rooms. And like any other works of art that you’ve brought into your home, there are many ways to arrange photography in a space. Small areas, for example, are ideal for displaying more petite pieces. These can also be positioned in a cluster as a gallery wall. You can stand framed landscape photography on an easel, a mantelpiece, floating shelves or on the floor leaning against a wall.

Browse exquisite landscape photography on 1stDibs today and find an eye-catching image to complement any home or collection.