Locating to West Michigan from Colorado in 2005, James Cook began a photographic study of the area, its nuances of light, color and the natural beauty that has drawn artists here for decades. "No matter how many times I visit areas along the lakeshore, whether it's the beaches, the woods or the dunes, I see something entirely new. Due to the area's unique geography and rare light, the change of season, weather and the time of day provide an endless array of visual challenges."
James Cook is an internationally recognized photojournalist and fine art photographer. He has created photographs for over thirty years for major news publications, magazines and corporate interests around the world. Cook has portrayed corporate leaders, major motion picture personalities and political leaders, including several US Presidents. Hundreds of his images have been published in Time and Newsweek alone. A project photographing the vanishing cultures of Native Americans was featured in a PBS production on contemporary photographers. A photograph from this project entitled "The Centennial Ride to Wounded Knee" was chosen for inclusion and display in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of the American Indian.
James Cook's photographs of the Saugatuck area are meant to heighten the viewer's awareness of the unique beauty of West Michigan's Lakeshore environment. And, remaining true to his photojournalism background, Cook intends to tell a story with every one of them.
"My ideal image is one that captures your attention from across the room with its lines, color, light and shadow. Then as you approach, the image draws you into another dimension altogether, as more detail becomes apparent. No matter how many times you look, or how long you look, there is something new to be seen and pondered."
This collection of fine art photography represents the artist's initial offering of images of the West Michigan Lakeshore area. The photographs are printed using high quality archival inks on 13" by 19" matte paper. Each image is personally signed and titled by the artist in pencil on the front and verso. They are available framed or unframed in acid free mats.