Loomis-based fine art photographer James Hirschinger specializes in architectural, environmental and abstract images, which he now prints on dye-infused aluminum in large-scale producing prints with incredible depth and richness of color. Not having started his “second career” until retiring as Dean of Student Services at Sierra College, Hirschinger is never without his camera and is busy showing and commissioning his work throughout the Sacramento area. 

HLB: Were you always into photography? 

JH: As a college student, I wasn’t an art or photography major but was attracted to contemporary abstract paintings by artists such as Franz Klein and Mark Rothko. I believe my photography reflects their style in respect to bold compositions with striking lines and colors. During my senior year, I studied in Europe and completed a photographic essay comparing East and West Berlin before the fall of the Wall. The experience greatly increased my view of photography as a communication method to show the human condition. 

HLB: When do you find the best lighting? 

JH: The best time to find “inspirational light” is late afternoon, when the sun hits the subject at an angle and bathes it in soft golden light. If I see the subject becoming accentuated in respect to its lines, colors or reflections, I’m very concentrated on making the shot before the light disappears. 

HLB: Do you know instantly if it’ll be a great shot? 

JH: For my Davos Reflections series, which was taken in Switzerland, I knew as soon as I saw the image on my camera screen that it was a super shot. One of the shots was a vertical composition and the other horizontal and both have been hugely popular. The vertical shot sold at the recent Sacramento Crocker Art Museum Auction for $1,600.

HLB: How have you handled competition? 

JH: As an artist, you will always find someone who seems to do things better than you and that can be either discouraging or inspirational. You have to take “the high road” and learn from those artists who have mastered their medium. Try not to duplicate or copy their style; rather, take it to another realm with your own interpretation.

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by Heather L. Becker 

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