Artist Statement - Photographer John Palmer

Artist Statement

I am a documentary photographer working with both traditional film and digital technologies. I believe documentary photography and fine art are compatible, allowing truth and beauty, observation and expression to coexist in a single frame.

My process is intentional and selective. I photograph only when I feel a strong emotional connection to the subject and its environment. My goal is to merge the essence of my subjects with my own perspective, creating images that are emotionally compelling and visually distinctive.

This philosophy has shaped my long-term projects in China, where I documented disappearing traditions, rural life, urban development, and portraits of Women/Gender Studies during significant social and political change. Instead of a purely journalistic approach, I sought to capture both visible realities and underlying emotions. As Senior Photographer for California State Parks, I focused on the relationship between nature, culture, and public space, creating images that honor ecological beauty and human experience.

Through this approach, I aim to create photographs that capture and elevate reality, informing, provoking reflection, and enduring over time.

John Palmer