Born in 1955, James Vaughan grew up in the idyllic surround- ings of a small town near Akron, Ohio. His father was a scientist and director of research for one of America’s largest corporations. His mother was an artist and poet.
Vaughan completed high school a year ahead of his classmates and in 1972 left for Chicago and college. He studied both photography and journalism and while still a student his freelance work appeared in many of the city’s major magazines and newspapers.
After he earned his degree Vaughan took a job as an assistant with a large commercial studio. Then in 1977, during a long and cold Chicago Winter, he converted an entire floor of an old factory into his first studio.
Over the next twenty-five years he worked at the forefront of Chicago’s advertising and fashion industry and was commissioned for a wide variety of advertising and editorial assignments. “My original training in photo-journalism served me well,” says Vaughan. “It brought a sense of realism and sincerity to my work. I have always thought of myself as a storyteller. That’s what the word ‘photography’ really means- ‘to write with light.’”
“I can’t say that I was much of a financial success.” continues Vaughan. “Most of the money went to new ideas and experiments. We were all mad-scientists back then, pushing the envelope in search of the next break-through image.”
With the arrival of the 21st Century and it’s limitless Internet technology, James Vaughan has been able to return to his small town roots. Now back in Ohio, he has taught at nearby Kent State University and built a new state of the art studio. “This is the most important time for my work . Away from the demands and distraction of the big city I can be even more creative.” he says.
“After all these decades I finally have the skill and technology to catch-up to my imagination.”
Vaughan completed high school a year ahead of his classmates and in 1972 left for Chicago and college. He studied both photography and journalism and while still a student his freelance work appeared in many of the city’s major magazines and newspapers.
After he earned his degree Vaughan took a job as an assistant with a large commercial studio. Then in 1977, during a long and cold Chicago Winter, he converted an entire floor of an old factory into his first studio.
Over the next twenty-five years he worked at the forefront of Chicago’s advertising and fashion industry and was commissioned for a wide variety of advertising and editorial assignments. “My original training in photo-journalism served me well,” says Vaughan. “It brought a sense of realism and sincerity to my work. I have always thought of myself as a storyteller. That’s what the word ‘photography’ really means- ‘to write with light.’”
“I can’t say that I was much of a financial success.” continues Vaughan. “Most of the money went to new ideas and experiments. We were all mad-scientists back then, pushing the envelope in search of the next break-through image.”
With the arrival of the 21st Century and it’s limitless Internet technology, James Vaughan has been able to return to his small town roots. Now back in Ohio, he has taught at nearby Kent State University and built a new state of the art studio. “This is the most important time for my work . Away from the demands and distraction of the big city I can be even more creative.” he says.
“After all these decades I finally have the skill and technology to catch-up to my imagination.”