User:Almondentyte/Sandbox

An American photographer and entrepreneur, Kim Jew is the founder and owner of Kim Jew Photography, One of A+ Kind Photography and Kim Jew Sports Photography, all of which are located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Melvin Kim Jew, born on July 18, 1952, grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Highland High School. Kim Jew began dabbling in photography in high school when he got his first camera, a Pentax Spotmatic 35mm. Eventually, Jew went on to earn an Associates of Art in Photography from the Art Institute of America in Atlanta in 1974. After attending school in Georgia, Jew became a part-time photographer for the Tamarind Institute at the University of New Mexico. From there, Jew began his own business, Kim Jew Photography.

Having photographed dozens of politicians, presidents and world leaders, as well as numerous celebrities, Jew has been taking professional photographs for over 35 years. Though the three businesses are located in New Mexico, Jew has taken photographs all over the world.

Kim Jew Photography
Started in 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the Nob Hill area, Kim Jew Photography has grown into a multimillion dollar enterprise that encompasses three portrait studios with over 35 employees, including 10 staff photographers. This has been in part due to utilizing the most cutting edge technology available, but also Jew’s unique approach to photography.

According to the New Mexico Business Journal, “what brought people into his [Kim Jew’s] place in droves was his style, which applied commercial photo technique to portraits—‘not so stiff’ poses, softer lighting, background music and even fans ‘to blow people’s hair.’” According to Jew, “I’ve learned that people’s self-image comes from that last picture taken of them. It really does have an influence on the psyche and translates into self-esteem.” Kim Jew Photography quickly became known for focusing on family portraits as well as senior portraits. Jew often speaks of his love for taking senior portraits. “Seniors are at the height of their beauty and facing major turning points in their lives,” he stated while comparing photography to art. Jew shares his love of photography in the Albuquerque community by mentoring high school students interested in photography.

Notability
Jew has been praised by both members of the Albuquerque community, as well as the larger art community for his passion and the beauty of his work. Much of his work has received critical acclaim and awards across the country, including honors from the Weems International Art Fest and the Judges’ Choice Award at the National Senior Portrait Artists Portfolio Competition in 2005. In Albuquerque he co-sponsored the 2010 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Photo Contest and was also given the distinct honor of photographing North America’s largest concave fresco, which is also in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Some of the notable subjects of Jew’s work include former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, as well as President Barack Obama, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sir Richard Branson, Jay Leno, Dana Carvey, Sophia Loren, Tony Bennett, Miss USA Mai Shanley, and the late Tim Russert. Kim Jew’s work has also been featured in many national publications, including American Profile, Parade Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Harper’s Bazaar, American Photographer, Studio Magazine, Photo District News, Scientific America, GQ Magazine, Cuisine, New Mexico Magazine and Tiger Beat. Famous clients of Kim Jew include Bell Helicopter, American Airlines, Kraft, Kohler, Perot Systems, IBM, Merrill Lynch, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Buffalo Thunder Resort, KOB TV, Reelz Channel, Iosil Energy Corp, Tetley Tea and RefrigiWear.

Kim Jew currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife of over seventeen years. The couple has three children.