James Messerschmidt: Existence

This website is devoted to my interest in existence. The photo projects are a way to explore and share that interest. It is also meant as an introduction to me, my work and a way to make contact with my prospective participants.

Why existence?

For me, to exist, is a most remarkable thing and the hardest to simplify in explanation. In my works, I can only hope to share segments of being through pictures and words and hope to gain a better understanding through other's lives. 

Project List

AIDS: Before the Cocktail/Living Positive

   I am looking for New York City area volunteers to participate in this project. It is a portrait book project which features people who were HIV positive before 1986. Please proceed to the project page for additional information on how to participate. Thank you.

Breezy Point: Home

   It is a pictorial look at Breezy Point after Hurricane Sandy where a neighborhood was left in cinders and flooded basements. It is a look at one of the most important human needs, shelter and it's relation to identity.

Funtography: Alone

Lucky

   "What is Lucky?", a future project looking into the topic of luck.