Photographer, Printer, Technician, Angeleno.

I’m a native Angeleno artist and educator. I am passionate about exploring local and ethnic histories and identities via visual mediums and art. My History MA thesis, Memories in Emulsion: Photography and the Remembrance of Japanese Incarceration, published in California State University, Fullerton’s Welebaethan journal of history, is a photographic investigation of how the memories and stories of the unconstitutional incarceration of over 100,000 Japanese Americans during World War II are preserved, edited, or forgotten today at Manzanar National Historic Site. I received my BA and MA in history from UCLA and Cal State Fullerton, respectively, and have recently fulfilled a promise to myself that I would go back and finish his photography degree. I’m currently on staff at Santa Monica College’s Photography Department and I love helping photography students navigate their visual worlds. 

In addition to being an artist, I consider myself a technician or operator of the camera. I love the craft—the tactile feel of the processes. Loading cameras, mixing chemistry, gazing into the tray as the image materializes, or even jiggling the box of film and hearing that comforting sound. It enthralls me every time. I studied black and white silver gelatin printing under Steve Moulton and I currently contribute to Forecast Journal—formerly SOVO// Magazine—both have been incredible inspirations and supporters in my craft. I must also thank every single person you see on this website and I never imagined I would have the privilege to photograph such wonderful people. I have been featured in galleries including The Neutra Institute and Museum in Silver Lake, Arcana Books on the Arts in Culver City, The Beyond the Lines Gallery at Bergamot Station, Photo LA at The REEF, The Hive Gallery in Downtown LA, and The 1650 Gallery in Echo Park. 

Artist CV
JeffMarkLeavitt@gmail.com
Instagram @JeffMarkLeavitt

Photo by Meka Tome