Hailing from New York state, Jeffrey Conley received a BFA in Photographic Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. In 1991, he moved to Yosemite National Park where he photographed extensively and led seminars in photographic instruction through the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Now residing in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, he concentrates his efforts on his creative photography. His subject matter is diverse, ranging from vast, grand landscapes to nuanced intimate studies and the found still life. Each print he creates is meticulously crafted by him to his high quality standards with traditional darkroom processes. Subtle aesthetic variation within printing decisions, in conjunction with processing and printing material alterations make each print a distinctly original creation.
Working primarily in black and white, Conley is known for his luminous gelatin silver and platinum/palladium prints, many of which are hand-coated by the artist. In addition, he produces pigment prints on delicate Japanese kozo paper. Depending on the image and scale, Conley carefully selects the printing process that best serves the photograph, believing that each image carries its own material and tonal requirements. This thoughtful approach reflects his deep commitment to craft and his sensitivity to how a photograph is ultimately experienced as an object.
Conley is also the author of several monographs published by Nazraeli Press, including The Shadow’s Veil, Winter, Reverence, and West. His work has been widely exhibited and is held in private and museum collections internationally, reinforcing his reputation as a contemporary photographer deeply committed to the craft and tradition of fine photographic printmaking.
"Photography is for me a kind of meditation that widens my perception of the existing and evolving world around us. I seek refuge and simplicity in my photographs and find a personal resolution and fulfillment that I sincerely hope others experience as well."
—Jeffrey Conley via his website