Bluefield, VA—Bluefield University is hosting a photography exhibition titled “Landscapes of Home” by photographer Jeff Ingram, now until Feb. 15, 2019. The show will be on display in the Bluefield University Art Gallery located on the first floor of Lansdell Hall from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend hours may be obtained by calling Bluefield University’s Art Department at 276-326-4588. Many of the works are images from Tazewell County and national parks.
Ingram was born and raised in a small town in Edwards County, Illinois. His father, Curtis Ingram let him use their camera. In the early 1970s, he became interested in the darkroom. A photographer in town, George Calhoun showed Jeff his darkroom and taught him about film developing, and making prints.
In 1983, he graduated from Milligan College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with several computer languages in his coursework. Computers filled Jeff’s life ever since. However, it wasn’t until 2003 that he accepted a position at Lebanon High School in Russell County, Virginia as a technology teacher that his passion for photography was reignited.
With the digital camera and the computer closely aligned, he taught students a variety of subjects: computer networking, computer repair, and the uses of technology in daily life. His favorite subject to teach was digital photography. From this, he reawakened his love for photography. He took a workshop from famed Bluefield photographer Hal Brainerd and learned color techniques that mark the uniqueness of his photography.
“Photography has been a significant part of my life for the past 30 years, and yet is a field that continues to hold new beginnings for me as I explore new locations and embark on outdoor adventures,” Ingram said.
Ingram lives in Tazewell, Virginia with his wife, Sheila a 1995 Bluefield University graduate, as well as his son, Aaron Curtis, a 2018 graduate of Bluefield University. They also have a daughter, Carlee Faith.