Michael Campbell Photography

Your exhibition is an absolute smash hit. Never in the world have I seen such outstanding portraits as those you have presented in this show. Congratulations. San Diego Celebrities 1981.

I have had the pleasure of working with Michael, and all I can tell you is Englands treasure has become Americas treasure. I look at Michael, as the number one must see photographer if you want to walk away inspired. Not only does he teach you; he instills an artistic ambience that will fill your life. Rarely does a teacher or mentor go beyond the nuts and bolts to take a genuine interest in your work and your life, Michael does both. I love writing this because I know Michael is squirming, he hates compliments. I can only tell you this, as talented as Michael is, his greatest creation is he himself.

Michael Campbells portraits using the simplest camera, lens and lighting equipment took first and second place out of 8000 entries in Professional Photographers of America Competition. This is the first new and exciting idea I have seen in photography in fifteen years of print judging. All of his prints would score in the high nineties in National competition. An extraordinary and unique achievement. Some of his portraits remind one of Norman Rockwells Saturday Evening Post Covers, others have the qualities of the great master paintings of the 17th and 18th century in Europe. I believe Michael Campbell has really developed a new and very beautiful style of portraiture.

In my 30 years in this business, I have never seen such emotion captured in one image. It inspires the same feelings as when viewing a Degas or Renoir. Michael Campbell is an Artist who paints with a camera.

These are not like any photographs I have ever seen before. They are gorgeous art pieces and as such I would like to display them in my galleries as limited edition lithographs.

The Portrait of Jonas that you made is the finest portrait of Dr Salk that we have seen. It will be given the place of honor in the new Salk Institute wing.