Jim Salzano • Waitress, The Coffee Shop, Union Square  NYC 1991

Todd Weinstein • Women in Coffee Shop, Texas, C. 1980s

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James Salzano, based in New York City, is an acclaimed photographer whose ability to understand and communicate the needs of his clients and subjects has earned him worldwide recognition for his work in advertising and portraiture for over 40 years. His vision and insight have attracted many loyal clients, such as Macy’s, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Chubb Insurance and Smith Barney, all of whom have built campaigns using his signature images. His assignments have taken him through Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. The trifecta of Jim's experience, communication skills, and humor has made him a popular lecturer at the Art Directors Clubs of Cincinnati and Toronto, the New York chapter of ASMP, and the International Center for Photography.

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I first met Todd Weinstein in Washington Square Park NYC in 1971, on a late summer day, as I was performing my “mime” act. It's embarrassing nowadays to admit to having been a mime, wearing full make-up no less, but it’s true.

I had been working freelance for a few photographers as a darkroom tech and production assistant and wanted to move up in the business. I was having a hard time paying my rent and needed to make some extra money. On a dare, I started to perform mime on the New York City streets for small change and quickly realized that a full day performing mime was very very profitable. All those coins were adding up to more than I was making in a day in photography.

As I was in the middle of my act that fateful, I saw a photographer with a serious camera and giant telephoto lens photographing me. After I finished my act, I walked towards him and told him I wanted to be a photographer. We talked for a while and Todd said I should visit his studio and meet the other photographers sharing the space. Meeting Todd and his studio partners initiated a real photography home-base for me in NYC. The other photographers that I had briefly worked for had such competitive and stressful environments, but Todd’s studio mates were so friendly and supportive. He said I could use his darkroom and he would hire me and teach me more about strobe lighting.

I couldn’t believe the generosity, support and friendship that Todd extended to me. Working there I soon became more knowledgeable about all technical aspects of the business but discovered something much more important.

I had found a group of people that were open and compassionate and willing to include a young kid from New Jersey in their business and personal lives when most of my experience up until then had been just the opposite. This new environment gave me hope that I could succeed in a business that I had begun to question would ever accept me. Todd and his studio became the inspiration for me to commit to photography 100%.

I wouldn't be where I am today, professionally and personally, without Todd's influence - which I am lucky enough to experience to this day.

Salzano Studio Inc. / 35 West 31 St. New York, NY 10001 / 212.242.4820