Behind the Lens

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The amazing work of photographer Jim Hollander ’68

 

The list of what Jim Hollander ’68 has photographed is mind-boggling. The Olympics. The running of the bulls in Pamplona. Conflicts in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Middle East. Three different pope’s visits to the Holy Land. And that’s just for starters. An award-winning photojournalist, Hollander has held chief photographer roles in the Middle East for UPI, Reuters, and the European Pressphoto Agency.

In addition to taking riveting photos of international news, he also captures spectacular shots of his passions, which include horseback riding and, especially, anything to do with bulls, bullfighting, and Spain. Hollander has attended the famed Fiesta de San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain, a total of 50 times, and his photos make you feel that you are there, with 2,000 pounds of charging, eye-rolling bull just feet away from you. Hollander lives outside Jerusalem with his wife, Rina, a New York Times photographer and documentary filmmaker.

He credits his career path to the early influences of his father, Gino, a painter, as well as other role models he met at Williston, including Barry Moser, who oversaw his independent study in abstract painting, and John Cohen, who introduced him to “the wonders of black and white film photography.”

“I’ve been on the path-less-taken my entire working life,” he says, “and despite sharp turns, roller coaster drops, and icy, slippery heights, it’s been a fun ride.”

To see more of Jim’s work, follow him on Instagram (@jimhollanderpix).

For more stories about Williston Northampton School alumni, click here.