Chuck Kimmerle photographs in and around the geographic center of the North American continent, in the northern plains of eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Chuck used to be a photojournalist and now concentrates on his fine art work, specializing in non-natural landscapes shaped, as he says, "both by nature and the farmer's plow."
His work has a quiet beauty to it and his website is well worth a visit when you're in a contemplative or reflective mood.
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Mike
Featured Comment by Mike Hess: "Having met Chuck before when I was a student at the University that he photographed for and having been exposed to his work, everything that has been written here by Mike is spot on. His style is unique and effective. It would seem that photographers that spend time in eastern 'Nodak' and western Minnesota develop an affection for rural 'scapes. Another great photog worth looking at is the late Jerry Olson. His work has been an influence on me—every time I look at it, I want to go out and find the magical places that he creates."
Hey Mike. Thanks for pointing me to Chuck Kimmerle's web site. I have just thrown all my cameras in the trash can. E
Posted by: Ernest Theisen | Sunday, 22 July 2007 at 08:05 PM
I am not easily moved by photographs, but the image "Mondry Elevator, North Dakota" triggered a deep lonliness within me. There is really nothing special about it, and it appears to have no common elements with my own previous experiences, yet it literally brings tears to my eyes.
I suppose that exposure to this sort of thing is the reason that your BLOG is so popular (at least with me).
If I could afford it, I'd buy a print. But times are tough right now.
Posted by: Wilhelm | Sunday, 22 July 2007 at 09:58 PM
I'm glad to see Chuck's work featured on this site, I think its wonderful and beautiful, also his work is featured in the latest special edition of Black and white Magazine.
Posted by: Gary Nylander | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 12:32 AM
Just as an interesting side note, a while back there was a mini controversy about Mike promoting photographer's websites with out asking, anyway, Mike had noted that featured photographers can expect to get a lot higher website viewer reading, well I can say, that although I have never been featured here, I am featured on Chuck's links page, I am humbly getting the left over crumbs, because even my 'views' are three times what I would have for a normal Sunday, as people check out Chuck's site, so thanks Mike , its benefited me too !
Posted by: Gary Nylander | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 12:56 AM
You're welcome Gary. I did receive permission from Chuck to post his picture here.
Mike
Posted by: Mike | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 12:59 AM
Even though I don't particularly like the image with the article, after browsing through his site a bit I'm with Ernest. These photographs are the only things that have ever made me consider going to North Dakota.
Posted by: mwg | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 08:57 AM
I am not a landscape photo fan, mainly because it's very unusual to find work in this genre that isn't cliché or just plain uninteresting (to me).
But Chuck's images certainly held my interest. Here's a photographer that's applying technical skill, a strong artistic concept, the patience of a mantis, and the determination of a dog on a sock to create some of the most arresting images of some of the dullest scenes in the world.
Viewing work like Chuck's is like pushing the reboot button on my brain. It's a stark reminder that the images are always there. They're always wherever you are. Whether or not your mind can see them, and whether or not you have the skill to record them, is the real issue at-hand in photography.
Thank you for highlighting Chuck's jaw-dislocating work, Mike.
Posted by: Ken Tanaka | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 11:28 AM
Thanks for sharing Chuck's website. His work is awesome and inspiring.
-Rich Harris
47photo.wordpress.com
Posted by: Rich Harris | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 03:19 PM
This excellence is far from random.
Posted by: Claire Senft | Monday, 23 July 2007 at 04:48 PM
Wow...the feedback I've received both on Mike's blog and via email have been amazing, to say the least. I am truly humbled.
Thank you all, fellow photographers, for your words of encouragement, and thank you, Mike, for putting my work in front of so many people (I had hits from six of the seven continents, all but Antarctica!)
Regards,
Chuck
Posted by: chuck kimmerle | Tuesday, 24 July 2007 at 12:02 AM
Chuck,
Damn penguins can't type.
Mike
Posted by: Mike | Tuesday, 24 July 2007 at 12:11 AM
I don't visit here for a few days and look what I missed! Wow. Beautiful work, Chuck. And thanks for pointing us to it, Mike.
Posted by: nextSibling | Thursday, 26 July 2007 at 08:50 PM