This body of work represents almost 5 decades of 3D portraits taken of my peers (friends,
family, co-workers), exploring the interaction between people and the milieu in which they live,
reflected in their choices within their homes.
In 1977, I began this project while living in an apartment complex in Southern Illinois. All units
had the same floor plan with white walls — painting was prohibited. I noticed how differently people
configured their environments and that their personalities and values were revealed in those
differences. I began to document friends and neighbors in that complex and then beyond and
continued doing so with the intent of creating a visual record reflecting geographic, economic,
professional, and lifestyle choices as evidenced in their personal space.
The images capture people in the intimacy of their natural state. To obtain the truest portrait I
don’t direct or pose the subjects but instead ask them to decide how they want to be represented. As
of Apr 2025, 48 years later, I have completed over 450 portraits. The 3D aspect, novel at the start,
deepens an already immersive experience.
Capturing the habitat that people create (consciously or unconsciously) captures individual or
family priorities, values, and aspirations. The evolving economic, social, and cultural trends are
revealed in ways we don’t notice daily. When included in a decades long context, historical details
become visible; when viewed in chronological order the sweep of contemporary history becomes
visceral. By photographing only my peer group I have captured a reflection of my own path through
life as well, beginning in my mid -twenties and continuing as I approach what was once considered
retirement age.
Photographically, I have been most influenced by August Sander, Bruce Davidson and Diane
Arbus, all of whom with tremendous insight demonstrated the power of honest documentation.

Showing at 2100 N Main St #A03

James Payne

“American Portraits”, 1977-present

Photographed and presented in 3D Viewers

jamespaynephotography.com

jcpayne3@gmail.com

323-459-4674