Jim is an Aperture Academy instructor specializing in landscape photography. Look through some of his photos below, and read more about him. You can also follow his work through the links at the end of his bio, if you'd like.

Focusing In	Windows
Lace of a Nettle	Bull Kelp Rising
Serendipity	A City Awakens
The Art of Kelp	The Underwater Ballet
The Approach	Calming the Storm
10 Fathoms	Passing Storm

Jim Patterson's love of photography was born from his passion for SCUBA diving and his studies in marine biology at UC Santa Cruz. As a PADI Divemaster and working full time at a diving outfitter, he has traveled the globe, leading small groups of divers and photographing the world beneath the sea.

Being self taught, Jim's unique and artistic approach to underwater photography has won him numerous awards in local and international contests, and his images have recently been featured on the cover of Point Lobos and Ocean Conservancy magazines.

In 2008, Jim's passion for photography spilled over into a focus on serious landscape and coastal scenes. His foundation in underwater photography, where moments are fleeting and time is of the essence, has influenced his approach to capturing light at its peak. A recent article in American Photo magazine showcased Jim's landscape work, a testament to his dedication to photography above the sea.

Living in the Bay Area, Jim feels fortunate to be surrounded by such a wealth of beauty, and knows there are unlimited photographic possibilities right here in our own back yard. Naturally, when he heard the Aperture Academy was opening, Jim knew this was a unique opportunity to share his passion. He hopes to inspire other photographers with his enthusiasm and looks forward to teaching field workshops where he has seen photographers make leaps and bounds in just one day.

• Jim's website
• Follow Jim on Twitter
• Jim's Facebook Page
• Jim's Photostream on Flickr