Jesse Halpern
Associate Professor & Coordinator Commercial Photography
Jesse Halpern’s journey with photography began in his childhood, developing prints in his family’s basement darkroom. His passion for visual storytelling and the photographic process led him to pursue a formal education in photography, earning a BFA in Advertising Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000. He then moved to New York City, where he launched a successful career as a commercial photographer after assisting some of the industry’s leading professionals.
In 2002, Halpern founded Jesse James Photography, producing work for a range of clients including The Village Voice, Canyon Ranch Resorts, Travel Holiday Magazine, and numerous advertising and editorial agencies. His experience in commercial photography later inspired a deeper engagement with fine art photography, leading him to pursue an MFA at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, which he completed in 2018.
Halpern has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. His diverse background—spanning commercial, editorial, and fine art photography—brings a dynamic and practical perspective to the classroom. He joined the Department of Fine Arts as an Assistant Professor and Commercial Photography Coordinator, and was recently promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. His professional experience and international outlook continue to benefit students pursuing careers in the evolving field of photography.
