Jim Meehan’s love of photography began in the 1990s.
He got his first film camera so he could participate in a school photography contest, and the Pittsburgh native discovered a passion for capturing the world around him.
Meehan started out photographing landscapes and events, as his passion for travel, art and the outdoors grew. And one thing is certain: the self-taught photographer has a love for vibrant colors, strong contrasts, dramatic lighting and abstract arrangements.
A free reception displaying Meehan’s work will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Monroeville Public Library’s Gallery Space, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. Titled “A Different Perspective,” the exhibit showcases how Meehan captures images and offers a different viewpoint of everyday life.
Patrons will be able to purchase original, framed pieces and matted prints. Meehan’s yearly, Pittsburgh-centric calendar — which includes works from his show — will be available for purchase for $30. Titled “Pittsburgh: A Different Perspective,” the calendar is printed on heavyweight card stock in a matte finish.
While Meehan’s roots are in traditional landscapes and cityscapes, his style is anything but conventional. He often seeks out new scenes, sometimes using drones for aerial shots and infrared photography to capture landscapes in a completely new light. He also enjoys abstract work and street photography.
“My favorite photos are the ones where I am able to successfully capture what caught my eye in the first place,” Meehan said. “The subject doesn’t matter as long as I am able to convey the emotion that I felt when seeing the scene or subject.” His photography has been featured in NCAA sports, newspapers and magazines, museums and in promotional materials. He also does private sessions including weddings, pet and senior photos.
Meehan received the photography award at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival in 2023 and an award of merit at the Fred Rogers Fine Arts Juried Exhibition this year. He is also a member of the Westmoreland Photographers Society and a gallery participant at the Latrobe Art Center.
Meehan uses portrait and event photography in his work with nonprofit organizations – such as Pittsburgh NFL Flag Football League in Penn Hills, Muscular Dystrophy Association, numerous parks and nature reserves – to help tell their important stories through his lens.
“Some events require action shots, while others need intimate photos of an individual or a small group, such as the costumes created by children in the Odyssey of the Mind competition,” he said.
Meehan lives with his wife, Morgan, whom he met 19 years ago on the second day of college at the University of Pittsburgh. The couple resides in the Plum area with their dog, Ziggy.
“Morgan critiques most of my work and will even choose a couple photos for me to enter into juried shows,” Meehan said. “She has a wonderful eye for detail.”
The exhibit will run until Jan. 27. For more on Meehan’s photography, visit jmvisualarts.com or email him at jimtakespix@gmail.com.