Studio portrait grid showing close-up headshots against a black background.

Portraits of my Lineage


The Family Tree Project

Collection of dramatic portrait photographs arranged in a grid on black background.

Portraits of my Lineage


The Family Tree Project


People sitting on brick steps outside yellow house with stone facade.

Portraits of my Lineage


The Family Tree Project



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Low-key portrait of an elderly person wearing glasses and a dark sweater against black background.

The Family Tree Project

2021 // 2022



Two Years OF PORTRAITS...


The primary aim of The Family Tree Project is to chronicle my familial history and, consequently, explore facets of my own identity. This concept has long simmered within me: the notion of capturing my relatives through photography, endeavoring to assemble a collective portrait of as many living family members as possible within the span of a year. What began as a modest undertaking burgeoned into a more extensive project, extending into the subsequent year. It's a tribute to my maternal lineage, with a focal point on the Leroy family tree. The intention is to create a temporal capsule, freezing a moment in time and encapsulating the essence of that year for posterity. Despite harboring this idea for some time, I once doubted both the time and skill required to realize it to a satisfactory standard. However, in the wake of the tumultuous past two years, I've come to realize that there's no time like the present to embark on such a venture. Life's fragility and the relentless march of time compel action now.


For this endeavor, I opted to employ Rembrandt lighting, employing a minimalist approach with just one flash, a black backdrop, and a 85mm lens. Rembrandt lighting derives its name from the illustrious Dutch painter of the 17th century, Rembrandt himself, who famously utilized this lighting technique to profound effect in his masterpieces. At its core, the setup hinges on a single light source, offering a timeless aesthetic to complement the familial narrative captured through the lens.



Portrait: Sharon Simonson



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Professional portrait of a person in glasses and striped shirt against dark background.

Jeremy Simonson

Photographer


Exploring the Interplay of Light and Shadow



With a background in theater and visual arts, my journey as a photographer is deeply influenced by the concept of the frame as my canvas or stage. Every composition I capture within my viewfinder is a meticulous arrangement, guided by the principles of chiaroscuro—the dynamic contrast between dark and light. Delving into the depths of this interplay, I often spot meter my exposures to embrace the nuances of shadow and illumination.

 Photography, to me, is a meditation on the natural world—a captivating realm brimming with diversity and character. Through my lens, I endeavor to unveil new perspectives on the mundane, utilizing elements such as dramatic light, subtle lines, intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and the ephemeral moods of nature to narrate compelling stories.

Perspective is paramount in my photographic exploration. Constantly seeking fresh angles and vantage points, I challenge myself to reimagine the familiar landscapes around my home in Park Rapids, Minnesota—a locale renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil lakes. Yet, even amidst familiarity, each click of the shutter holds the promise of unexpected discovery, reinforcing the notion that creativity knows no bounds.

My portfolio spans a diverse array of subjects, ranging from macro and micro landscapes to mesmerizing waterscapes, immersive travel photography, and intimate portraiture. My work invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that transcends boundaries, inviting contemplation and connection with the world around us.



The Simonson Siblings


The eight children of Sharon and Jerry Simonson.

In order of appearance, Cindy, Belinda, Michelle, Tim, Mary, Barry, Jeremy & Jon

Studio portrait of a person in black against dark background with delicate silver necklace.
Senior woman in blue cable knit sweater smiles brightly in studio portrait.
Woman in black lace top and glasses smiles warmly in studio portrait.
Studio portrait of a person in green t-shirt with fish logo against dark background.
Mary Ayers
Barry Simonson
Jeremy Simonson
Jon Simonson

Cindy & Rich

1st born and son-in-law to Sharon Simonson

Studio portrait of a person in blue button-down shirt against dark background.
Studio portrait of a couple holding hands and smiling against dark background.
Studio portrait of a person in black with silver necklace smiling warmly.

Belinda & Brian

2nd oldest daughter and son-in-law to Sharon Simonson

Woman wearing turquoise turtleneck sweater poses in dramatic studio lighting.
Couple embraces while wearing blue sweater and patterned shirt in studio portrait.
Man in patterned button-up shirt poses against dark background in studio portrait.

Michelle & Dave

3rd oldest daughter and son-in-law to Sharon Simonson

Professional portrait of person in black lace top and glasses against dark background.
Couple in black attire smiling together in dramatic studio lighting.
Studio portrait of person in black shirt and glasses against dark background.

The Ayres Family


Fourth daughter and son-in-law to Sharon Simonson, in order of appearance: Mary, Troy, Amber, Brad, Steven, Luke and Zamias

Professional headshot of smiling person with blonde wavy hair wearing pink sweater.
Intimate portrait of couple embracing against dark background.
Portrait against dark background of person in green shirt with glasses and full beard.

Barry & Ramona

Fifth son and daughter-in-law of Sharon Simonson

Close-up portrait of person wearing plaid shirt and glasses in moody lighting.
Dramatic portrait of person in plaid flannel shirt and glasses against black background.
Portrait of person in striped shirt with dark wavy hair smiling against black background.

Jon Simonson

Eighth and youngest of Sharon's children.

Portrait of person in black shirt smiling against dark background.
Portrait of person with long purple hair wearing lavender hoodie.
Dramatic portrait of person with auburn hair against dark background.
Dramatic side-lit portrait of a young person in a gray hoodie against a black background.

Donavon, Nicole & Family

Oldest son to Cindy. Donavon, Nicole,

Man in dark shirt poses against black background in dramatic studio lighting.
Couple in dark clothing pose together against black background in intimate studio portrait.
Woman wearing criss-cross neckline top smiles warmly in dramatic low-key portrait.
Studio portrait with dark background shows person in black top with long blonde hair smiling softly at camera.
Portrait against dark background features person in black top with hair pulled back.
Portrait of young person with curly hair in black button-up shirt.

Nicolás, Christy, Wyatt, Noah & William

Son of Cindy,

Portrait of person with red beard wearing dark plaid jacket.
Couple in casual attire posing together against dark background.
Studio portrait of person in black sweater wearing turquoise pendant necklace.
Portrait of young person in black t-shirt against dark background.
Portrait of young person wearing grey shirt and silver chain necklace.
Studio portrait of young person with curly hair wearing grey long sleeve shirt.

Henzel Family


Daughter Belinda, order of appearance: Karrie, Josh, Isaha

A warm portrait in low-key lighting shows someone wearing elegant jewelry and dark clothing.
A moody portrait shows someone with a full beard wearing black against a dark background.
A couple poses together for a portrait against a dark background wearing black clothing.
A portrait shows someone with a neatly trimmed beard smiling against a dark background.
A dramatic portrait against a dark background featuring someone wearing a red high-necked top.

Robin & Ted

My first cousin, once removed, daughter to Kim

Professional studio portrait of a woman wearing a red button-up dress against a dark background.
Formal portrait of couple in blazer and red dress against dark background.
Professional headshot of a bearded person in business attire against dark background.