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About
The Erik James Montgomery Foundation creates photographic public art to inform the entire world about the world they live in. Additionally, the adolescents in our programs learn important strategies to overcome low self-esteem, unrealistic self image and sub-standard academic scores. This is accomplished through short and long-term workshops held at public schools, professional photography studios, correctional facilities, churches and community centers.
Photography is one the most popular art forms in the world today. Over the past 150 years, people were able to learn and discover distant foreign lands, the vastness of outer space and the uniqueness of oneself through the vehicle of photography. Today, with the advancement of technology, photography will continue to be the major form of world communication through art. The Erik James Montgomery Foundation will continue to create platforms throughout the world for people to learn, explore and express themselves through the vehicle of photography.
We give youth and young adults opportunities to explore
the art and business of film and digital photography.
Our Mission
The Erik James Montgomery Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to instruct today's youth on becoming the photographers of tomorrow. The Foundation has a special focus to create public works of photographic art throughout the world.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create "Photo Exploration Studios"
in various inner cities in every continent around
the world. Thereby offering young people the opportunity to learn, explore, and express themselves through the power of photography.
Our Mission
Our Founder
Erik James Montgomery is a self-taught, fine art photographer who creates relevant, thought-provoking, visually unique imagery. He grew up in the inner city of East Orange, New Jersey where many of his peers fell into the traps of crime, drugs, self-hate, and ultimately, death. Determined not to become a statistic, Erik chose to delve into various genres of art including urban dance, graffiti, and eventually photography. After years of self-learning, Erik went on to study at the Academy of Art University and Columbia University.
Erik’s fine art photography focuses on inspirational, cultural, societal themes. His viewpoint is from a photojournalistic mindset where his imagery tells a complete story in one shot. Erik’s photography gives a visual voice to every one of his subjects. He is a photographic storyteller and an important documentarian of this era.
In 2011, Erik founded The Erik James Montgomery Foundation. The EJM Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to instructing youth in the artistic development of professional photography. His students learn the fundamentals of the craft as well as being introduced to entrepreneurship. The Foundation also creates public works of art in underserved neighborhoods in order to transform blight into beauty.
Erik is tirelessly working on several projects including PSA’s targeted at social issues, a photographic version of the Bible, and several exhibits featuring his artwork. As a Teaching Artist and educator, Erik incorporates positive self-imagery and self-esteem into his photography lessons to school-age children. Through exhibits, photographic books, public art, and various collaborations, Erik plans to create an artistic legacy for all people to embrace for generations to come.
Erik James Montgomery says, “Photography is a powerful form of communication for me because it transcends all the barriers of language. I am able to speak to anyone in the world, about their world, in order to change the world.”
You can view Erik James Montgomery's photography at www.ejmphoto.com.
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