Jerry Uelsmann  (American, 1934) 

Jerry Uelsmann (American, b.1934) is a photographer, who is noted for his innovative work with the photomontage technique. Born in Detroit, MI, Uelsmann's serious interest in photography developed while in high school. He earned a BFA degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1957, and MFA and MS degrees from Indiana University in 1960. A major influence on Uelsmann's artistic development was Henry Holmes Smith (American, 1909–1986), who is regarded as one of the finest instructors of Fine Art photography in the middle third of the 20th century.

In 1967, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, NY, acted as a starting point for Uelsmann's serious photography career by serving as the site for one of his most famous solo exhibitions. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Bibliotheque National in Paris, and the National Gallery of Canada represent a sampling of other prestigious institutions where Uelsmann has exhibited his work. Uelsmann's work often involves photographic images created by assembling multiple negatives on a series of enlargers. Many images are open to subjective interpretation. Notable examples include Apocalypse I, which features a cloud-like element resembling a bomb exploding in the distance, and Journey into Self, which depicts an individual engaged in meditation. All American Sunset cleverly superimposes a sandwich into a scene where the ocean meats the beach. In addition to exhibitions, Uelsmann has produced a number of notable books. The 1982 publication of Jerry N. Uelsmann: Twenty-Five Years: A Retrospective offers readers a chance to view Uelsmann's development as a photographer over an extended period. Another key work, Process and Perception, traces how Uelsmann uses his creativity throughout the photographic workflow. Major awards received by Uelsmann include a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1967, and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1972. The Florida Artist Hall of Fame recognized Uelsmann's achievements in photography by inducting him as a member in 1994.

Currently, Uelsmann lives in Gainesville, FL, with his wife Maggie Taylor (American, b.1961), who is involved in making digital art. A current project for Uelsmann is an upcoming photography book, Referencing Art, which will try to show how selected artists have served as sources of inspiration throughout his career. Uelsmann continues to produce new photographs at a significant rate, usually at least 100 images per year. His high standards for his own work often make it difficult for him to identify his best images at each year's end.