Jeff Mitchum Galleries

I wandered into Jeff’s gallery in the MGM during a trip to Vegas. As a pro photographer myself, I was interested in the techniques that Jeff uses to print these large scale images and spent time looking at each one, both at a normal viewing angle and close up. The composition of the images is really good — Jeff manages to find the right light/​time of day and viewing angle to provide a great perspective. His images have a very painterly feel to them — one of a country road (Appalachia?) had stalks of corn in just the right place, which I thought was a very nice touch.
Beyond that, Jeff is using his darkroom/​digital skills to the max to render these images. The colors are really brilliant — beyond what I would expect to find in nature. Another image — cowboys bringing in a herd — had the ‘subjects’ in sharp relief while the herd and background was more bokeh’ed and de-res’ed to heighten the subjects. The shipwreck on the beach (mentioned by another Unilocaler) is in super-​sharp detail but the water around it has been smoothed (this one is a double exposure?). It’s not a photo journalistic style (which is what I shoot), but it makes for an image that minimizes the distractions and lets people see the beauty. (BTW I didn’t quite understand the ‘fuzziness’ of the flowers until I realized that Jeff is shooting film and likely long exposures, during which the wind will blow things around.)
I started out fairly critical (especially given Peter Lik’s sales-​driven focus) but came out more appreciative. The images are an artist’s view of nature — not far from what Ansel Adams himself worked to capture. It was also nice to see some of Anthony Hopkins’ work up close, hanging along side the photos.

Jeff Mitchum stands alone and at the top of my list of Fine Arts Photographers in America. His MOSSAD collection has NEVER been duplicated by ANY other artist. His years of work with Ansel Adams shows in his Yosemite, Moab and Antelope Canyon images. I have admired pieces of Jeff’s California Coastlines — Mendocino and Marin County (Point Reyes), San Francisco to Monterey and down to my favorite Mitchum’s La Jolla pier shot. His work strikes my senses more than other’s in the field — values are higher than I paid because of such LIMITED release numbers. I am targeting one of the MGM Hollywood pieces before they hit Harrods in London, by summer 2014? Also love Jeff Mitchum Coffee Table Books collection — on my third in a series.

Jeff s the man! I first met Jeff a year ago, I was working and he asked me about my weekend. I told him I just finished Mystery Canyon and he said he had been back there. I then started asking what other canyons he had completed in Zion. I then explained to him that I spent years teaching outdoor education and spend all my time climbing, camping, canyoneering, riding, or doing whatever it takes to the next adventure. He laughed a little… I asked what he did for work and what brought him to Vegas. He told me to check out his website. I did. I came back later that afternoon and talked to him about his Teton images. The rest is history, it was the beginning of a solid friendship through the things he captures– Nature.
Jeff’s ability to capture these images are awesome, the world needs to see these places. His philosophy is simple and that is what I like about his images. We all know pictures are powerful, but I believe that what Jeff does is different. He is able to take nature and present in a form that everyone can learn from. One day these places won’t be the same and images is all we will have to remember from.
In the end, his traditional approach and influence from Adams is apparent in his images, it is a good thing. The world needs to be reminded of places that he is capturing. Most people will never walk off the beaten path or step foot in the back country; it is scary to think about in my opinion. However, when Jeff releases images, it can plant a seed of thought, and that seed can lead to growth, and growth can lead to change. When you look at the early times with Adams he was capturing the things that were important to him and his legacy. Open spaces were sparred from development through Adam’s work… Jeff honors that tradition.
As for me, I am inspired by his work, particularly the Teton images. I have spent years in the back country and teaching outdoor education; it is grounding to find someone who has the ability to reach the masses with one image. In the end, we all have a responsibility to create a positive impact for society; Jeff is doing this and will continue to do it. In my opinion, his images speak for themselves and each person can find a way to relate to it. It is so easy to complicate things in life, these images are a reminder that nature is where the greatest reflection can occur.
One day, I hope I can join him on one of his adventures or he can tag along with me on a climb, ride, or trip. See you on the summit Grand Teton Traverse 2014 3 peaks 1 day!
Dave

I visit his gallery every time I am in Vegas. His work is incredible, including specifically designed frames for each piece. He is truly a great artist! His work is the bright light for me, whenever I go, there are always new pieces to enjoy. Maybe someday I will own one or, at very least, one of his books. If you love nature, Mitchum takes you on a journey around the world to places you never knew about. Awesome!

WOW!
I had an amazing experience walking into the Jeff Mitchum Gallery inside of the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.
I’m a huge fan of giant prints… I love the feeling of standing in front of a giant print and feeling like I could hike right into the scene! At the proper viewing distance, these prints came to life for me!
Jeff has an amazing portfolio of images captured in some of my favorite locations in the world, as well as a number of locations that are on my bucket list.
I thought the prints were amazing, and presented in frames that are as artful as the images themselves. I loved the use of alternative framing materials to create a spectacular presentation.
My favorite print in the gallery was the 12′ long, masterfully framed image of a bamboo forest! Felt like I could walk right up those stone steps and into the forest!
I walked out with a beautiful, weighty limited edition book called «The Dance of Light» to add to my photography book collection! Probably the highest quality printing I have seen! The book itself is a work of art!
Can’t wait to get one of these images on my one of my walls!

I am a Las Vegas native and have been to Jeff Mitchum’s gallery multiple times. The first time I heard of this gallery I became excited because we have few here. As soon as I entered the gallery I was filled with misery, another photographer had jumped on to the Peter Lik bandwagon of charging far too much per print, the over use of bad HDR techniques and blowing up their mediocre, badly post-​processed images as large as possible and selling them on gimmicky metallic photo paper. The only thing worse than the prints in this gallery are the salespeople. As I looked at each image I was approached by which ever salesperson that was present the multiple times that I have gone to the gallery. I was bombarded with a lack of knowledge about photography on their half. One time I was there I was looking at a very poorly done extremely large print of a pixelated HDR image of a sail boat, the salesperson approached me and started telling me the origin of the image. When I asked her about why Jeff had decided to make a post process High Dynamic Range of a moving image she could not answer me, I explained what I meant and she assured me that it was a single image and had not been manipulated by post processing. I let her finish her sales pitch and left. About a year later I found my self in the Bellagio and decided to visit again, as I looked at the image, Radiant Wonder, I was approached by a salesperson who said, isn’t it wonderful how he was able to capture such a magnificent moment in a single image, if only that were true. I explained to her that there was no possible way that print is a single image, the bird was layered on in post process because the background (waterfall) had been taken in a slow exposure. She continued her sales pitch and assured me that Jeff was a master of his art. The thing that bothers me the most is that Jeff and other «artists» such as Peter Lik are taking advantage of buyers with big wallets and little knowledge and trick them in to thinking they are buying a masterpiece, when in reality they are lying and deceiving and selling a $ 500‑1000 print for upwards of $ 40,000. These buyers find themselves in difficult positions later on when trying to sell. Thinking they will be able to sell them for more than the purchased price because of the lies the salespeople tell them, few are lucky enough to sell them for $ 1000. Plus many of your largest prints are pixelated.
RESPONSE TO JEFF MITCHUM’S COMMENT:
I appreciate the response back to my comment. I strongly recommend that you do not tell someone how to spend their time, I was simply reviewing my experiences in your gallery, you as a gallery owner should look at my review as a way to improve yourself and be thankful that someone took the time to write a review about your business, even if it was a negative critique. I spend much of my time creating and shooting, I rarely critique anything, however your salespeople left me with such a bad taste in my mouth I felt it necessary to tell your future visitors about my experiences and heed them with warnings. From the tone of your comment I feel that you want me to apologize for the false information that your salespeople had relayed to me. The sail boat photo is the only photo in your gallery that I can recall being an HDR, knowing that it is not yours is refreshing. I apologize for not being aware that only your display prints have the digital signatures, it makes me happy to know that you sign and number each of your prints.

Bellagio is one of the finest hotels in all of Vegas, and Jeff Mitchum’s work is right at home there. It’s one thing to see his work, it’s a whole other to meet the photographer! Jeff Mitchum’s landscape photography is like Ansel Adams in color. Not only did he grow up a personal friend of Ansel (as he’ll tell you), his style is reflected in Jeff’s work. Jeff was even gifted Ansel’s hiking boots by his family.
The gallery is beautiful and intimate. The work is stunning and there’s a story behind every piece. If you get a chance to talk with Jeff he’ll tell you that while Ansel didn’t believe in limiting his work with edition sizes (all of his pieces are open editions), Jeff believes in protecting the pieces and the collectors; Jeff does sign and number each print. Most will fall in love with his art, at minimum a print or two, but some may feel they can’t afford it. Jeff now has his book available as a set with a framed print — the collection is priced under $ 1,000 so those that want to own a piece of his work can afford to do so.
Jeff will have the grand opening of his second gallery in Vegas 4^th of July weekend 2013. That gallery will show additional pieces, but will not have the intimate feeling that this current gallery does. Stop in and check it out!

Last night was the first time I ever attended an event. I was in awe when I entered Jeff Mitchum’s Gallery. His photo’s are breathtaking! I was amazed how I felt when I looked at his photo’s, I felt as though I was right there in the place where the photo was taken. I highly recommend the Gallery, everyone who loves nature, landscape and art in general should take the time to browse through Jeff’s Gallery.
This man started talking to me during my visit. He was so down to earth and a pleasure to talk to. When I asked who he was, I was shocked to know that I was actually talking to Mr. Mitchum!!! Such a neat guy.
When we finished looking at his beautiful photo’s, he invited us up to his suite at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on the 37 floor. He had snacks and beverages available for us as well as an open balcony with a beautiful view of the strip so we could take all the photo’s we wanted to.
Because I’m an armature with my camera, I needed lots of help with settings to get the photos I was hoping for. Jeff and another guest was very helpful. I learned a lot from them and I hope I can remember everything they taught me.
I’m looking forward to seeing my photo’s as soon as I get the free time to do so.
Also, a big thank you to Melissa who supported me all evening long by giving me advice on which view I should take photo’s of and certain effects I should had to the photo such as causing the head/​tail lights of vehicles to stream across the photo’s! You Melissa are a sweetheart!
Another nice thing about this event, I was able to meet some really super nice people! Norm, thank you for being such a gentleman by introducing me to everyone. You really made me feel comfortable.
I can’t wait for the next Photo opportunity with Jeff Mitchum!!! Thank you Mr. Mitchum for your time and generosity!

My first time at Jeff’s gallery adjacent to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art was a result of the CYME photo walk. I did some research and found out Jeff has a renowned background, including being mentored by Ansel Adams. His work is beautiful and the chance to meet him and hear the story behind his work in his gallery was awesome!
He surprised us by opening his suite at the Cosmo to all of us for a great evening of shooting from the suite’s wrap around balcony. We had a full view of the fountains and also enjoyed snacks and drinks. A great evening!

I have been to the gallery several times since it’s been at the Bellagio next to the Bellagio gallery of Fine Arts. If you’re going to/​from the pool or to/​from the Bellagio’s Spa Tower, or attending a meeting at one of the conference rooms down the hallway, you’ve gone by and maybe noticed the photos but kept going to get to where you wanted to be. Next time, stop, go in, and enjoy the photos.
I have been on two walking photo journeys with Jeff and I find his work to be outstanding! It is great when you’re able to hear from the photographer how they composed a particular photo, how long they had to study the area to know when was the best time, and other things that a layman such as myself never think of.
A reason to visit would be to see some of the original Masad photos which will soon be going to the museum in Israel. Hearing him describe how he discovered and used the metal from the bunkers on the Golan Heights for his frames was a fantastic story and put the photographs into an historical perspective.
I’ll be sure when I go to the BGFA to see the Warhol exhibit that I’ll once again stop in and see the photos. They are good!

If someone could harness the power of Ansel Adams turning in his grave from this gallery, we could stop importing oil from the middle east tomorrow.
Passing this gallery and watching people talk about spending tens of thousands on a print of one of Jeff’s pictures made me cry inside. And if at any point Jeff tried submitting his pictures to National Geographic or any reputable travel magazine, I’m sure I’m in good company. While some of his pictures aren’t bad, the majority are derivative and bland. You can find similar (and better) quality shots on postcards or browsing flickr. The one feature that stands out best about this collection of cliché landscape pictures is the price: not even the masters would charge $ 30,000 for a reprint.
The worst part is that almost every picture suffers from amateur-​hour post processing, resulting in extremely oversaturated colors and blown out highlights. Jeff clearly had thousands of dollars and entire months to spend on capturing his pictures in the first place, so it boggles the mind why he couldn’t find the few hours necessary to correct minor technical issues like these. Ultimately, it speaks to the essence of what this gallery is about: not good photography, but extraordinary commercial exploitation.
Some examples of landscape photography done right:

On a prior trip, I asked a guard for directions to this gallery, but he could not help. We found it this trip because it adjoins the Bellagio’s Gallery of Fine Art. Jeff is an obviously excellent photographer who specializes in panoramic nature photos. Our visit was well worth out time. I subsequently learned Jeff has opened a new gallery
a MGM which we will be visiting soon.

I had just concluded my tour of the pleasant little Monet Exhibit within the Bellagio Gallery. After you leave the Gallery, they funnel you past a tiny sales area and then deliberately into the Jeff Mitchum Gallery. What a lucky opportunity!
The Jeff Mitchum Gallery features a stunning and diverse collection of fine art photography of nature and dramatic landscape from around the world. Some have referred to him as the Ansel Adams of color. He also has his own line of eco-​furniture that I relaxed in as I happily paged through his Seasons of Light (Volume II). At at $ 175 it’s most probably worth every penny.

People love to claim that there is no culture in Vegas. I would challenge them to shoot on over to the Bellagio and check out Jeff Mitchum’s gallery. I could sit here and spout a bunch of facts, such as the fact that he has been featured in both the Smithsonian and the Getty Museum; or that he was given advice at a very young age by the legendary Ansel Adams. If I do that, then I’d be no better than a Google search result. So I’ll tell you why I feel that you need to check this gallery out for yourself.
In a relatively small space, you get an incredible history lesson and a trip around the world to some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen (from as far away as Israel, to as close as San Francisco and even the Vegas strip). It’s basically like looking through a window to a world that you could only see by bending time. We could look at these locations at any given time of year, and not truly appreciate or even see what both Jeff’s camera and his gifted vision had the ability to capture. That’s the beauty of a long exposure, in some cases an extremely long exposure. If you’re like me, you’ll look at these pictures and keep saying to yourself «These aren’t even photoshopped?!?». You’ll enter with a hungry soul, and leave thoroughly satisfied. You should also pick up his awesome book, «Seasons of Light: Volume II». Every time you need inspiration or a pick me up, you can flip through and just escape to another world that Jeff proves exists, even if we don’t always see it.

A nice gallery literally featuring some of the finest art landscape photographs captured over decades by one of the world’s finest master landscape photographer, Jeff Mitchum. With works recognized by the Smithsonian and also the Israel collection that will be featured in museum in Israel, Jeff has been described as the Ansel Adams of Color.
The photos all look like it was back-​lit, but it is actually printed on some special photo-​paper with a special silver compound dye, which helps absorbs the light and disperse it throughout the photograph. Making each print a museum quality works of art.
The gallery itself is not in a well traversed part of Bellagio, but it is totally worth the effort to locate and check out the displayed photos in the gallery.
If you are visiting the Bellagio, be sure to stop by and experience the lights as envisioned and captured by a truly world class photographer. You will not be disappointed.
The price is relatively modest compared to other high end photography galleries, but the quality is second to none.