Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Jeff Toppa, a Fine Art Photographer, specializing in natural vistas, human incursions into nature’s realm, and social issues. I spent most of my youth exploring the coastal waters of Middletown Rhode Island and I have always been drawn to ocean-going activities; Surfing, Skin-Diving, Boating, and Spearfishing. I served 24 years in the United States Air Force, and I was fortunate enough to travel to several different countries, from locations in Europe and Africa, to the Middle East and Asia. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to bring a camera to every deployment, but I did bring back a deeper appreciation of other cultures and the environments they inhabit.
I started my Fine Art photographic journey with my first paycheck from the Air Force. My Minolta X370 SLR, with a 50mm and zoom lens, served me well for my first 10 years. When everyone seemed to jump on the digital SLR band wagon, I purchased a complete darkroom setup from a photographer who made that jump, and I taught myself the basics of black and white film development and print enlarging; I still enjoy the process to this day. I also dabbled in C41 film processing with some artistic results but found much more latitude in digital photography.
I currently reside in Spring Hill, on the West coast of Florida, about 35 miles North of Tampa, in an area dubbed the Nature Coast. There are no tourist beaches to speak of in the area, and the forests are thick with Live Oak, and Palmetto hammocks. I often find myself trekking through the warm humid environment searching for scenic natural wonders or making the drive into the Tampa area in search of unique social perspectives in the environment.
Through my photography, I try to show those often fleeting, or unseen moments that are resident in our mind’s eye. I find those images tend to be cultural touchstones that pull at our emotions. I want to inspire people to be good stewards of our land and be socially responsible.
