James “Hoss” Stanford’s “One Man’s Perspective” opens June 27 at Union Co. Heritage Museum

James “Hoss” Stanford, a Journey Through Photography

By Alaina Wilder

Intern Union County Heritage Museum

“One Man’s Perspective, an exhibit of the photographs of James “Hoss” Stanford will open Thursday, June 27, 5:30 – 7 p.m.  at the Union County Heritage Museum.

When James E. Stanford saw the red Harley sitting on the back bench of a workshop for the first time, he knew in an instant that he had found something special. “I knew that was the one I wanted.” The same was true when he discovered his love of photography.  He has logged more than 75,000 miles on the motorcycle.

Stanford grew up in Union County, graduating from West Union School in 1966 at the age of 17. After graduation he moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he discovered a new passion while taking a photography class at Stillman College. “I loved photography. I bought an Olympus OM-1, all manual.” Stanford learned how to develop film and take photographs, discovering that photography opened up a new world of possibilities.

Stanford has spent most of his life on a journey which eventually brought him back to New Albany; working as a truck driver for eight years, and riding a motorcycle for fifty. His extensive travel has informed his photography. He’s never had a shortage of amazing views for his photographs, and the landscapes of the west and the Alaskan terrain have often found their way into his lens. “I went everywhere… I travel to take pictures, to see things, to meet the people.”

Stanford’s photography is a love letter to his travel and the stories he collects from each trip. He uses the photographs to bring himself and others back to those moments of discovery. “A lot of people don’t care anything about pictures. You know, “a picture’s a picture.”  But what you’re doing, you’re capturing a moment in time…you can take a picture and you can go back to it later. That’s what I like about pictures, you can say, ‘oh I remember that.’ You can go back in time, and anything else you’re going to forget more or less.” Through his photographs, Stanford invites his viewer to take a journey with him, and experience One Man’s Perspective.

The exhibit will end July 9. The public is invited.  The Union County Heritage Museum is located at 114 Cleveland St., New Albany, MS. For more information call 662-538-0014.

Jill Smith, Director

Union County Heritage Museum

114 Cleveland Street

New Albany,MS 38652