Portrait of a Florida Legend: Photographing Artist James Hutchinson at 88
By Diane Dultmeier | Treasure Coast Portrait Photographer
Two artists. Two mediums. One unforgettable encounter.
I was recently asked to photograph the legendary Florida painter James F. Hutchinson for River Living Magazine. At the time of our session, he was 88 years old—and still painting. Still creating. Still seeing the world with that keen artist’s eye that defined his life.
Photographing James wasn’t just an assignment—it was an experience. A rare chance to spend time with someone who had shaped the artistic legacy of Florida, long before most of us ever held a camera or paintbrush.
Portrait of Florida artist James Hutchinson, taken by Diane Dultmeier in Sewall’s Point
Meeting James Hutchinson in Sewall’s Point
As a professional photographer based in Stuart, I always scout locations ahead of time, especially when photographing someone as important as James. When I arrived at his home in Sewall’s Point, I took my time studying the light, the walls adorned with decades of art, and the quiet energy of a life deeply lived.
When I returned for the portrait session, James didn’t remember me at first.
“I’m the photographer from River Living Magazine,” I said. Then I added, just for fun, “...or maybe the National Enquirer!” He chuckled. The mood lightened.
River Living Magazine cover image of Florida artist James Hutchinson at 88, photographed by Diane Dultmeier
As we moved furniture and paintings, adjusted lighting, and tried out different angles, he was gracious—though I think he wondered why I kept fussing with the setup.
“I’m an artist too,” I explained gently. “Just a different kind. I work in people. I use light and lenses instead of paint. But I care deeply about capturing who someone is.”
He looked at me and said something I’ll never forget:
“What you do is nothing like what I do. You use a mechanical device.” — James Hutchinson
Portrait of legendary Florida painter James Hutchinson seated among his original artwork in his home studio
The Moment We Connected: Two Artists, One Vision
During our session, something shifted.
At one point, we both suggested moving a particular painting at the same time, to better balance the space behind him. We looked at each other and laughed.
“See?” I said. “We both have the eye. You use a brush. I use a camera. It’s all art.”
He nodded with a soft smile. In that moment, I knew I had his trust. Artist to artist. Eye to eye.
Candid black-and-white portrait of James Hutchinson at work with brush in hand, surrounded by decades of Florida-inspired art
Honoring a Legacy Through Portrait Photography
Creating portraits of James Hutchinson was a career highlight. It reminded me of why I do what I do—not just to take pictures, but to honor stories. To preserve something real and beautiful. To see people as they are and reflect that truth back to the world.
I’m grateful I got to spend that afternoon with him. It wasn’t just about capturing a portrait—it was about seeing one another as artists.
I’m grateful I had the chance to photograph James Hutchinson. If you’d like to create something similarly meaningful for someone in your life, I’d love to help.
