“Two Centuries of Black American Art” (1976) is John Simmons’ earliest work and is featured throughout the HBO “Black Art in the Absence of Light” (2021). 

When Simmons learned what a cinematographer was, as an undergraduate art student at Fisk University, in Nashville,TN, he began to be one. His acceptance to Graduate School--USC Film School took him to Los Angeles where he lives and works. He is currently Director of Photography on iCarly (Nickelodeon) and just completed the new season of Family Reunion (Netflix). Simmons directed an episode of the show this season.

Simmons is an Emmy Award winning Cinematographer, Vice President of the American Society of Cinematographers active member since 2004, Governor of Cinematographers Peer Group at the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences (active member since 2014), Founder and Co-Chair of the ASC Vision Committee, Honored Mentor (2019 ASC Mentor Award), celebrated and exhibited Photographer. 

After having spent over 25 years as an adjunct professor at UCLA School of Film, Digital Media and Television, his lasting impression inspires students who work in all aspects of “the business” and he continues to teach and mentor students of all ages. In 2016 Simmons exhibited with his Belmont High School proteges at the ArcLight in Hollywood. His ongoing advice and inspiration are ushering in a new group of photographers and cinematic artists.

His current exhibition “Capturing Beauty: The Artwork and Photography of John Simmons” at the Jean Deleage Art Gallery at Casa 0101 (March 2-June 5, 2021) is on view and available virtually. “In Focus:Protest” will open at the J.Paul Getty Museum (June 29-October 10, 2021).