Raised in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by its city life, lush forests, and waterfronts, I now call Zichron Yaakov, Israel, home — a historic hilltop town at the southern edge of the Carmel Mountain Range, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This move has been a wonderful transition, blending the familiar with the new.

My interest in photography began at age 12, when my stepfather kindly showed me how to use his Canon F1. I was in love! Through high school, I stayed active behind the camera and in the darkroom, but then set it aside for many years — as life took other paths. In 2007, I developed a sudden case of "Adult Onset Artist," starting with painting and ultimately found my way back to photography in 2010. I'm grateful for that reawakening, which led me to study at The Photographic Center Northwest from 2012 to 2014, working in both film and digital formats. It was a nurturing place where we could learn, share ideas, and grow together through classes, exhibitions, and studio time.

Today I work (almost) exclusively in black-and-white on a variety of Leica cameras, digital and film, including my favorite, the Leica M11 Monochrom — a camera and a way of seeing that suit me completely. That devotion has grown into something larger: I'm building Leica Israel, the country's first dedicated Leica boutique, here in Zichron Yaakov. It's part retail, part gallery, and part community — a home for Leica in Israel, a place to see and hold the cameras, receive service worthy of them, and connect with everyone the brand draws together. I hope to open the doors later this year or in early 2027.

This site, merriman-cohen.com, displays my photographs, often inspired by the places I've lived — like Seattle's urban edges and Israel's historic landscapes. I focus mostly on street scenes, urban landscapes, and street portraits — all those found moments that remind us of the beauty in everyday life. For prints or questions, feel free to reach out; I'd love to hear your thoughts or share the stories behind the shots.

Warmly,

Jeff Merriman-Cohen