Jesse’s first camera arrived on his sixth birthday as a present from his father, celebrated photographer Simpson Kalisher. A darkroom soon followed. Despite his enthusiasm for the medium, however, when it came time to consider a career, Jesse took his father’s advice and focused on anything but photography.

In the mid 1990’s, Jesse Kalisher made a life changing decision to step away from a successful career in advertising and travel the world with his camera. While exploring the forests of Guatemala, he met his wife Helen, and through their adventures he further developed his passion for fine art photography.

In 1999, Helen and Jesse officially began their partnership, creating The Jesse Kalisher Gallery. Jesse lead Marketing and Business Development and Helen, a skilled artist and designer, developed the Kalisher branding and founded the Creative Department. After setting up a makeshift office in their spare bedroom in 2005, Jesse and Helen hired their first employee, Sarah Elder. In 2020 Sarah stepped up as CEO.

Today Kalisher HQ is located in Durham’s thriving Arts District at the Golden Belt Campus.