Double Exposure

With their keen eyes for unforgettable images, actor Jeff Bridges and his wife, Susan—a lifelong photographer—take movie lovers and camera buffs behind the scenes in their tandem exhibitions at the Tamsen Gallery

Filmed in 1979, Heaven’s Gate was a fictionalized version of the Johnson County War, and its sets and costumes recreated the Wyoming of the 1890s. 

Jeff Bridges has favored a Widelux panoramic camera for his photography since Susan gave him one as a wedding gift.

The negatives for all the [Heaven’s Gate] pictures from 1979 survived an earthquake, a fire, and a debris flow that destroyed many years’ worth of photographic work.
— Susan Bridges

Historically authentic garb for a wide range of characters—from townspeople to recent immigrants—helped establish the period look of Cimino’s movie.

Not just your ordinary selfies.

Jeff Bridges’ photographs will be exhibited at the Tamsen Gallery January 18–April 30, 2026. Reprints of his books of images —Pictures, Volumes 1 & 2—will be available in 2026 through JeffBridges.com. The exhibit Inside Heaven’s Gate: Behind the Scenes with Susan Bridges is on view at the Tamsen Gallery through December 31. 1309 State St., Santa barbara, tamsengallery.com

 

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