Jim Kirby has lived in Reston, Virginia for over thirty years. His photography career began on arrival, working first as a photojournalist with The Reston Times, where he honed his skills as a visual storyteller and in the process won nine Virginia Press Association Awards for Excellence in Photography. Jim began working as a freelance photographer in 1984, shooting advertising and editorial assignments for corporations, magazines, and ad agencies. That same year, he photographed and designed the book, Reston, The First Twenty Years, a volunteer effort with other Reston residents, including writer Tom Grubisich. The proceeds from the book helped found the Reston archive at George Mason University Library. In 2009, Jim published his first solo book, Harpers Ferry, A Crossroads in Time. Published by Mountain Trail Press, the book tells the remarkable story of the historic West Virginia town with photographs and words.