Involved in competitive swimming as a young teen, Jim was first exposed to surfing in 1966 and knew as soon as he saw people riding waves on boards, that this would be his calling. The summers of '67 and '68 were spent visiting relatives in California and surfing at every opportunity. Upon returning to the east coast he immersed himself in surf culture, studying the weather patterns that produce waves and surfing through the seasons. He vowed to return to Southern California to take advantage of the more consistent waves and warmer conditions.

While still in New York, Jim worked briefly for a graphics design company and began an internship working in a photo darkroom. One of his surfing mates had started filming their surf sessions occasionally and Jim found his friend's work pretty exciting. Pidgeon also began shooting some of his buddies during forays to other surf spots and the infrequent, extraordinary days at his home break. The notion of contributing surfing images to a mainstream surfing magazine in America slowly began germinating as a dream.

Showing a more practical side, Jim began working as an apprentice in the electrical trade and upon completion decided to relocate to Encinitas, California. For the next few years Jim surfed daily, going south into Baja frequently to surf and camp. He also enjoyed taking quick day trips to Rosarito Beach. During this period he was introduced to Laurie, the lovely lady he would marry in 1982.

By anyone's measure, 1983 was one of the better years on record for west coast surf. One big day at Swami's, Jim got pitched over the falls and fractured three vertebrae early in the winter season. This kept him out of the water for a few months and he took to using his camera pretty frequently. When Jim finally got back in the water he continued with his filming and on dry land he and Laurie started their family. Their daughter Danielle was born in 1984, with son Michael arriving in 1987.

Surf trips during the 80's were limited to Mexico, the Carribean and his first trip to Hawaii. Throughout his travels Jim's photography hobby came along with him and often after these trips he'd have BBQ slide shows gatherings recounting his travel experiences. During this time his interest in photography slowly began to evolve into more than merely a pastime.

On one outstanding day at Swami's in '93 Jim finished a session in the surf and thought he'd take a few snaps. Patrick Hayes, one of the regular middle-agers' in the line-up took an interest in his shooting and asked if he could check out the photos when Jim got back from the lab. Patrick knew all the surfers in the photos and the next thing Jim knew his phone was ringing off the hook with calls from locals inquiring about purchasing prints. One thing led to another and soon he had the support of the local surf clubs, giving slide shows and shooting longboard competitions. As more and more people were exposed to Jim's work, his motivation increased, which improved his technical skills. The photo work has gradually become a real passion to follow, yet he has maintained his employment with a privately owned electric company.

Jim would like to thank the photographers who have inspired him over the last 34 years and those who have helped him with the technical and business aspects of photography in recent times. Jim offers special thanks to his life partner Laurie, who has encouraged him to realize his dreams and to the photo editors and publishers who prompted him to submit his work. Finally, gratitude must be given to all the surfers he works with and especially the beauty of Mother Ocean that keeps him coming back for more.