Kim R Sargent

Kim was born in Palo Alto, California at Stanford University Hospital on June 28, 1952, and was influenced and motivated by his creative dad, H. James Sargent, who was a professional photographer for United Press International (UPI) as well as a portrait photographer and photojournalist in Saratoga.

In a twist of fate prompting life-changing, fortuitous circumstances, Kim’s father asked that he cover an assignment for him of a high society event in Saratoga, New York. Kim had been working at the famous Nando’s Restaurant in Palm Beach at the time, and due to his outgoing nature, he had memorized everyone’s name who came in for dinner. Many of the same high society folks were in Saratoga when Agnes Ash, then-publisher of the Palm Beach Daily News, was at the same event, and realized that Kim seemed to know almost everyone by name. Impressed with his talent and knowledge, Mrs. Ash offered Kim a staff position with the “Shiny Sheet” on the spot. Kim, along with his good friend, photographer and colleague Michael Price, became highly regarded for their professional approach to image-making and after Kim’s ten years at the Palm Beach Daily News he left the newspaper to explore independent careers.

Kim was so excited when his first photo was published in The New York Times, an image of a horse race that made the cover of the NYT sports section, with his first bona-fide credit line. His friend Bert Morgan, knowing Kim wasn’t being paid, reminded him at the time “that you can’t eat a credit line,” and to go after projects that would earn him a living. Taking Morgan’s advice seriously, Kim was remarkably successful and eventually became nationally well-known. Kim discovered that area interior designers and architects had a great need for professional photos for magazine articles and clients, and he was right on the money. That concept grew into the mighty and highly respected Sargent Photography Company. His wife Joan became the manager, and his two sons, Nick and Tyler, who both graduated college, came back to apply their skills to the business. Nickolas was first to return from Brooks Institute of Photography and began the tough task of moving Sargent Photography from film into the digital era. Tyler returned the following year and would spend the next 15 years traveling, assisting and shooting by his father’s side. Kim continued to travel the world as one of the most sought-after master interior photojournalists on the planet. He worked day and night, becoming a self-made man. Mike Price said Sargent “wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his hand but with a silver camera around his neck.” Over the years, Sargent snapped literally thousands of engaging interiors that were regularly published in leading magazines such as Architectural Digest, Art & Antiques, Metropolitan Home, Palm Beach Post, The Sunday New York Times Magazine, Veranda, and Florida Architecture, among others. A few years ago, he collaborated with John Loring, design director of Tiffany’s, which produced a book on Palm Beach interiors. He also worked with noted architect Jeffery Smith on Palm Beach Splendor as well as the most recognized and celebrated interior designers in America. He was also community spirited and generous and was a board member of the Leeds Foundation in West Palm Beach.

“Sarge,” as he was often called, earned a world-renowned reputation for his astonishing ability to bring an interior to life with inventive lighting and computer technology, not to mention a satisfactory smile to his editors. He was passionate about his belief that great photography comes as much from the heart and soul as from the hand and eye.

He is survived by the love of his life, Joan Nacinovich Sargent, who he married in 1977. They worked together as husband and wife, best friends and business partners for 45 years. Also, his beloved sons, Nickolas and his wife Nicole (Kirchhoff) and Tyler and his wife Camila Helander- Sargent, grandchildren William Francis, Carolyn Grace, sister Cindy Sargent, and seven loving nieces and four wonderful nephews.

Services will be held at the Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center in North Palm Beach, FL.

Celebration of Life -Thursday December 1, 4-7pm

Service - Friday December 2, 930-1130am

If desired, make a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the Leeds Endowment.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howard-quattlebaum.com for the Sargent family.