On Empty
On Empty – Jackson, Michigan
projects
Group Of Seven
Great photo project where the McGuffins go in search of the landscape locations from the Group of Seven paintings.
Now that’s my kind of treasure hunt: Lake Superior, beautiful country, hiking through the bush, taking photos of these national treasures.
Why You Need to Publish a Photo Book
If I had one wish for photography right now, it would be for talented photographers to publish more books.
Publish 5 or 1000 copies, but get it out there. Share what you’ve learned, even if the lessons you have to teach are lessons we’ve already learned. If they’re valuable, we need to hear them again and again.
Too often photographers consider their end product to be framed prints or one-off Instagram posts.
What would change about your photography style if you were forced to think in terms of a creating books? It would force you to think as a storyteller. That’s the greatest skill a photographer can cultivate.
Two thoughts.
One is that making a book is not easy. Although there are tons of companies out there who will help you make a photo book (and at a decent price), it’s still a project. There’s editing, and organization, and thematic thinking, and quality control.
And two, it’s so much fun, and such a great expansion of an already-fun hobby. Making a photo book will be one of the highlights of my creative life. In fact, it’s kind of addicting, because now I want to make all kinds of books. I’ve already got one baking in the oven.
Citrus Trio
Starting a new still life project. This is one of the outtakes – just something fun and fresh.
Photographer Profile: Jake M (dissonantdays)
Who are you, where are you, and what do you do?
They call me “Jake” on the streets… because… it’s my name. I am located in the Pacific Northwest, which is just about one of the greatest places ever… if you travel around inside of it. I do things. I like to take pictures (surprise!), ride my bike, sleep, sulk, and eat. You know, human stuff. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and work at a hotel… so you know… living this dream.
How did you get started in photography?
I was a curious child. My mom used to take a lot of photos of our family with old point-and-shoot cameras, and I would always chew o n them…. or try to eat them or something. Once I became a teenager, I stopped trying to eat cameras, and started using them for their intended purpose. I took a few (film) photography classes at my school, and really enjoyed all the processes involved with taking photos and printing them.
What do you like about your photography?
I don’t really like. I think it’s a little dramatic. I think I’m good at being dramatic with my photos… but do I like that? Ehhhh… The things I like about my photography are the things that people don’t get to see. Photography is and will always be (hopefully) cathartic for me.
A lot of your work focuses on nature, especially at the macro level. I love your sense of depth and layers, and your color work. Where do you get inspiration for your style/ideas?
I tend to be a fairly reserved, quiet, non-confrontational person… and so I suppose photography is my form of therapy/anger management. I feel like I’m venting when I’m rummaging around out in the freezing cold taking pictures. I feel the same when I’m editing my photos. It’s my time to be in control.
What kinds of themes do you explore with your work?
I think most of my themes (for me) are emotional in nature (get it!?). Obviously, nature is a big part of that. I consider myself an environmentalist, so a lot of my photos end up being some kind of dissonant personification of nature reflected off myself. I hope that makes sense.
Any upcoming projects or shoots you’re working on?
My work is kind of inhibiting when it comes to making future plans. I do have plenty of locations I am planning on visiting (with a camera) when I get some time. The Bruneau Dunes and Payette River are certainly within my grasp.
Check out Jake’s Tumblr, and check out his other photography Tumblr, @activeoblivion for more good work.
See You At Sandhill Crane Vineyards
Here’s something exciting: I’m hosting an artists reception at Sandhill Crane Vineyards on Friday, May 6 for my Artists In Jackson project.
My dear artistic friend Colleen here (one of the artists featured!) is helping me with event and art details. It’s a great location, and I can’t wait to throw a big party for all my new artistic comrades.
If you’re in Michigan this May, please join me!
