I am going to be using Facebook for any further blog-type posts from now on. This blog will be discontinued shortly. You can expect me to be far more active on the new Facebook page. Anyone can view my Facebook page without an account, but I invite you to sign up and interact with me.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesse-Speer-Photography/95980517045
Wow! I’ve managed to finish a much-needed update to my website. I’ve added more than two dozen new photographs – including a brand new series of toned images appropriately titled “Atmospheric”. I am particularly proud of this new series … as it is the culmination of many years of shooting, editing and refining. The new series features some spectacular places, photographed under some spectacular conditions. I invite you to check out my website and enjoy the new work! (Print prices have been significantly lowered as well.)
Now, maybe I can devote some much-needed attention to this blog. More to come!
The grizzly bears are coming out of hibernation here in Yellowstone Country. Seems like a good time to wake my blog from its slumber as well. I have been too distracted with working on a website redesign, and keeping up with my winter photography. More words and photos to come soon!
Above is an image of the Teton Range on a cold January morning.
“RADIANT AUTUMN”
Grand Teton National Park, WY
September 28, 2008
About a week ago, I posted a portfolio of “Tetons in the Fall” photographs on my website. Out of the few dozen photos in the portfolio, this image has generated the most buzz … with more than a few inquiries on how the “radiant light” effect was created. Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve been down and out with illness the couple of weeks, and have had little time or energy to write anything for this blog. I’ll be back soon.
In the meantime, enjoy the latest addition to my website … a collection of photographs from my autumn visit to Grand Tetons National Park.
“THE BURNING TREE”
Gallatin National Forest, Montana
May 25th, 2008
This is, admittedly, a bizarre photograph – certainly one that I don’t expect to sell very often. I can’t imagine that too many people share my sense of appreciation for the harsh beauty that is left in the wake of wildfires. Lately, I am finding the stark remains of the fire-burned landscape of Yellowstone Country to be a fascinating subject for photography. That is certainly the case with the location depicted above. Read the rest of this entry »
UNTITLED
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
September 29th, 2008
I made this photograph near the end of my recent tour of Grand Teton National Park. It’s a view of the Teton Range from a quiet forest road near the park boundary. At the time, I remember being extremely thrilled to have finally discovered a compelling combination of autumn colors (which were not abundant during my visit). In fact, I camped overnight in my car nearby, so I could be there to photograph the scene in the soft light of early morning. The spectacular color display seemed to glow in the predawn light. In fact, the direct lighting later in the morning almost seemed to destroy the colors. This is one of the reasons that I typically begin my day of shooting – throughout the year – well before sunrise.
I am in the middle of processing a massive number of photos from this trip. I’m sure there will be a nice addition of fall images to my website very soon. Stay tuned for more.
“THE WHITE FOREST”
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
June 14, 2008
I’ve had a few inquiries this week about how this photo was created. Although it looks like it might have been manipulated with software, the effect was created entirely at the moment of exposure – within the camera. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the questions I frequently receive through my website relates to how I’ve managed a to create a successful career with my photography. People are usually a little surprised by my answer – that photography is essentially a “hobby” for me. It’s not my full-time job. I’ve been working as a freelance graphic designer for about 10 years – designing anything from logos to brochures to websites. It’s how I spend 99% of my time during the work week. Despite the fun and success I enjoy with photography, I wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, I’m very fortunate to be able to say that I am working my dream job. The creative diversity is hard to beat. More importantly, the spoils from my graphic design endeavors support my growing photography addiction.
Lately, I’m having a lot of fun designing websites for other photographers. I’ve partnered with a good friend of mine (and great photographer), Jack Brauer, in creating WideRange Galleries. It’s a relatively new collaboration, which combines Jack’s wonderful website gallery software and my creative design skills. We’ve been at it for a little over a year now. While I’ve had a lot of fun designing my own websites over the years, it’s been even more rewarding to create fresh websites for other artists. I thought I would take a moment to share some of our recent work, and allow you to enjoy the work of other photographers …
• Michael Anderson – a travel and landscape photographer, based in Colorado, who travels the world collecting inspiring imagery (website published yesterday)
• Marc Adamus – a wilderness photographer, based in Oregon, who creates stunning and truly unforgettable visions of nature
• Michael Gordon – an award-winning California fine art landscape photographer whose work inspires my own
“LAST LIGHT”
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
September 22, 2008
I’m currently sifting through more than 1,500 images from my recent “fall colors” photo excursion in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. It’s a monumental task, as you might imagine. In fact, most of my time is now being spent simply weeding through all of the junk images that I managed to collect during a week of all-day shooting. This year, there is a lot of junk. Read the rest of this entry »
