Jesse Speer, photographer

My adventures in photography are rooted in a life history full of artistic creativity and encouragement. I have explored a number of different art forms throughout my lifetime, including an exploratory period of getting to know the easels, palettes and darkrooms of a college fine arts program. But it was a single experience in my early years that sparked more than a casual interest in photography. One day in my early twenties, my father passed along a Leica M3 rangefinder camera ... a family heirloom that his father had given him. Apart from the obvious sentimental value, the camera was (and still is) a timeless masterpiece of photographic imaging. I had never owned anything so inspiring, at such a young age. It almost felt as if I were capable of producing magic just by holding the camera. And yet it offered only the most basic controls for making a photograph ... just a few mechanical dials and levers. I couldn't even use the camera without a little education. It was a simple challenge that eventually turned into a life-long passion ... mastering the art of photography.

This was the first of many experiences in my formative years that grabbed hold my young, creative mind and offered a glimpse of the potential that photography offered for artistic expression. Subsequent years of exploring the craft of traditional photography captivated me like no other art form.

And while the distractions of youth kept my practicing interest at a casual level for many years, a move to the mountains of Colorado in my late 20's revived a serious interest in photography. I began spending countless days roaming the wilderness areas, national parks and other scenic wonders of the Colorado mountains. Often solo, and sometimes in the company of like-minded friendships, I developed a deep connection with the natural world. Whether it was hiking, backpacking or just sitting next to a mountain stream ... it didn't matter. I found myself going outdoors just to experience the countless benefits that nature has to offer. It was during this time of discovery that I realized an incredible potential in combining my creative talents with this growing passion for the natural world. And so began my journey as a nature and landscape photographer.

With each passing year, I find myself driven with a greater sense of eagerness in sharing new experiences ... finding new places ... discovering both the grand and the subtle beauty in nature. And only lately, developing an artistic style and photographic vision that reflects my collective experiences with the natural world. Nature is the place that I feel most comfortable and connected in this world. It inspires me like nothing else. I find great rewards in sharing this inspiration through the art of photography. I've built this website so that you can enjoy my latest work and maybe even find your own inspiration. Please enjoy your time at JesseSpeer.com, and come back often!


photographer : my methods : my gear : my projects