I apologize for the lack of updates around here lately. The stale nature of this website does not reflect how hard I’m working behind the scenes. A number of exciting projects have occupied my time for the last several months. My first photo book, Autumn, is almost finished. A completely new website is in the works. Last but certainly not least, a brand new collection of photographs is in the works! I am essentially overhauling Jesse Speer Photography, as I move to B/W photography. I’m almost finished with all of it. Stay tuned!

Until these projects are completed, I invite you to keep up with the latest updates and photographs on my Facebook page … which has become my “blog” during this transition time.

http://www.facebook.com/jesse.speer

These semi-abstracted photographs speak about the interconnected nature of the Aspen Tree. Commonly seen throughout the Rocky Mountains (among other places), large stands of aspens are connected by a single underground root system sprouting from an original parent tree. The largest of these groves is in Utah. Covering 106 acres, it is thought by many to be the largest organism, by mass, in the world. Each tree is essentially a “stem” growing from a single living thing.

This triptych was made by standing against a small aspen tree and pointing the camera downward towards the ground. A careful arrangement of the resulting exposures forms an image that pays tribute to the interconnected nature of the Aspen. I call this triptych “Synapse”. Even at the end of the dying autumn season, information is flowing throughout the tree—and throughout the entire stand—in preparation for the renewal that will come again in the spring.

(This image will be part of my upcoming book, simply titled “Autumn”. If you’d like to learn more, and even help bring the book to life, please click here.)

I stumbled onto this scene by chance three years ago, and was instantly struck the powerful juxtaposition of vitality and death. I called the tree “The Guardian”. This past October, I revisited the unassuming location and found that the tree had fallen. I’m glad to have found (and photographed) the tree while it stood in its stately repose.

This is why I make photographs.

(This image will be part of my upcoming book, simply titled “Autumn”. If you’d like to learn more, and even help bring the book to life, please click here.)

It’s with great excitement and anticipation that I formally announce the upcoming publication of my first book of photographs, “Autumn”.

The obvious excitement comes from the production of my first book … and the fact that I’m genuinely proud of the presentation I’ve designed. The anticipation comes in the form of the interesting twist I’ve added to this self-published project. I’ve decided to use Kickstarter.com to help fund production. Not only will this unique, community-funded effort enable production, it might also help shape the final form of the book. I encourage you to read more about my Kickstarter.com project at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jessespeer/autumn. I could really use your help! (By the way, it’s the only way to pre-order the book.)

“Autumn” is a 144 page book of photographs that showcase the boldness of the season, with an even heavier dose of lesser seen moments of beauty. It will be made in a limited edition run of 500 books. I expect the actual book to be made available in April. The photographs within detail my experiences in the Rocky Mountains over the last several years … including moments from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Not only is it a collection of inspiring views, it is also a “monograph” on my history and progress as a photographer—a reflection on my transformation from “maker of pretty scenics” to a more thoughtful photographer. It is the quintessential expression of my photography to date.

This book is dedicated to everyone who has supported my photography over the years. Furthermore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to infuse this type of support into the making of this book. I will be eternally grateful if you take the time to share my Kickstarter effort with your friends and family—especially on social media outlets.

To view the photos contained in the book, please visit my “Autumn” portfolio.

This is what I saw … or, I should say, what I managed to capture when I wasn’t too dumbfounded by the scenery …

At the end of our journey, we took a sunset drive along the Beartooth Highway—scouting routes for future backpacking trips.

Print of the Month, April 2011

I am excited to announce a brand new print feature — the Print of the Month. Every month, I will offer a different matted print for only $45! Each image will be printed to 7″x10″ on archival luster paper, and then mounted and matted with a single, white board to 11″x14″. The signed prints will arrive ready to insert into your choice of custom or retail frame.

This new print feature is part of a renewed effort to create affordable photographic art. My matted print prices now range from $39-$195. I believe in making quality art that is accessible to anyone—at prices that won’t break the bank.

This image—at this price—will only be available for the month of April!

Click here to purchase the Print of the Month for April—a photograph from my 2009 autumn visit to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Pictured is one of the famous barns from the “Mormon Row” area of the park. A small break in the clouds on the horizon behind me allowed the rising sun to touch the landscape for only a brief time. A long exposure was used to bring out the color and capture the motion of the grasses on this cold, windy September morning.

Stay tuned to this blog, or my Facebook page, for new Print of the Month announcements.

(April orders will begin shipping 4/10.)

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© Michael Kenna

I don’t really attribute creative “influence” to any other specific artists. My photography is largely defined and influenced by a collective life experience … with a heavy dose of philosophy and methodology infused from my graphic design education. But rarely do I look to other artists for inspiration in my own work. I simply love to enjoy the artwork of others on a very basic, personal level. I let my inner artist roam where it may, without external pressure or conscious influence. Oh sure … the influences of others is there somewhere, but it exists on a very subconscious level. I would imagine that there’s a small portion of Michael Kenna inside me.

If I was forced to walk in the shoes of another artist for a day, it would be Michael Kenna. I could stand to travel as he does … shoot with his arsenal of Hasselblad cameras … work with his impressive client list … shoot everything in monochrome … and so on. He sees and creates with an ultra-refined style that I find very appealing. In fact, his visual language and approach to making photographs seems closely related to what I strive for in my own work. Stripping elements within an image to the bare minimum. Working with weather conditions to push this effect. Pursuing a sense of intimacy in the grand locations he shoots. I’m no Michael Kenna, but he can call me anytime he wants to step out and take a vacation.

Until that day comes, I encourage you to take a look at what Michael is shooting lately … or possibly even get to know his work for the first time. He’s one of the “masters” of modern photography. You can view more of Michael’s work at www.michaelkenna.net.

Do YOU have any artists that have influenced or shaped your artistic pursuits?

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Bench and Path

“We are all on a journey.  Along the Way, our private experiences, curiosity, inquiry and selectivity are involved in our personal interpretation of events.  These shape and create our reality.  Our drama on our stage.  The images I create evoke a world where the viewer is free to explore with his our her own emotions and awareness – a drama – unbeknownst but to them.” (from Robb’s Artist Statement)

I first discovered Robb Johnson’s work in the 2008 Folios issue of Silvershotz magazine. His mysterious images instantly captivated my attention … and my imagination. Since then, I’ve become a fan of his “Along the Way” series. I hesitate to say much more, because words might only ruin the experience of enjoying his work. But his work is certainly a great example of the type of creative photography where method and style have been used with a clear purpose—to perfection, I might add. Just go look for yourself, and enjoy.