Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Loftus.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my photography journey through hunting. I grew up in a hunting family. We take pride in being able to put clean and healthy protein on our families table. Being in the outdoors as much as we were, it’s hard to witness so many incredible moments and not want to share them with others. So, I started diving into what it would take to be able to do so. I bought my first “Real Camera”, a Nikon D5000, back in 2010 and I haven’t looked back. This grew into a very serious addiction which then led to a part time business as my photography started to get recognized by others in the industry. About 8 years ago I was also approached with an opportunity to be a co-host on a photography based podcast, “The Wild and Exposed Podcast”. That ran for about 5 years and then morphed into a new podcast called “Beyond The Wild”. We have been actively creating a weekly podcast now for the last 2.5 years, sponsored by our local camera shop, Pictureline and Canon USA. This has allowed me to interview and meet so many amazing photographers and to experience some amazing trips and adventures. I’m currently still co-hosting the podcast and chasing new adventures with my camera. I work full time as a manager in manufacturing with plans to retire early and chase my photography passion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road, in anything worth doing there are always ups and downs. I’ve struggled with the technical aspects of my photography early on and as I started to get better with that I started to question my editing style. That leads to questioning my skills in general and wanting to learn more. As I learn more I start to feel better about what I’m creating but then find myself in an editing funk. I think this is a very common cycle for creatives in general, but it’s worth sticking in there and working through. I’m in a good place right now, but always wanting to learn and try new things to improve my process and images.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
During my journey I had an incredible encounter one day in a meadow with a large bull elk. He was wandering along a shadow line in and out of the shadows chasing his harem. I happened to be in the right place at the right time to capture him sticking just his head out of the shadows and bugling into the sun light. This image set a tone for my style of photography. I look for these types of images, lots of light play and shadows, dark backgrounds, etc… I also learned that it’s not a good idea to try and make n image something it’s not. You have to get it right in camera and the conditions have to be there for the end result to look natural. I’ve kind of become known for this style of photo, although I have many I’m proud of that are not representative of this style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
It’s been huge for me. My favorite definition for “Luck” is doing everything you can to be prepared so when an opportunity presents itself you can capture the moment. Have I always been successful in this? Absolutely not, I miss them all the time, but I learn from each and every mistake. This stands true not only for my photography, but in life in general. I’ve learned that networking to make good connections, marketing yourself and being reliable are all keys to enhancing my luck as well in photography. You also have to simply put in the time. You can’t take advantage of those opportunities unless you’re out there and ready to do so. As much time in the field as possible dramatically increases your chances.
Pricing:
- See my website
- Contact me directly through IG or FB
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.untamedimagesbyjl.com
- Instagram: @untamedimagesbyjl
- Facebook: @untamedimages
