JWN Photography

Explaining environmental or conservation-based art

As a surfer, sailor, fisherman, hunter, and conservationist, I spend a lot of time outdoors.  My family’s home, recreation, and business are all reliant on these ecosystems remaining healthy.  I realized that I could do more than just document these places; I could use my work to help bring attention to environmentally sensitive areas in need of the public’s help.  When I decided to turn my photography into a business, I wanted to provide customers with a unique and visually compelling piece of art while also using my work to attract attention to these sensitive areas.

Since I live and work in the Bay Area, much of my work is focused here.  The SF Bayshore, the North Coast, and Northern California are all very special places with an infinite amount of artistic possibilities.  

While there are many photographers and journalists who aim to accurately represent the challenges these locations face, I aim to provide an artistic or stylized perspective of these areas. I want to show people a side of these places that they may not have ever seen.  This is especially true of the San Francisco Bayshore, which many of us commute through, around, and over every day.  This is why I use as many photographic techniques as possible to best show what I see as wonderful about the Bay Area, especially places that might not be obvious attractions. I may use macro photography, traditional landscape/seascape photography, long/manipulated exposure photography, or aerial/drone photography.  Not all of these techniques are meant to accurately represent the flora and fauna of a particular location, but that isn’t necessarily my goal.  I aim to provide viewers with a unique perspective on what I personally feel is most captivating about these locations.  At the end of the day, I want to provide my customers with a striking image that can be hung on their walls while also bringing attention directly or indirectly to the challenges that the area may be facing. 

Giving Back
While I make no bones about the fact that I am profiting from photographing these areas, I also believe that my work can bring new attention to other areas as well. When I started my business this year, I decided to also donate 10% of my profits to the groups that are working to rehabilitate and protect the areas I love to photograph. At times, I will also run donation events for specific projects, where a large percentage or even all profits may go to the protection of a specific area in great need.  I will detail how much money was donated and where in regular intervals. I do not feel that conservation and commerce need to be mutually exclusive.  Commercial enterprises can elevate environmental causes in ways that may be difficult otherwise, as long as the incentives are open and transparent.

If you believe there is an area that I should explore and/or draw attention to through my work, please contact me.