About
Howdy! I'm Jesse, a colorblind nature photographer based in the Pacific Northwest.
My passion for photography began in Dayton, Ohio, where I grew up watching my father pursue photography as a hobby. No matter where we went, he always had a camera close at hand. When I was about eight years old, he surprised me with my first digital camera, sparking a fascination with capturing the world through a lens. What started as a childhood interest gradually grew into a lifelong passion that continues to shape my journey today.
In 2023, I relocated to the Pacific Northwest, drawn by its breathtaking mountains, forests, and coastlines. The move was more than a change of scenery—it was an opportunity to fully immerse myself in landscape photography. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, I found endless inspiration and a deeper connection to the art of documenting the beauty that surrounds us.
My love for the outdoors has played an equally important role in my photography. As an Eagle Scout, I spent countless days hiking, camping, and exploring wild places. Those experiences fostered a deep appreciation for nature and continue to influence the way I approach photography today. The values and skills I gained through scouting—patience, perseverance, and respect for the natural world—are woven into every image I create.
One thing that often surprises people is that I am colorblind—specifically, red-green colorblind. Contrary to a common misconception, colorblindness does not mean seeing the world entirely in black and white. I can see colors, but certain hues are difficult to distinguish. Reds and greens can blend together, orange often appears either red or yellow, and many shades of pink appear gray or go unnoticed entirely.
While colorblindness has certainly presented challenges as an artist, it has also shaped my creative perspective in meaningful ways. I am drawn to black-and-white photography because it allows me to focus on light, texture, contrast, and emotion without the distractions of color. Through monochrome imagery, I can more authentically express the way I experience the world and share that perspective with others.
Every photograph I create is a reflection of the influences that have shaped me: a father's encouragement, a lifelong connection to the outdoors, and a unique way of seeing the world. My hope is that these images inspire others to slow down, appreciate nature's beauty, and perhaps see it through a different lens.
