Meet Jason Theaker. He is a landscape photographer who inspires many. The Pictures are stunning in terms of Light, and the wide variety of landscapes that he has captured. For him, photography is a form of meditation. Jason believes that the right attitude and spirit are what makes a photographer better. We have some of his answers and a stunning landscape collection from Jason’s portfolio.
Please introduce yourself to me, Jason.
My name is Jason Theaker, and I find inspiration in all forms of creativity. Nature photography was the first artistic medium I used after school. I used to experiment for hours with images that were visually appealing of the countryside around me, then developed them in a darkroom made up in my attic. My passion for images shifted to movement, and I became more interested in animation. It was a great way to incorporate some of the elements that I learned from photography, such as composition, lighting and texture. Although it was similar in terms of technicality, it provided more frames per second. I started with time-lapse and then moved on to characters and stories.
My passion for animation continued to grow over the years. I worked in traditional animation, then film, television, commercials and finally computer games. A life event forced me to return to my hometown and change jobs. I got two job offers: one as a games animator, and the other for a lecture. I wanted a change, so I took a breath and did it! I have been a lecturer at Bradford University since 10 years, and I also run my own landscape photography and training business.
What inspired you to take up nature photography?
I have already answered part one of your question, but now I will answer what inspires you. Nature has always been a passion of mine. I love to be outdoors. I enjoy walking, cycling, climbing mountains, and swimming in rivers or the sea.
Landscape photography was my choice because I loved both creativity and landscapes. It’s a wonderful feeling to be in nature, working with the elements and expressing your creativity. When it works, it’s like a meditative moment. If I can convey some of that feeling in my work, I’m happy.
What is your favourite place to take nature photographs?
The places that bring me back to my childhood are the ones I really love. So, forest, rivers, sea. This probably covers the majority of places but it is where I feel most at one with nature. If you looked at the passion of many nature photographers, you’d probably find that their childhood memories are what drives them.
What kind of camera, lens and lighting equipment do use?
I own a Canon 5D Mark II with several L lenses. I won’t bore with my equipment, but I will say that its use is more important than the kit itself. Many people believe that having good equipment makes you a better photographer. I think that passion and feeling should come before the equipment.
What photographers have you been inspired by?
It’s not easy. I am not that type of person. Text, nature, photography, and paintings are all sources of inspiration for me. I rarely choose people to be my influences, because I avoid walking the same paths as everyone else. I blame my childhood for being a little obsessed with being unique. I am an identical twin who has fought from birth for independence. I’ll leave my mental health at that!
What advice can you give to aspiring talent?
Never give up. Think, read, analyse, reflect.
Copyrights :
All pictures in this blog are copyrighted by Jason Theaker. It is prohibited to reproduce any part of these images without explicit permission from the owners.