Western Landscape & Equine Fine Art Photographer
JL Grief
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Artist’s Statement
I really don’t like to fly. In fact, I drive everywhere, and usually not in a straight line. Nor do I take the shortest,
or easiest route. This way I get the chance to photograph what I believe is the true Western Lifestyle. A lifestyle that hasn’t quite caught up with
the rest of the country, but in fact is in danger of being consumed by the present, which I believe happens to all traditions. However its this tradition that includes the family ranch, the cowboy, the horse, the wildlife of the west, Native Americans and the vistas they occupied -- that are my subjects. My artistic process involves planned 7-10 day shoots, each with a unique focus. I often
return to favorite sites or ranches to re shoot subjects. This practice is often inspired by new information gained from fellow photographers and ranchers, or simply a new artistic
perception that intrigues me further… and I love to attend a good workshop! I try to have my photographs tell a story. The late David Stoecklien, “Photographer of the West”, who I spent a good deal of time at his workshops as well as personally, taught me about “the story”. I learned most of what I produce today from David, and although I work a lot with filters and textures, I still try to keep “the story” alive. The comment below is from one of my customers who ranch in Eastern Oregon.
“We are the young ranchers here, late 50's. However I have lamented the fact that the other ranchers are all late 70's early 80's and still working, I love to go with them and see how well they ride and how sad it will be to lose all of their beauty. I try and photograph but I am just a picture taker. None of their kids want to go into ranching so, in the next decade it will be gone, that is why I love your photos. You take a story in a picture, one that makes me almost want to cry, the wild horses, the good animals lost and the Cowboys gone. Norton
That is my inspiration.
