We had the good fortune of connecting with Jai McDonald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jai, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well, I got my first camera (a Nikon cool pix) at eight years old and that was what sparked a life long love for photography. It’s taken years of practice to build my eye and my style but I feel like I have it dialed.

Nature photography is my bread and butter. I take off on walks and just wander the woods for hours looking for little things that people typically overlook or moments that resonate with me. These typically result in being the prints that I sell and use to build my portfolio.

The experiences I’ve had photographing people have been just as rewarding, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some great memories for people and in both aspects (nature photography and Portrait photography) it’s truly been a rewarding career.

I have the ability to capture precious moments and to make an impression on people with my own work, it’s work that I love, it’s a gift.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think a big part of what separates me from other photographers is how much I set up in camera and how little I adjust in edits. I like to leave the images as genuine as I can. Honestly, It hasn’t been the easiest road, photography is unfortunately a saturated field, so trying to compete can be difficult. As of right now, its not my full time job, I hope, someday, to have a studio of my own and to build on the roots that I’ve established so far, Im truly looking forward to that day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Buena Vista Colorado is where I currently reside, there’s horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, hotsprings, good food and coffee, just about everything you need to have a good week, I haven’t personally explored Denver so much, I’m a country kid through and through, though, the National Heritage Rodeo in Denver is excellent.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people who support me and my business, my siblings Shannon, Erin and Makenzie and my parents. My good friends, Dave, Emily, Travis, Angie. My photography professor Martha Campbell, and colleague Kristen Shabe who was my personal critic in school. I adore you all and can’t express how grateful I am for your support and criticism.

Website: https://mcdonaldlg27.wixsite.com/lenspeakphoto

Instagram: @Lenspeak_photo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenspeakphotography

Image Credits
Jai McDonald, Lenspeak Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.