This is the first article in a series of exposes on talented nature photographers living in the southern Utah area who have yet to achieve “household name” status. It is my hope that you will find their depth of talent and creativity interesting and perhaps even inspirational. So without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to Rex Jones.
Jones came to my attention due to the efforts of his fans on Facebook. In a few posts here and there, I asked for accomplished nature photographers who deserved a feature article. Many suggested Jones, and he graciously provided with background data and some striking images. He lives among us. All of these photos were taken in the region of southwestern Utah. Once you get into the gallery below, Jones has provided an explanation of aspects the image.
Getting started
Jones has been looking from behind a lens for over eight years. He first started with an old Canon AE-1 shooting black-and-white film. Over the years, his skill has improved and evolved. Now he shoots a much broader spectrum of subjects with a much broader set of equipment. His latest venture is 4×5 black-and-white film on a 4×5 View camera.
“Obviously, I shoot using digital cameras for most of my work,” said Jones, “that’s just a part of being a photographer at this time in our earth’s history, but I will always love film the most and I always shoot film when I have the chance.”
Jones is involved with many different types of projects: product photography, landscape photography, individual portraiture, family photos, engagements, bridals, and weddings. His passion is landscape photography, which puts him squarely in the camp of nature photographers featured in this series.
On landscape photography
“It’s hard to stand out as a landscape photographer, because there are so many good ones out there with great cameras taking great images,” Jones said. “I have spent a lot of time looking for, and photographing, some of the lesser-known locations in southern Utah. I’d be hard-pressed to take an image of Zion Canyon that really stands out against all the hundreds of thousands of images that depict this epic national park.”
Nevertheless, Jones takes pictures at locations such as Snow Canyon, Pine Valley, Pinto, The Gorge, and many other locations he finds just as beautiful. He feels that those images stand on their own simply because the locations aren’t photographed nearly as much as the more popular spots.
Jones is an avid hiker. Lately, he is shooting more portrait work than he initially guessed he would.
“My goal is to take portraits of people, in these epic landscapes, and have it be an extension of my landscape work,” explains Jones. “So typically, my portraits will have a very cinematic feel, because, well, that’s what I’m going for. I want the backdrop to be just as important as the subject when it comes to creating the image.”
I think you will agree that Rex Jones has indeed met his goal!
For further information, see Rex’s website. View his online portfolio here. Now, sit back and enjoy.
Photo gallery (click to enlarge)
