When I began as a photographer, I was inspired because I felt I could create and capture images as only I saw them. We all have a unique lens through which we experience this beautiful world, and photography has been my way of sharing my vision with others. Because of the opportunities around us, there has never been a better time to share our unique vision with the world.
I have a profound appreciation for nature and my first love in photography was landscape. The last trip I went on was to Dansville NY, and I was most at peace when laying in my hammock - staring at the tops of the pines I was surrounded by. Listening to how the wind navigated the forest and experiencing the smell of ten thousand pine needles allowed me to reflect on the nature of my creative pursuits (and much more).
The Na Pali Coast in Hawaii
A brisk morning in Tobermory
A sunrise over the Pacific
My favorite images have always been in natural settings - places worth traveling to. I can’t help but photograph these scenes as I see them and bring the images home with me. One image in particular stands out to me. On our very first Adirondack backpacking trip together, my incredibly talented friend Zack captured this image of me at the top of Dix Mountain:
Sunset in the Adirondack Mountains, New York. Photo by Zack Wintrob, using his cell phone.
Now, as you can see, we had a long way to go climbing off of that mountain (in the darkness) to a safe place to camp for the night, but I remember the trip through the lens of this moment. It was the pinnacle of our achievement - an emblem of success. Being captured in this way made me feel like the person I wanted to be during that trip - an explorer with his best friend on a journey to experience the natural beauty that New York has to offer.
Sarah Jeanne and "Sophie" on a beautiful Saturday Afternoon in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Jeff Welt
In much of my recent work, I have subconsciously defined my photographic style to reflect this experience and replicate it for my clients. If you were to ask me why I gravitated towards capturing moments like the ones displayed below, I would have had a hard time defining my intent beyond saying “I want to capture something special for them.” Because I have had time to reflect on my experiences, what drives me creatively, and why I am here - I can now define my purpose and style as a photographer much better.
Theresa Christensen at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Buffalo New York. Photo by Jeff Welt
Tina Kestner at Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls New York. Photo by Jeff Welt
Sarah and Sophie together for sunset at Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Jeff Welt
I want my clients to feel as I did when I saw the photo Zack took of me at the peak of that mountain. I want you to remember the moments in your life as they were - as vividly and passionately as you experienced them. While it is possible to achieve this kind of artistic expression in a studio setting, I feel it is best out in the world - in places that inspire us. Buffalo New York has so many places like this. For this reason I invite you to meet me at my studio some time for a photo shoot - wherever that takes us!
Katie Kriner loving every moment of summer in Niagara Falls, New York. Photo by Jeff Welt
Jeff Welt is a professional photographer in Buffalo, New York specializing in environmental portraits, engagement and wedding photography. Please contact me to schedule your next photo-shoot!