Images of the West
Mountain Life
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It would be wrong to say the Teton Mountains have been photographed too frequently: They’re so naturally stunning, and their beauty is so tireless. Yet Jackson’s photo opportunities expand beyond the almighty Grand Teton and the photogenic Snake River winding through its shadows.
Landscape and wildlife photographers exhibit great patience in capturing incredible Jackson scenes. When they’re not in the studio, they can most likely be found “in the field. They awake before dawn, ready for the soft morning light. Schlepping heavy, expensive equipment, they trek far into the backcountry—by horseback, llama or on skis—to scout and shoot. And yet, sometimes in a place this magical, finding the perfect image is as easy as looking out the window. Not only is the landscape powerful, but stepping out the front door can bring an encounter with fox, moose and elk just as easily as with the neighbors next door.
Scores of photographers have made Jackson their home, immersing themselves in the balm of its beauty. Here are three—a mere sampling of the local flavor.
1. David Brookover, “Horseback
Brookover shoots large-format scenery, but over the past few years has become increasingly absorbed in photographing horses. “I’ve ridden horses since I was a kid, he says. “I like to try to capture the cowboy’s perspective. Brookover photographs a variety of equine breeds—from Spanish Mustangs to Arabians.
Brookover-Muench Fine Art Photography; 307-732-3988; brookover-muench.com
2. Henry Holdsworth, “Evening Solitude
Holdsworth moved to Jackson 20 years ago after graduating from college with a biology major and photography minor. He joins his passions by focusing his lens on wildlife. “Photography is about gaining insight through interaction with other living creatures— capturing behavior, color, composition and light in one moment that brings life to the subject, he says.
Wild By Nature Gallery; 888-494-5329; henryholdsworth.com
3 Frederic Joy, “Big Red
This Jackson native explores the “other side of the Tetons—in Idaho. “I like to look for structures that aren’t going to be around much longer, he says. Joy’s photography, spanning 25 years, is varied and eclectic, but as his gallery’s name reflects, the play of natural light is a central component in his work.
Light Reflections Gallery; 307-733-4016; lightreflectionsgallery.com