Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Nadler.
Wildlife photographer Jeff Nadler specializes in award-winning fine art wildlife and nature photography, with a special talent for exposing nature’s soul through black-&-white and color artistic imagery. With a passion of advocacy for the protection of endangered species, Jeff’s photographic mission is to create an emotional connection with his natural world subjects for the viewer and encourage active support of wildlife conservation. When a canvas or framed photo is purchased, a percent is donated to support anti-poaching efforts in Africa.
Jeff has been fascinated by Africa for as long as he can remember. “As a child, I was always drawn to movies and stories about the African ‘jungle’, from Tarzan to Hatari, from King Solomon’s Mines to the Man-eaters of Tsavo.” A career in scuba diving and exploring the world’s oceans pushed aside adult thoughts of Africa until an overseas business trip provided the opportunity for a safari in Botswana. That experience not only re-awakened his childhood dreams of Africa, it turned that fascination into a passion for its animals. While being in the African bush is Jeff’s preferred activity, photographing and observing wildlife interactions of all types is his greatest pleasure, from wolves in Yellowstone to jaguars in Brazil to bears in Canada to giant pandas in China to wild horses in France.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My photographic images are intended as fine art. As such, they need to not only be technically good, they have to impact the viewer through making an emotional connection – a connection that I hope makes them think “that creature is important and deserves a place on our planet” and turns them into ardent and active supporters of wildlife protection laws, the fight to stop poaching and to push for a ban on trophy hunting. As my work is usually printed on canvas, the fine art feeling is emphasized. In fact, I am often asked, “is that a photo or a painting?”. Whenever that happens, I know I’ve accomplished one of my goals.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Being attuned to what potential clients say about your work – especially what they like. I’ve come to realize that sometimes an image I think is spectacular isn’t the one that grabs the attention of the public. Artists should never forget that art is in the eye of the beholder and the customer is always right! In fact, when I return from a photo expedition, I’ll post on social media a series of images of, for example, fishing grizzly bears and use the comments and reactions to determine which images I should print to display in my booth. Also, be creative with the options in which your art is sold. As a photographer, my work is available from wall-sized canvases to photo notecards and everything in between. Also, having passion for your art is crucial – that passion is readily apparent in the finished work. My passion is wildlife and that is reflected in my photos and how people react to them; conversely, landscape photography doesn’t inspire me and that is reflected in my images whenever I choose to photograph scenery. Passion sells!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am a regular participant at fine art festivals throughout Southern California and the entire Southwestern US, including a six-year participant at the summer-long Laguna Art-A-Fair. For the past three years, my fellow exhibitors there have selected me as the Best Photographer. My work is also available to see online on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jeffnadlerphotography/ and my website, www.wild-life-photos.com (currently under updating). I am now also at the Mona Niko Gallery, located in The Shops at Mission Viejo mall – https://www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-mission-viejo/stores/mona-niko-gallery. As my portfolio contains thousands of images, I sell many of my photos on a commission basis where clients query me about a specific animal; I send them thumbnails of my inventory and custom print their choice in the size they want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wild-life-photos.com
- Phone: 760-722-3521
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffnadlerphotography/
Image Credit:
All images copyright Jeff Nadler Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
