The Adventure of Photography
Jak Wonderly is a freelance commercial and editorial photographer based in Sonoma County California. He works primarily outdoors as a travel-style photographer for clients who appreciate a romantic and adventurous aesthetic. While his subject matter ranges from wine bottles to religious processions to white water rafting, he is most recognized for his soulful portraits of animals.
What do the images on your website and print materials say about your business? Are they of the highest quality, unique in your market, and do they relay the authentic nature of your brand? I collaborate with growing businesses to build a portfolio of images for all their marketing needs. With my advertising experience and creative eye, I can efficiently and artistically take the perception of your business to the next level. In industries as diverse as agricultural finance, adventure tourism, pet healthcare, and winemaking, my photography is stopping potential clients in their tracks.
After working with Jak on two commercial projects, I became an admirer of his work and professionalism. His photos illustrate the magnificent connection he feels with his subjects. He is a rare talent. - Jayne Wayne Design
I deliver creative vision, accurate captions, technical excellence, and good old-fashioned storytelling – all within the realities of your budget and deadline. And I go the distance for the shot; in pursuit of great images for an editor I’ve explored remote canyons, been run over by a giant pig, and waded chest deep in freezing water. And the results bring attention. Readers of articles I’ve worked on have sent thank you cards and comments like “one of the most beautiful images I have ever seen in your publication.” From regional newspaper work to the pages of National Geographic, every client is treated with warmth and benefits from my extreme attention to detail.
Capturing the essence of my subject is not done through fancy lighting or retouching, rather by simply looking really deeply for their character. Whether the subject is a running horse or one of the large cats, I guarantee memorable results. Give me a call and let’s discuss making transcendent images of you or the creature you adore.
I confess that I don’t have any pictures of him because I didn’t think it would be possible to really capture who and what he is. I stand corrected. Your pictures naturally made me teary. You have such a gift for seeing their souls. I am honored and grateful you took the time to see him the way I do. – Laura S. Petaluma
I strive to take my craft to the level of art, but I also adhere the standards of a photojournalist. I do not composite images nor manipulate content. The world is beautiful enough just as it is.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of any photo of a big cat goes to protect snow leopards as part of Snow Leopard Trust’s Artists in Conservation Program.
Standard Prints:
Excellent lab prints of many images can be ordered right from my portfolio. Each is supervised by a trained technician and is printed on high quality photographic paper.
Signed Archival Prints:
For larger prints of the highest quality, I also offer signed archival prints. I manage the print process and approve and sign each image before it goes out to a client.
Imagine these images as they are meant to be experienced – a 30” exquisitely detailed and richly colored photographic print that will last a lifetime. While I use both medium format film and full frame 35mm digital cameras, both with only the finest lenses, my end output is always the same: a true continuous tone print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, processed in traditional wet chemistry. This method takes longer and costs me more, but there is no finer print available. I do not print giclees (i.e. inkjets), nor do I print on watercolor paper or canvas. I am not a painter; I’m a photographer with extremely high standards.
I delight in seeing my images used in formats as diverse as book covers, wine labels, music cds, and national ads. Most of my images are available for rights-managed use, and many can be purchased and used immediately right from my online portfolio, at prices 25% below industry standards. Files are usually available in any format (e.g. TIFF) upon request and in sizes of 18″ or more (at 300dpi). Questions about pricing, the images themselves, or the details of the release can be answered by contacting info@jakwonderly.com.
Photography can be a tool of awareness for living in the present moment and being in balance with the natural world. I work with a number of animal conservation and welfare organizations, including the Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Conservancy. If you are involved with an animal welfare or conservation effort, please get in touch and let’s discuss if compelling photography can help your cause.
I find Jak’s work to be very special… his passion and concern for animals shines through his photographs and makes the viewer experience the same connection that he he experiences. The Snow Leopard Trust is proud to continue to promote Jak’s amazing photos of snow leopards in our quest to raise awareness and funds to protect this beautiful, endangered wild cat from extinction. Jak’s support, generosity and approachable manner makes him one of my favorite people to correspond with. – Gina R., Snow Leopard Trust.
Do you want to learn how to capture dynamic candid images? Let’s go take pictures together and explore our choices moment by moment – there is no better way to learn than shooting side-by-side with a pro. Struggling to master all the functions on your new SLR? Together we can get past the technical jargon and turn those buttons into meaningful choices with aesthetic results. Wondering why your images aren’t more powerful? I’ll sit down and review your work carefully and pour out pages of insights, references, and suggestions for ways to break creative blocks. I offer reasonably-priced private coaching and portfolio critiques, as well as photography workshops in California and Mexico. Please see the workshop pages for more information on upcoming classes and testimonials from my students. Can’t make a workshop? Check out my VISIONS workbook.