The Imaginative World of Jonathan D. Photography
By Lea Byrnes
Jonathan D. Photography
Jonathan Schafer, also known as Jonathan D. Photography, is a Phoenix-based photographer and educator specializing in portraiture, creative images, nature, and landscapes. Using a combination of photography and digital editing on Photoshop, Jonathan creates unique photographic masterpieces that are beaming with imagination and creativity. From fantastical scenes to classic portraiture, Jonathan truly does it all. His work also includes stunning shots of wildlife and beautiful landscapes, including Arizona sunsets, mountains, and cascading waterfalls. In addition to being a published photographer, Jonathan also teaches photography and post-processing to help other aspiring artists reach their full potential. His work has been featured in various publications including RESOL and Kat Club Magazine.
Jonathan’s artistic journey began with landscape photography, as nature is abundant and free to photograph. This is where he honed his skills, gaining the experience he needed in order to move on to shooting portraiture, events, and pets. Today, Jonathan is most interested in the artistic side of portraiture and creating digital art using a technique of photography mixed with Photoshop. He says his favorite part is, “...taking digital liberty with images of real people, and manipulating them to my vision. Less literal representations, and more artistic vision.” This style of photography enables him to create imaginary worlds and characters and bring them to life. From holiday-themed shoots, to superhero scenes, to time period pieces, Jonathan explores many fun and exciting ways of using photography as an artistic medium. His talent for digital editing brings the work to a new level of creativity, with vibrant backgrounds and imaginary elements that look like they are straight out of a movie!
Jonathan D. Photography
Jonathan D. Photography
In addition to his more imaginative projects, Jonathan also specializes in portraiture including senior portraits, fashion, lifestyle shoots, and more. He works both in the studio and in the field to capture the perfect images for his clients, whatever their needs may be. Some of his most stunning work also includes landscape and animal portraiture. “Photographing nature allows me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and revisit it at will,” he says. Jonathan has a true talent for capturing the natural beauty of Arizona’s flora and fauna. His awe-inspiring photos are bright, crisp, and full of color and life. From striking images of parrots and eagles, to up-close shots of ladybugs, and much more; Jonathan’s portfolio of wildlife photography is perfect for desktop wallpapers or hanging a print in your home!
According to Jonathan, the biggest challenge of his artistic journey has been believing in himself and putting himself out there as an artist. His advice for other aspiring artists is to “...never give up and never stop learning. Investigate topics outside your direct area of passion… painting can teach a photographer a lot, for example.” Jonathan describes himself as an artist, photographer, and educator. “I love teaching others,” he says, “I have a knack for helping people understand the technical side of photography.” About his artistic community, he says that he has surrounded himself with people who are very encouraging, supportive, and helpful in both teaching and learning. The most powerful lesson he’s learned from being an artist is that, “...It’s ok to let go. Embrace the different, non-mainstream vision you may have. People will like it. Or they won’t. As long as you like it.” Jonathan’s unique creativity and vision undeniably shines through each one of his photoshoots. His fans can expect to see more digital portrait art coming in the near future, so keep your eye on Jonathan D. Photography for even more imagination and fun!
