
Jonathan Gillingham
Artist Story
I love to dabble in different types of photography, but wildlife and nature are my main focus and interests. I currently use a Canon EOS RS with an assortment of Canon RF lenses. I want my images to look like what you would see outside. I always try to represent exactly what I saw when I took the picture. When I first started, that wasn't necessarily my main goal, but that's what I really love to do now.
I'm a self-taught photographer. I have watched YouTube videos of Canadian and American photographers to learn skills and techniques. My plan is to continue learning by taking courses with world-renowned photographers to learn more tips and tricks on how to improve.
My work has definitely evolved over time. I used to overdo the post-processing element of photography and I have learned to keep things more natural. I try to represent exactly what I saw with little to no influence on what types of things you can do in post-processing. Don't get me wrong, I still like to have some fun doing edits, but I want things to be more realistic. I also used to shoot in Auto mode when I got a DSLR camera, not knowing the kind of capabilities that Manual mode offered. I now only shoot in manual mode and use some priority settings in certain situations.
I'm inspired by photographers like John Marriott, Peter McKinnon, Jared Polin, and Matti Haapoja. My creative process, however, is mainly inspired from being outside. I love exploring and hiking, which gives me the chance to encounter wildlife. By walking outside and being aware of my surroundings, I can create images that reflect those moments accurately.
What I love the most about creating art is that I get to show people where I live and what I get to see. My pictures really represent my passion for wildlife and the outdoors. I love being out on the land and soaking up all that nature has to offer. I want to share my experiences with other people who love nature and animals as much as I do. Making art makes me feel blessed that I get to share my experiences with the world.
My mixed heritages influence and dictate my art in some interesting ways. I am a mix of Indigenous (NunatuKavut), English, Irish, French, German, and Scandinavian, with traces of other roots in Southern Europe. I feel that this gives me the need and curiosity to explore along with the passion for land, water, and wildlife, which my Indigenous Ancestors relied on daily throughout their lives in Labrador.
Jonathan Gillingham is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador. He now creates and resides in Norman Wells, as the owner of Jonathan Gillingham Photography. Through his love for finding new scenery to enjoy, Jonathan takes photos that reflect what he observes during drives or walks out in nature. His most favourite place to display his photography is in people's homes, to share with their families and friends. Jonathan's pictures can be purchased online through his website, in person at his house, at farmer's markets, during art exhibits, or at the Norman Wells museum.