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Jordan Lefler
@jordanlefler
Landscape photographer based in the US
Growing up on an Indian reservation in Montana, immersed in the Native American culture, gives one an interesting perspective on life. It’s a culture rich in heritage; a culture of “take only what you need”, “waste not” and “respect the land and animals that have been provided.” It’s a place that honors tradition and culture but also fights to make sure that those same things aren’t stripped away from the people here.
In the late 1800’s Native American people in Montana were forcibly moved from their homelands by the US government, to designated areas called “Indian reservations”, and have since fought to keep their identity and culture from fading. Being immersed in this culture I formed a connection with nature, wildlife, conservation and preservation. That, coupled with the access to the beautiful lands in my area, have fueled my passion for landscape and wildlife photography.
Montana is the 4th largest state in the United States but only ranks 44th in population size. We have 1 million people in the state and cows outnumber us 4 to 1. So, saying that Montana has a ton of areas to explore would be an understatement. Living in such a rural area has hugely shaped what kind of photographer I am. I am blessed to live midway between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, both with access to incredible views and wildlife. One of my most surprising moments in the parks this summer was hiking in Glacier National Park with a friend; it was the first time that I’d had a semi-close encounter with a grizzly bear.
"It was a terrifying experience but also really amazing to witness."
We had hiked into a popular spot for photos with a beautiful lake and backdrop that almost seemed unreal. We were marveling at the beauty of our surroundings before our euphoria was greeted with screams from the trail above us. There was a large grizzly bear coming down the trail towards the lake. I was able to snap a few photos before stowing my camera in exchange for my bear spray and making as much noise as I could as we hiked our way out, going around the last seen location of the bear. It was definitely a humbling experience and one that I won’t soon forget!
Despite these gorgeous national parks, each with their own special features, my absolute favorite spots are the ones that I grew up exploring in my backyard. The spots without the tourists and cars. The spots that you can only reach on foot or horseback, where the views are so breathtaking that you wonder why it hasn’t been made into a national park, but then again you are thankful that it hasn’t. The hikes can be long and strenuous but the end reward is always worth it; pristine lakes that hold hungry trout, glaciers untouched by man and mountain peaks that rival any others in the state.
Photography is my escape from the fast paced rat-race of society. I go from having a macro view of the world to a very micro view. I think about only what’s in front of me at that very moment and trying to capture it the best way that I can to preserve it. It really helps me live in the moment and appreciate the simple beauty of a sunset or an animal in its habitat. Through my photos I am able to relive that passing moment over again.
That feeling of reliving memories is how my interest in photography began: I loved staring at family photos and hearing stories about relatives that were long gone, remembering events in my life that had all but faded in my mind only to be sparked by an old photo. The details of that memory growing like a fire the longer I stared at the photo. I always remembered the nostalgia that old photos and videos made me feel. The fascination for photography transformed into a passion when I was 10 years old. I got a skateboard for my birthday and not long after that, every one of my friends had one. We wanted to imitate the skate videos we saw on television and capture the fun we had together, and so I got my first taste of being behind the lens.
"I fell in love with capturing memories creatively and my passion has only grown since!"
My younger brother, Logan, also shares a passion for photography and the outdoors. It helps to have someone that you are close to and trust that shares the same passion that you do. We push each other to explore new places and feed off one another’s creativity. Long drives to our destinations usually consist of life talks and advice, but not without some laughter. One of my favorite photos is one that my brother took of a brook trout that we caught on a fishing trip. It’s special to me for a number of reasons and the first would be the memories associated with it.
"Fishing has always been a big part of my family’s culture and some of my best memories are those fishing with my dad and my two brothers."
The second reason is because brook trout are my favorite fish to catch. They are stunningly beautiful and I never cease to marvel at the colors and markings on them whenever I catch them; green backs with a light, wormlike pattern that runs the length of their bodies, bright orange fins that are tipped with white accents and red spots that line their sides with blue halos circling them. The way that my brother captured the beauty of the fish makes it one of my all-time favorite photos and I plan to have it hanging on my wall soon.
I have spent most of my career photographing wildlife and nature as the subjects of my photos. However, I am constantly striving to improve my skills and push my creative boundaries. I wanted to learn to photograph people, abstract things and really push my creative side rather than being stuck in one creative silo. I have been toying with ideas that use a projector to project images onto a subject and really trying other creative things that I’ve never thought of before.
"I have learned so much about myself through capturing nature that I am excited to see what I learn though this new form of thinking."
"What I’ve learned most from my travels is not be afraid to go to new places and try new things."
Often the image you’ve created in your mind is not the same that you will find when you get somewhere. Also, don’t let mental hurdles keep you from exploring the world and finding yourself. I started my photography journey years ago as more of an anxious and introverted person, but as I travel more and experience different things, I continue to see myself break out of my shell time and time again all the while reciting the mantra “The only time you are actually growing is when you are out of your comfort zone”.
"Learn to be comfortable with discomfort as it is a catalyst to living a truly fulfilling life."
Similar to that, “Live by your compass, not your clock” is a quote that I always remind myself of and love to share with others. It’s how I feel we should always try to live our lives; living in the moment and appreciating what’s in front of you rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about what’s to come. If you are anxious, you are living in the future but if you are at peace, you are living in the present. That’s what photography does for me. It helps keep me grounded to what’s in front of me in that present moment. I’m not thinking of what’s coming tomorrow, I’m only thinking of what’s happening around me.
"Like the invisible force that guides a compass needle, photography is that force that pulls me in the direction that I need to go to grow, to learn, and to find peace."
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