So this is the page where I’m suppose to tell readers about myself?

Yes.

Why? I just want people to come here and enjoy looking at my photographs.

So maybe tell them why they should look at your photos. A little bit about your background and interest in photography.

My interest in photography started young. It was when I felt the impact of the moment that photos created. Long before I ever picked up an Instamatic camera, I studied photos, trying to figure out how they were created, lit, posed, captured, presented…

When I was in college I took a couple of fine art photography classes. In class I learned to develop film and make black and white prints. The magic happened the first time I saw a latent image reveal itself on a print in a developer bath. I was hooked. I put myself through college working for several different newspapers. Not in the photography department, but in circulation. So my first professional interest was journalistic photography.

After graduating from LSU, a newspaper job brought me to Dallas. I found out why Dallas in the Eighties was know as the Third Coast. Advertising, marketing, fashion, movies, videos, photography, creative work was calling, and I had to be a part of it. First, I spent a couple of years as a freelance assistant working for various advertising, editorial, and commercial photographers. During that time I developed my skills as a photographer and set designer/builder. Ok is that enough?

No. Then what? Did you ever go pro? Open up your own studio?

Yes and yes. I then spent the next ten years shooting executives, fashion, products, advertising, editorial, etc. My specialty became photo illustration or single-frame storytelling. I was known as the guy who could design and build the set in the studio, dress it, style it, light it, bring in the models, and shoot it. Sounds simple. It wasn’t. I learned a lot.

Sounds like a great career. What happened?

Burnout!! Being a professional photographer is a lot like trying to make a living as a professional musician. This year you may be playing the finest of venues to sold-out crowds. Next year you may be struggling to get a gig playing for tips. I had a bad habit. I liked to eat.

Ok so this brings us up to the early Ninety’s. Then what?

So that I won’t bore you with the next 35-40 years, let’s just jump ahead a bit. During that time I took my experience in set design and building and turned it into a sustainable home building company. My wife and business partner, Mary Simon, and I operated Solluna Builders in the Austin area for over 20 years. We retired at the end of 2024 and became full-time RV’ers.

Ok, so now what? You’re not trying to open up Jeansonne Photography again?

NO!!

Website? Facebook? Instagram? Looks like it?

No, here’s the thing. I’m really enjoying being able to travel and shoot. I’m seeing and photographing places for the first time. I’m experimenting with new techniques, new gear, and different ways of seeing the world. I’m loving connecting with people through photography. I have no pressure to sell anything. I don’t have to do what someone else wants. I get to share what I see and make you feel like you are standing there with me.

Alright, I get that. So let’s talk about what you’re showing.

Having learned and practiced the great art of Texas Bar B Q, Cajun style, I’d liked to share my presentation format style. Let’s compare the fullness of my portfolio to the three meat special at your favorite Lockhart joint, loaded sides of baked beans, potato salad, slaw, pickles, and onions. It may look like it’s more than you can take in, but don’t forget to leave room for banana pudding.

Or, if you prefer a more refined pallet of fewer photos, just look at fewer and move on.

This website is as much a travel log as it is about photography.

Enjoy.

I think I will, but tell me more about this Cajun Cowboy Bar B Q.