Featured Artist Interview

Do you often plan days in which you know you'll take photographs or is it far more that inspiration hits while out and about for different reasons?

A little of both. There are days I plan for, and I try to pre-plan as much as possible beforehand. This includes researching the area, determining the best time of day for sun angles, considering weather conditions, and identifying photography techniques I want to apply. Then, there are the unplanned times when I just load up my camera bag and tripod and head out. I drive around looking for interesting elements and try to incorporate them into a photograph.

Even on planned days that don't go as expected, I still try to salvage a win. What I mean is that even if my intended shot doesn’t work out, I still enjoy exploring the area with my camera. More often than not, I discover unexpected gems along the way.

What drew you to photography, specifically rural and nature photography?

Photography started as a tool to help me preserve memories of the people and places I experienced while growing up. Over time, I realized my camera was an instigator for traveling to and experiencing areas I might not have otherwise visited. It has also helped me see from a different perspective, as I now look for unique details that can help tell a story in a photograph.

How many shots would you say it takes to get the one photograph you’ll be satisfied with?

That’s not an easy question for me to answer. It might seem easy to arrive at a location, set up the shot, get the exposure and focus right, press the shutter, and have the picture done. But that’s not how I work. I usually have a clear idea of what I want, but I love experimenting. I’ll try different perspectives, angles, settings, filters, lenses, and sometimes even wait for the light to change and try again. If I had to give a number, it would be rare for me to take fewer than a ridiculous number of images during a photo adventure.

Are your photographs something you imagine paired with other things, such as within this journal, or simply standalone pieces?

I enjoy photography so much that I don’t often think of pairing my work with other things in particular—I just love taking pictures. When it comes to my landscapes and rural photography, it’s more about the experience of capturing the photo than pairing it with anything specific. That said, I have thousands of pictures, and I imagine many of them would pair nicely with something, including the amazing work in the Bear Paw Journal.

Jason Geer is a lifelong Montanan. His photography comes from a deep connection with the land and the people here. Growing up surrounded by the wide-open plains, rugged mountains, and close-knit communities of Montana has shaped how he approaches photography. He aims to capture not only the beauty of the landscapes and wildlife but also the spirit and resilience of the people who call this place home.

He's been interested in photography from a young age, but it was during his time in the Navy that his passion really took off. A fellow shipmate, who was an experienced photographer, shared their love for the craft with Jason. They spent a lot of time talking about different techniques and how a photograph can tell a story. Those conversations inspired Jason to push beyond simple snapshots and take his photography more seriously.

After completing his enlistment in the Navy, he returned to Montana with a renewed passion for photography and a desire to keep learning. He dove into photography magazines, books, and attended conferences and seminars, connecting with other photographers to sharpen his skills. As the internet became more accessible, he took advantage of it to explore new techniques and ideas. With each upgrade to his equipment, he found creative ways to push the limits of what he had, always striving to improve and grow as a photographer.

Since 2004, Jason has lived in Havre, but he travels all across Montana for his photography work. Recently, he's had the honor of contributing my landscape, abstract, and wildlife photography to the Bear Paw Arts Journal. His images reflect his deep connection to Montana's natural beauty and the people who live here, capturing the essence of this incredible place.

In addition to his photography work, Jason also teaches a photography class through our local community education program. It has been an incredible opportunity to share his passion for photography and help others develop their skills, inspiring the next generation of photographers in our community.