Jason Slagh (Jay)
My photography roots may have started well before I even realized it. I’m told as a child that if I were handed a camera to document family events, that the photos I took were actually very good considering my age. Later on in High School when I would photograph church events, I noticed that a lot of the shots I took captured some beautiful moments at these events, moments that may have gone unnoticed or overlook later on. It was a few years later after that that I decided I wanted to dig into photography in more depth.
I started my journey as a photographer in the summer of 2011. I learned the art of image making at Grand Valley State University, where I developed a love for most areas of the craft, but especially landscapes. I graduated from Grand Valley in April of 2016.
As I go out and photograph landscapes, I am reminded of the glory and wonder of God's creation. The works of His hands are present everywhere I go, both in the grand vistas, all the way down to the minute details of the smallest creatures. I consider it a great joy to bring that beauty of His works to the printed page.
I am also skilled in portraiture photography, with experience in both studio and field photography, creating portraits ranging from infants to entire families and wedding celebrations. I may be the introverted type, but there is a unique high that is experienced when providing a service to others, a service that creates memories that are cherished for years to come.
From early Spring thru late Fall, you can find me at Art & Crafts shows throughout the West Michigan area, especially in Holland and Allegan. Most of the work on display at these shows feature my photography from the West Michigan area, with a few select photographs from other areas of Michigan and out of state as well. Between shows I either spend my weekends out in the field creating more photos or working in my home studio printing and making a variety of photographic decor and gifts.
My work is on display at Grand Valley State University and various establishments throughout West Michigan. Every year I also go on extended trips lasting a couple days to a week or two to photograph locations further away from my cozy home in West Michigan.
Exhibitions, shows, fairs, and Awards
- Tulip Time Art Fair, Holland, MI 2023 
- Saugatuck Art in the Park, Saugatuck, MI 2022 - 2023 
- E & I Markets, Holland, MI 2019-2022 
- Allendale Fall Festival: Allendale, MI 2019 
- Holland Art in the Park: Holland, MI 2017-2023 
- The Promise of the Coming Spring: Part of Grand Valley State University's permanent art collection, Allendale, MI 2016 
- Holland Friends of Art Spring & Fall Shows 2016 - 2019 
- Allegan Art in the Garden, Allegan, MI 2019-2023 
- Allegan Art in the Park Allegan, MI 2016 -2019 
- SPECTRA: Allendale, MI 2016 
- New Beginnings Art Show: Holland, MI 2014 
- Group Exhibit WOSP Gallery: Allendale, MI 2013 
- Kindness of Strangers Art Show: Muskegon, MI 2013 
- Beauty of Holland Photography Contest: 1st Prize Award, Holland, MI 2011 
