The sun rises over a remote playa in Death Valley National Park, California. This is about a friend who left us way too early...

For Jeff

Death Valley National Park, California

The sun rises over a remote playa in Death Valley National Park, California.

This is about a friend who left us way too early. This is for Jeff Swanson.

I am often surprised by how quickly I have formed deep friendships with some people in the landscape photography community. I have met numerous people in the past three years that have had a profound impact on not only my photography, but my life and the way that I think about the world. I am invigorated by the generosity and support that has come my way, and the memories and experiences that have been forged because of it. My friends have truly been a beacon of hope in some pretty trying times. They tighten my grip. They boost me up so that I can continue to keep my eye on the shore while I tread the waves of life and try to make it to dry land.

Jeff was one of those people. While I had only known Jeff for a short time, I felt a deep connection to him. Our friendship formed online over photography. Our shared passion for both photography and cheesy humor resulted in some pretty long threads where we traded bad puns and had a blast doing it. Jeff's positivity and outlook were contagious and he pulled many people into that circle. I know I'm not the only one who had been impacted in a positive way by this dude over words on a screen.

I had the luxury of meeting Jeff in the Bay Area when he and another friend came to support me for my first gallery show. I battle myself a lot on my creativity and my art and to have two people I only knew online get in their car and drive somewhere to show their support for me really hit me. I'm sure they were enticed by the free wine and cookies at the opening reception, but I try to ignore that part.

The thing is... it never felt weird or awkward. I'm good at faking it but most times I don't feel comfortable in social settings with a bunch of people I don't know, and one of those settings where I am at the center of focus is even worse. I can't explain the excitement I felt when I saw my two friends standing there. In that moment our friendship had grown immensely. I felt more comfortable in that big white room. I laughed genuinely instead of nervously. It felt like I had known them for years instead of months. The next day the three of us shared a photographic memory on Hawk Hill shooting the Golden Gate Bridge. While that kind of photography isn't necessarily my jam, standing on the side of a hill with two people I enjoy, watching the weather move around us, experiencing that moment, laughing, talking, and using our cameras while the sun dipped below the horizon totally is.

That's the kind of person Jeff was to me and I find it weird that I was affected by his death in the way that I was. But it made sense. He was a good person and he exuded that energy. I know everyone says good things about someone when they pass.. but from my experience.. it's all true about Jeff.

I'm glad that I got to spend several more days creating memories and photographing nature with Jeff when he came to visit Oregon in the spring of 2014. I knew he was sick.. but I didn't know that would be the last time I saw him.

I hope that he knew what kind of impact he had on people. I never got a chance to tell him.

To all of my friends reading this.. I love you.


Jeff passed at the young age of 30 due to complications from Melanoma. I encourage you to visit and donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation. (http://www.melanoma.org/get-involved/support-the-mrf) You can also view some of his photography at http://jeffreyswansonphotography.com/.
Photo © copyright by TJ Thorne.


Artist Studio Print • Ready to Frame

For Jeff print

As an independent artist, I take immense pride in personally overseeing my entire creative process, from capturing the images to meticulously crafting the final prints. This hands-on approach enables me to present my work in the most authentic and exceptional manner possible, ensuring that each print meets the standards of my artistic vision. By choosing an Artist Studio Print, you not only acquire a piece of art but also invest in the dedication and passion that goes into every photograph that I create.

  • Hand-printed in my studio for utmost attention to detail.
  • Printed on heavy-weight, cotton-based, archival Canson Infinity paper using pigment-based inks.
  • Quickest turn-around time.

Please note that these prints require framing before display. I am happy to work with you on your framing needs. Please contact me to do so. For ready-to-hang options, please consider my Lumachrome Acrylic Face Mounted or Chromaluxe Metal Prints.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 1-3 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are the epitome of elegance and quality. By face mounting the print to 1/8" thick scratch-resistant, non-reflective crystal clear acrylic and backing it with a protective surface and a 1.3" rear mounted frame, the print seemingly floats from the wall.

The proprietary Lumachrome process in combination with the acrylic facing gives a depth, dimensionality, and glow to the image which is unmatched and needs to be seen to believed. These pieces are museum quality, absolutely stunning, and truly a collectors piece.

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are ideal for galleries or private homes and with the proper lighting will take on a luminance that brings the photo to life. While these ready-to-hang pieces offer a modern, sleek, and clean appearance, traditional framing is also available and can be discussed one-on-one to pick the most appropriate frame for your piece.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

If you are looking for a piece that combines durability with a modern and elegant look, I offer Premium Fine Art Metal Prints. Using a state-of-the-art process, the image is infused directly into the surface of specially coated aluminum which creates a scratch and fade resistant piece that is ready to hang without a frame.

Metal prints contain a tremendous amount of depth, detail, and sharpness that will be sure to draw the viewer in. Since the image is fused directly into the aluminum, the resulting piece is scratch and water resistant and will resist fading or yellowing over time while at the same time being easy to clean. These are the ideal for offices and public spaces due to their durability.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Limited Edition Artist Studio Prints • Ready to Frame

As an independent artist, I take immense pride in personally overseeing my entire creative process, from capturing the images to meticulously crafting the final prints. This hands-on approach enables me to present my work in the most authentic and exceptional manner possible, ensuring that each print meets the standards of my artistic vision. By choosing an Artist Studio Print, you not only acquire a piece of art but also invest in the dedication and passion that goes into every photograph that I create.

  • Hand-printed in my studio for utmost attention to detail.
  • Printed on heavy-weight, cotton-based, archival Canson Infinity paper using pigment-based inks.
  • Quickest turn-around time.

Please note that these prints require framing before display. I am happy to work with you on your framing needs. Please contact me to do so. For ready-to-hang options, please consider my Lumachrome Acrylic Face Mounted or Chromaluxe Metal Prints.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 1-3 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Limited Edition Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Limited Edition Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Premium Limited Edition Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are the epitome of elegance and quality. By face mounting the print to 1/8" thick scratch-resistant, non-reflective crystal clear acrylic and backing it with a protective surface and a 1.3" rear mounted frame, the print seemingly floats from the wall.

The proprietary Lumachrome process in combination with the acrylic facing gives a depth, dimensionality, and glow to the image which is unmatched and needs to be seen to believed. These pieces are museum quality, absolutely stunning, and truly a collectors piece.

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are ideal for galleries or private homes and with the proper lighting will take on a luminance that brings the photo to life. While these ready-to-hang pieces offer a modern, sleek, and clean appearance, traditional framing is also available and can be discussed one-on-one to pick the most appropriate frame for your piece.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 3-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Limited Edition Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

Limited Edition Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

If you are looking for a piece that combines durability with a modern and elegant look, I offer Premium Limited Edition Fine Art Metal Prints. Using a state-of-the-art process, the image is infused directly into the surface of specially coated aluminum which creates a scratch and fade resistant piece that is ready to hang without a frame.

Metal prints contain a tremendous amount of depth, detail, and sharpness that will be sure to draw the viewer in. Since the image is fused directly into the aluminum, the resulting piece is scratch and water resistant and will resist fading or yellowing over time while at the same time being easy to clean. These are the ideal for offices and public spaces due to their durability.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-3 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my Limited Edition Fine Art Prints, please visit my Prints Page

Related Galleries: Grand Landscapes, 2015