Thank you for visiting Jake McDonald Photography Studios where your images are my number one priority. Over twenty years ago, while completing my graduate studies, I purchased my first SLR film camera to combat writer’s block. I initially used the camera to capture elements of still life and architecture to use in sketches. The more photos I took, the less I sketched. One day a church member asked if I would be his wedding photographer. Talk about having reservations. He had more confidence in me than I did at the time. I read everything about wedding photography and practiced it often, but it didn’t matter. There were some good pictures (emphasis on some) but most were either underexposed or the flash was out of sync. A few hundred rolls of practice later, I was ready for the next wedding opportunity and it showed in the prints.

From film to digital.

Months of practice shooting every manner of film from slides to black and white to traditional color helped make me a better photographer -technically and artistically. There was nothing like spending $80-$100 for a bunch of unusable negatives. Starting with film forced me to get the image right the first time. Getting it right on film made transitioning to the digital platform easier. Even then, it was apparent that knowing the limitations of your equipment was important. Photographers should never have to rely on their computers to make or fix the image. Digital means the image is available soon after editing (cropping, dodging, burning, dust/stray hair removal). It cannot fix a poorly composed image or replace what was omitted from the photo.


Creating powerful imagery

I have captured high quality images at weddings, class portraits, headshots, corporate parties, golf events, concerts, the U.S Track and Field Olympic Trials, a couple of Super Bowls, and more. PhotoShelter named me one of 40+ Black Pro Sports Photographers You Need to Hire Before The Price Goes Up.



Why JM Photography Studios

Simply put, I value your business. When you choose JM Photography you get top-notch professional service, over 20 years of experience and the equipment to match.

.

Equipment

I primarily use Nikon 35 mm and Fuji medium format camera systems with a full array of lenses from ultra-wide to telephoto.

.

Products

I offer a wide variety of products from the familiar print enlargements to custom albums, lay-flat picture books, giant wall stickers, magazines, vinyl banners and more. You can make selections of products from the store linked in your private gallery.

- End -

Clients


  • Showtime/HBO
  • Chris Tucker (Actor/Comedian)
  • EBONY Magazine
  • National Book Club Conference
  • INTENNSE
  • US Tennis Association (USTA)
  • Florida Citrus Sports
  • Downtown Locker Room
  • PGD Global
  • Deuce Premium
  • Clemson University
  • Binghamton University
  • Bucknell
  • Georgia Tech
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Saint Francis College
  • Duquesne 
  • Life University
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Florida
  • Dartmouth College
  • University of Memphis
  • The University of Virginia
  • Wake Forest University



  • Delta Airlines
  • Hackerish Golf
  • American Heart Association
  • Reach Media
  • HYDROUS
  • Herndon Home
  • New York Life
  • Hammerman & Gaines
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
  • Edward Waters University
  • Center for Civic Innovation
  • Langston Hughes High School
  • University of Albany
  • Florida International University
  • Georgia State University
  • Wagner University
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • University of Buffalo
  • University of South Carolina
  • Georgetown University
  • University of Mississippi
  • University of Kentucky
  • Michigan State
  • Mississippi State
  • Virginia Commonwealth University

Contact me