RAF FEATURED SUPPORTER: JAKE PETERSON

When the RAF Outfitter developed its expanded online store, RAF HQ called upon aviation photographer Jake Peterson to provide professional imagery of each product to help shoppers make easy and accurate selections. Jake happily volunteers his time providing all this work for the RAF, and it is greatly appreciated.

Jake has always loved the outdoors, having grown up in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. His entire life has included the world of photography, as well. His father, B Moose Peterson has been a professional wildlife photographer for 40 years and his mother, Sharon manages the business. Much of Moose and Sharon’s career, before moving to Montana in 2020, has been working with California’s threatened and endangered species including several that are now extinct. Moose’s work with Nikon placed him at the Reno Air Races to help educate other photographers. The whole family eventually became part of the Reno Air Race Association media team. In 2009 at the Pylon Race Seminar Jake says he found his love for aviation, then got involved photographing other classes of general aviation. His family worked together when they were hired for a three year documentary project for the Texas Flying Legends Museum. “The War Birds intrigue us most. We hear great stories, and meet great people,” Jake says.

After attending Montana State University in Bozeman, “Like so many other people, after four years I decided to stay in Bozeman,” Jake said. Currently, he is the production manager for the Wrap Agency, a nationwide graphics producer specializing in vehicle wraps, wall wraps, civic beautification, decals, banners, and more. His off-time is devoted to his photography business, including much work for nonprofits, like the RAF, the Commemorative Air Force Big Sky wing in Bozeman, and the Montana Antique Aircraft Association. “There’s always something going on there, and good energy,” he says. “I like that it enables me to make new friends, and go to new places. Everyone in aviation has been wonderful,” he adds.

His love of the outdoors and pursuing his art of photography is a great blend resulting in wildlife and aviation photography that has earned him recognition in the professional realm, having published numerous articles and photographs in a variety of publications.

Jake approaches his art as a skilled pilot approaches aviation – always learning, respectfully open to new technology and skills. Regarding the emergence of digital photo manipulation, he says, “For me there’s a distinction between a photograph and digital ‘art’. There’s a place for technology in photography. Even Ansel Adams modified his originals in his darkroom.” He points out the difference between authentic imagery for scientific purposes for example; and the artistic direction a photographer can take. “Galleries display beautiful wildlife photos that are pleasing to the eye — perfect, unlike reality. But that’s art,” he says. “Each is valid. It’s up to the individual to decide.”

The RAF values Jake’s volunteer work. It’s obvious that after working many airshows and fly-ins, his love for aviation has remained, as has his passion to continue capturing romantic and interesting photographs, and like a pilot seeking new challenges, further advance his own knowledge.

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