Self-Portrait.jpg

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