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I'm Jen Waicukauski

creative explorer specializing in the camera arts

Moving portrait by: Kristi Odom

So how do you say that last name!?

watch•a•cow•ski

yep -  my last name is a sentence. Waicukauski = Watch•a•cow•ski

Some Random Facts

 I was Assistant to photographer Rondal Partridge

 

Northern California has a rich history embedded in the beginnings of the photographic arts and the building of a community of photographers. I am proud to have been part of it's storied legacy as an assistant to Ron Partridge (Ron was assistant to Ansel Adams, assistant to Dorothea Lange, and the son of Imogen Cunningham)

 

√  I studied with Maggie Taylor

 

Maggie is a Photoshop compositing superstar, and an original user of the Adobe program from the start. She has a magic mind and unbridled creativity. It has been a highlight of my continued education to have the opportunity to learn with and from her. See Maggie's brilliant work on her website here.

 

 I built my first camera when I was eight

 

My very first camera was one that I made myself: a pinhole camera for darkroom work during summer art camp at Indiana University - a very proud moment at the age of eight. Curiously, it was with a pinhole camera that I completed my degree in fine art photography. I love that as much as things change, there are some things that remain the same.

 

√  I'm wilderness first aid certified

 

It's always good to be prepared, especially when visiting remote areas around the world. Hopefully I never have to use these skills, but I'm so glad I have them. Just in case.

√  I've used Photoshop for over 30 years

 

I guess you could say that I know a thing or two about post-processing and using Photoshop to do it.

√  I really like camera gear and tools for photography

 

I know gear can be intimidating for a lot of people, and I believe that having help finding the right gear for you is important for each individual creative experience. I love gear. I've used and had unusual access to A LOT of gear. I love helping people make informed choices about gear so they aren't wasting time, money and resources on crap that doesn't actually make their lives and creative pursuits better.

√  I am a certified California Naturalist!

 

I am so proud to have completed my certification as a California Naturalist through UCANR in Point Reyes!

I love using the tools and techniques of photography to enhance my understanding of the natural world and connect more people to it. Every time I pick up my camera, I learn something new about the world around me. I can't wait to share that exploration with you!

Professional Pursuits

OWNER

LOOKING GLASS PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS

Located in the heart of Berkeley, our photo center spans an impressive 8,000 square feet of immersive space. Step inside and discover a full retail showroom, an art gallery, a darkroom facility for traditional photography enthusiasts, and an educational classroom where you can sharpen your photography skills. Visit Looking Glass!

CO-FOUNDER

EPIC PHOTO ESCAPES

Produces & curates ethical wildlife experiences for photography enthusiasts that desire sublime moments in nature, and to learn how to create stunning photos and videos of those moments that take your breath away. Visit Epic Photo Escapes!

EDUCATION

ACADEMY OF ART

Jen is a trained fine art photographer, completing her studies at the world-renowned Academy of Art, where she has also served as an instructor & speaker.

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