Though he had toyed with other media, such as painting and sculpture, and even identified himself as a poet for a while, there was another form of creative expression out there for Jake Rajs. "I saw a book of poems and photographs, and thought 'what a great idea.' So I got myself a camera. The poetry wasn't as good as the photography. I found I could say it better without words. Artists use a different vehicle to express themselves. For me, it's the camera."
Once he found his tool, he then worked on building his experience. After graduating from Rutgers with a B.A. in Studio Art, Jake began by assisting other photographers in New York City and also by pounding on pavement and doors. " I got my first assignment, and then another, then people just started buying my work."
Since those humble beginnings, Jake has published fourteen books, from one focusing on New York City that came out in 1985 to These United States, an enormous limited edition coffee table book with an introduction by Walter Cronkite. In fact, it was in part because of that collection, published by Rizzoli in 2003, that Jake was selected as "Best Observer" in Reader's Digest special issue featuring America's 100 Best.
Rajs was born in Poland and moved to Israel before coming to Brooklyn at age eight. "My father came first, while we were in Israel, maybe it's my childhood memory talking, but we came on a ship. It took two weeks, and then we arrived in New York harbor. We were all on deck, it was nighttime, and we see the Statue of Liberty and everyone's crying, I'm crying. Then, early in the morning, we were watching the sun hit the skyline, and everything turns golden. People came for their dreams."
Over the years, Jake has focused on New York City and the United States, clocking by his own estimation a million miles criss-crossing the nation. "You should focus on something you know and you care about. It is my sincerest hope that my images go beyond mere representation to communicate emotionally and spiritually."
For his part, Rajs feels his work serves a greater purpose. My motivation is to help humanity, by showing beauty or giving another perspective on whatever subject I've chosen. I get to express myself and have fun along the way.
Books by Jake Rajs:
2008, BEYOND THE DUNES, A PORTRAIT OF THE HAMPTONS, Published by Monacelli press. Acclaimed photographer Jake Rajs has created a compelling portrait of the Hamptons, juxtaposing privet hedges and pumpkin fields, crashing surf and serene coves, fishermen and polo players, contemporary houses and modest shingled cottages, Most important, he has captured the light throughout the day, from misty dawn to the vivid colors of sunset. The South Fork of Long Island extends only forty miles, stretching east into the Atlantic Ocean from the Shinnecock Canal to the majestic bluffs at Montauk Point. Dotting the coastline are the stylish Hamptons - Southampton, East Hampton, Westhampton Beach, and Bridgehampton - and villages of Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Watermill, and Sagaponack. The landscape in which these towns sit is unique in the United States. It is not one landscape but a collection of them - dune, farmland, woods, bays, swamps, ponds, marshes, pine barrens, and a high ridge, the moraine left by the glacier that long ago swept across the continent. All is bathed in an extraordinary silvery light that, at once warm and crisp, washes over both land and sea.
2008, CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS, published by Rizzoli. "Cape Cod and the Islands presents a collection of stunning photographs of this popular destination. Acclaimed photographer Jake Rajs' singular vision combines the natural beauty of the area with an informed historical perspective, resulting in uniquely lovely imagery. Locations in the Cape and on the islands include the picturesque towns of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket Island; the iconic Cape Cod Canal; and the countless towns on both the Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound coasts: Falmouth, Hyannis, Osterville, Chatham, Sandwich, Harwich, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, to name only a few. Cape Cod and the Islands is the perfect keepsake gift book for the Massachusetts local resident, longtime or new visitor to the area, and the armchair traveler."
2007, ATLANTIC, Published by Rizzoli, Introduction by Walter Cronkite. "From the rocky edges of Penobscot Bay, to the cottage charm of Nantucket Island, to the tropical grandeur of Palm Beach's majestic houses, award-winning photographer Jake Rajs captures the towns and fishing villages, the lighthouses and dunes, and the ocean in every season. Our Atlantic seaboard is home to some of the finest stretches of sand beaches and outer islands in the world. One of the most picturesque and varied parts of the continent, it is filled with natural diversity and includes a great range of historic towns and cities. Distant city views of the New York skyline and Miami's art deco beach hotels contrast vividly with such famed destinations as Beaufort and Newport, as well as such small towns as Mantoloking, Bar Harbor, Cape May and Vero Beach.
2007, NEW YORK CITY OF ISLANDS, Published by Monacelli Press, introduction by Pete Hamill. "Widely recognized as the preeminent landscape photographer in America today, Rajs has created a breathtaking collection of images that convey the energy and drama of this great city."
2006, BETWEEN SEA AND SKY, LANDSCAPES OF LONG ISLAND'S NORTH FORK, Published by Monacelli Press, introduction by Jesse Browner. "Jake Rajs captures both the inescapable beauty of this narrow peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean and the subtle forces of change that continue to mold its landscape." Barry Bergdoll
2006, THE HUDSON RIVER FROM TEAR IN THE CLOUDS TO MANHATTAN, Published by Monacelli Press. Reprint with additional photos.
2006, CHERRY BLOSSOMS, Published by Rizzoli. "Award winning photographer, Jake Rajs captures the flower in its natural environs"
2003, THESE UNITED STATES, Published by Rizzoli, Introduction by Walter Cronkite, A breathtaking panoramic tribute to America. "This is the panorama of America. None has so captured its magnificent totality as has Jake Rajs." Walter Cronkite. Limited edition, sold out.
2001, WORLD TRADE CENTER 2002 MEMORIAL CALENDER, published by Browntrout, over 350,000 copies sold, Contributed over $350,000 to UFA Widows' and Children'sFund
2001 SOMETIME LOFTY TOWERS: A Photographic Memorial of the World Trade Center, Published by Browntrout, Introduction by Robert Hutchinson, Contribution by Governor George E. Pataki, "A graceful, grateful work in an oversized format...visual splendor...you will not be able to put this book down." The Book Reader, over 80,000 books sold. Contibuted over $80,000 to UFA Widows and Children's Fund
1998 NEW YORK CITY OF ISLANDS published by Monacelli Press, introduction by Pete Hamill. Library Journal, review, "His city is rich in polychrome power. It is so lovingly composted that to a native New Yorker, it looks like somewhere else. The dazzle that Rajs captures is not in the daily routine but in the wonder of photography that builds glory through mastery of the medium by aiming at places, moments and urban majesty," by David Bryant, in 2nd reprint
1996 THE HUDSON RIVER FROM TEAR OF THE CLOUDS TO MANHATTAN published by Monacelli Press. New York Times Book Review, "Picture books about the Hudson River have been appearing since the publication of Wade and Croomes's Panorama of The Hudson River Valley In 1846. But the Hudson River -with 250 Color photographs By JAKE RAJS - is the most handsome of them all." by Robert H. BoyleIn 3rd reprint
1995 COLOR published by Photonica, IMA USA, a 300-picture portfolio of images from around the world. Over 100,000 printed
1992 DELAWARE published by Jared, with a forward by Russell W. Peterson, former governor of Delaware and President of the National Audubon Society.
1990 AMERICA published by Rizzoli, introduction by James Michener. It was chosen by Gene Shalit of NBC as one of the best picture books of
1990. Currently in its 4th printing with over 150,000 copies sold. It also has been published in German and French editions.
1985 MANHATTAN: AN ISLAND IN FOCUS, published by Rizzoli. Paul Gapp of the Chicago Tribune said,"This is absolutely the ultimate color photography book about New York." Had 4 reprints with over 50,000 copies sold. It has been published in French and German language editions. |
