It's time to sneak behind the lense again, and pick the brain of emerging photographer Jonathan Cracroft straight outta the SLC. Plus of course a sampling of his photos...
Interview by Jamie Bond

Name: Jonathan Cracroft

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT - USA

Camera: Nikon - D200 & D2X

Favourite Icecream flavour: Vanilla Bean

Digital or oldskool: Digi - but still love film.

Website: www.jonathancracroft.com

So Jon, how'd you get into photography? Since I can remember I was always fascinated by camera and technology in photography. I borrowed my grandfathers old Mamiya film camera and started playing around with light, contrast, color, B&W, speed, and all the fun experimental aspects of photography. I loved the freedom and creativity that photography allowed. After playing around with the camera a little I jumped on the opportunity of a photo class offered in high school and began my official education in photography. I continued taking classes in advanced photography, experimental photography, color, black and white, digital, and media application. I continue to learn more about the dynamics of the technology and art each time I go out for a shoot.

You seem to travel alot. A medium for photography or is photography a bi-product? It's always been a good excuse to begin a new adventure, whether near or far, I enjoy photography and traveling. The two activities compliment each other well. Shooting in new places is always exciting for me, it sparks a sense of adventure and discovery. I've been very fortunate to join with various groups for service projects, family vacations, and work and have traveled to some very beautiful places. Among some of my most memorable are Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belize, Mexico, and Hawaii. I hope to travel to all 7 continents and as many countries as possible.

I spotted Argentina was missing from the list of places you've been. Have you been living in a cave or just not had the chance to head down? It's sooooooooo rad. Funny you should mention. Argentina has been on my list for a long time. I have two close friends that live in the country and love to talk about their adventures. I've read how amazing the terrain, culture and experiences are there. Argentina and Peru are next on my destination list and I hope to get there in the next year or two. Hopefully I can get down while the skiing in good!

With all your sports photography you obviously hit some sports yourself. What sports floats your boat? I really enjoy individual extreme sports, even though I grew up playing team sports. I played soccer for a couple years when I was like 5 and 6. I loved baseball the most and played up until high school. I played a year of water polo, a year of high-school basketball, three years of high-school football (including a state championship) and my senior year I played lacrosse. Team sports taught me a lot about my self and how to work together to accomplish a common goal.

Growing up I always loved riding my bike. I had a bmx when I was 5, and I loved to race that through the neighbor hood. For my tenth birthday I got my first mountain bike. In college I began racing and in my third year I started to see some potential future in professional racing. I was climbing the ranks and finishing higher that I ever had before. I got a little too confident and ended up in the hospital with a fractured cervical vertebrae. After surgery (a titanium plate and 4 screws) I began training again, determined not to let the accident get me down. I sold the mountain bike and traded it in for my first road bike, a black Cervelo Soloist ( I love it). I started swimming and running and have completed nearly a dozen triathlons now. I feel nearly 100% with the exception of an occasional reminder when I'm pushing it hard while climbing or skiing.

You based in SLC again this winter? How's it been going? Getting the goods? Photos? I'm back in SLC this year. I love the terrain here and it a nice place to travel out off with Colorado next door and Jackson Hole and Targee not too far to the North. I'm planning on traveling these places and hopefully Tahoe, Taos, Whistler and a very slim chance, but I'll mention it...Alaska.

My token question, if you could gain secret access with a camera to any event, phenomenon or situation, real or mythical, what would it be? I would have loved to witness the creation of the earth. Every time I camp out under a dark sky, when you can see all the starts, I can't help but ponder what I would have been like to have witnessed the creation of earth. This is a fascinating place, intricate, dynamic and full of life and beauty. I believe that all that is good existed during the creation of the earth, what we have now is what man managed not to destroy.

Any advice on budding young photgraphers, or do you still consider yourself just such a newbie in need of wisdom and advice? I still see myself as a young photographer. I still have a lot to learn. If there is any advice I could give based on what I know now, it would be find a mentor, get out and shoot every extra minute you can and don't be afraid to take chances.

Any thanks? I have a lot to be thankful for. My photo teachers, Miss Frascotti, Mr. Badley, and Mr. Siciliano. My parents who have always supported my photography. My grandfather, for his willingness to loan me his cameras. My close friend Nick Gilson, for teaching me so much about photography, his ability to inspire and the vast amount of knowledge he's shared with me. Pictureline photography in Salt Lake City for their support and great service. Replicolor

More of Jon's work at www.jonathancracroft.com