JERRY SWANSON
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For as long as he can remember, Jerry Swanson has always had a passion for photography. It started in his youth when he first found a passion for nature photography. This passion grew into a drive to learn as much as possible about all things having to do with photography.
He enrolled in classes at the University of Minnesota, but quickly realized that to achieve his dreams of being the best photographer possible, he would have to seek out new horizons. This led him west, to the Art Center College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California.
After graduating from Art Center, Jerry returned to Minnesota and opened his own photography business and began building up an extensive list of loyal customers. While college taught him the art and science of the camera, it wasn't until he dove into his business that he learned the most important lessons, which still guide him in his pursuits. Among those lessons are that quality matters, good people make all the difference and clients may not be professional photographers, but they certainly know what they want and need, The last observation led to the formation of his primary motto, "You have to listen to clients."
It's said that when you do something well, people notice. Jerry is a living example that the axiom is true. After many years of photographing landscapes, architecture and a variety of design forms, Jerry has gained recognition as a respected architectural photographer. Among those paying attention was Dave Ferris, with whom Jerry has been collaborating for over ten years. Jerry's drive and dedication has not simply remained steady, but has actually grown, leading him to the next chapter in Jerry Swanson's journey as a photographer, a member of the Chilibean Productions Team.
Dave and Jerry's basic philosophy that there is no substitute for hard work and treating all clients with the respect they deserve meshes nicely and lends proof that Jerry is a perfect fit for the Chilibean Production team.
Details matter to Jerry and if it's not going to be done right, there's no reason to do something. As great and important as it is for a client to be pleased with a job done, Jerry believes the person doing the job must be equally enthusiastic. Before you can make a plan, you must first have an idea, and Jerry is an idea guy. The years he has spent travelling and photographing the world aid his ability to form workable ideas about nearly anything related to photography. As far as photography itself goes, Jerry still finds it inspirational, even after all these years. To him, it has never been and never will be work. It's his life and it's what makes him who he is.
Finally, just because Jerry Swanson is passionate about photography and take every opportunity possible to snap away, he also has other worthwhile pursuits and interests. The most important is Jerry's concern, dedication and support of the community. He takes every chance given to him to give back what he can in thanks to the opportunities that life has given him. He has done work for organizations such as the Humane Society and People to People. He is active with Rotary Club and other civic organizations. If he can somehow incorporate photography into these pursuits, even better.