Meet Jed Norfleet of Norfleet Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jed Norfleet.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jed. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been an artist my entire life, but it wasn’t until 2004 at the age of 26 when I bought my first point and shoot digital camera that I started to realize my interest and passion for photography. Being self-taught, I began to submit my work online in hopes of gaining some exposure and interest.

In 2005, I was offered my first solo gallery show in Downtown Denver solely because of a simple web page that I had built for my work on a free local artist website. I remember the stoke of that phone call like it was yesterday. Because of this, I came to the realization that I could build a future in photography and so it began.

Soon after, in late 2006, I submitted an image online and was awarded one of 12 spots for the 2007 national emerging artists competition put on by a handful of Los Angeles’ finest galleries. This began a long string of gallery shows from LA to Denver that still continues today.

Originally from California but residing in Colorado for the past 34 years, my work has always been inspired by the awesome beauty and power of the ocean and the mountains.

Along with landscapes, working in the action sports industry since the age of 17 has also helped me secure a spot photographing the sports that I’ve loved since childhood. Over the years, it’s allowed me to travel and photograph for companies like NEFF clothing, Hyperlite wakeboards, US snowboarding, EAsports, FuelTV, Neversummer snowboards, and others.

Although I’ve tinkered with just about every type of photography in the last 15 years, these days I focus my work on action sports and the beautiful landscapes of Colorado where I’ve lived since 1986.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For me, one of the biggest struggles or hurdles along the way was having my work rejected. Perhaps even hearing that my work just isn’t good enough. I don’t care who you are, it stings.

It’s what you do in those times that makes you stronger though. You press on. You improve. You never stop learning. You remind yourself that you are good enough. Your work is not going to cater to everyone, but that’s ok. Through persistence and crazy hard work, you’ll eventually find your groove, and it’ll be totally worth it. I promise.

I don’t feel the road to success is ever going to be smooth. Following your passions will be bumpy, but extremely rewarding.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Norfleet Photography – what should we know?
These days I focus primarily on Colorado landscape and action sports photography. It took me some years to find my niche and what area of photography makes me happiest, but once you find it you know.

One part of my photography that I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m self-taught. To figure something out from scratch. To learn something new. Especially if it’s a passion. It wasn’t always easy, the “trial and error,” but there’s an overwhelming sense of accomplishment that comes with it.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Through the years, my parents, family, and a few of my closest friends were by far my biggest supporters. Aside from them, was Sasha (Alexandra Louie). She’s the one who put a little faith in my work and called me for my first ever gallery show offer. She probably never thought it would be such a big deal, but it was, and she knows it. Simple, but it was a game changer.

Today, my parents and family are still huge supporters. Especially Lacey, my super hot wife of six years. Someday our three kids will hopefully support me too, but at one three and four and a half they’re still a bit young to understand (little do they know that they’re already one of my biggest inspirations!)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.norfleetphoto.com
• Phone: 720-220-0885
• Email: norfleetphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: @norfleet.photography

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