Jared Wanegar
Director & Film Photographer
Jared Wanegar is a film photographer, filmmaker, and collector with an eye for the odd and the overlooked, who would describe his “vibe” as an embodiment of Rich Evan’s laugh. Originally hailing from Connecticut, and now a lifelong Idahoan, he’s the kind of person who can’t resist a unique or weird film camera, a stack of records, or a thrift store shelf lined with forgotten electronics. His world is a combination of music, movies, and a tireless pursuit of capturing moments and stories whether on film or in movies.
With film photography, Jared finds joy in the adventure of finding new places, chasing that perfect light, and letting the film development process provide meaningful surprises. His goal is simple but important, helping people see themselves in a different way. Even those who don’t usually like being in front of the camera, and to show them that they can look cool, confident, and fully themselves. When it comes to his video work, he hunts for the shots from his imagination. This process often brings about its own unexpected form when the edit is locked in and the music, motion, and story fall into place.
At the center of it all, Jared believes in creating work that leaves an impression on people. Whether it makes them think, laugh, or just feel something they haven’t felt in a while. His drive isn’t only about his own art, but about helping others follow their passions too. For him, creativity is both personal and communal. A chance to forge paths, inspire leaps of faith, and prove that even the weirdest passions can turn into something with real meaning.
• What kind of art or activity inspires you most?
I’m most inspired by music and movies. I’m the kind of person who conceptualizes things visually in my imagination often very vividly and music and movies tend to be the thing that sparks that consistently. Most of the projects I do were born out of a specific or unique image or feeling that I’ve conceived in my head. I then try to replicate that in hopes I can evoke that feeling for other people. Or I just try to make something that looks cool.
• Who are your favorite artists?
Currently it would be Simon Stålenhag, Walter Kim, @qualitylenz, and @popcatcreates. For Directors it would be David Fincher, Jeremy Saulnier, Edgar Wright, and for writing and directing Taylor Sheridan.
• What one piece of art would you own with no limit?
It would have to be an original Calvin and Hobbes comic panel or drawing by Bill Watterson or a painting by Salvador Dali. Oh and a Stanley Kubrick photograph would be cool.
• What gets you in the creative mindset?
I usually listen to a wide array of music when working on things and it’s pretty varied, but lately I’ve been listening to Disembodied Tyrant because apparently deathcore gets me inspired. If all else fails I usually listen to Deadmau5 – Strobe.
