User:Jakerajs

Jake Rajs (born 1952, in Wroclaw, Poland arrived in New York City, NY, United States in 1960, is a location photographer known for portraying the American urban and natural landscape.

He is the primary photographer for more than 14 books and his work appears in many magazines, posters, and private collections. In 2005 Jake Rajs was Voted Reader’s Digest’s “Best American Observer” in Special Issue 100 best things in America. A freelance photographer since the 1976, Rajs’ received a BA Degree in Fine Art from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ.

Jake Rajs BACKGROUND: Born March 26, 1952 in Poland. Moved to Israel in 1957. Arrived in U.S.A. in 1960. USA citizen in 1966. Currently resides with his wife Amy, and their children in Southold, New York

In 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.

In 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.

In 1992, DELAWARE published by Jared, with a forward by Russell W. Peterson, former governor of Delaware and President of the National Audubon Society.

In 1995, COLOR published by Photonica, IMA USA, a 300-picture portfolio of images from around the world. Over 100,000 printed

In 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. Boyle In 3rd reprint

In 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

In 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’ & Children’s Fund

In 2001, WORLD TRADE CENTER 2002 MEMORIAL CALENDER, published by Browntrout, over 350,000 copies sold, Contibuted over $350,000 to UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund

In 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 Cronkitehttp://www.rangefindermag.com/Magazine/archives/July05/us.tml

In 2006, CHERRY BLOSSOMS, Published by Rizzoli. “Award winning photographer, Jake Rajs captures the flower in its natural environs.”

In 2006, THE HUDSON RIVER FROM TEAR IN THE CLOUDS TO MANHATTAN, Published by Monacelli Press. Reprint with additional photos.

In 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

In 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.”

In 2007, ATLANTIC, Published by Rizzoli, Introduction by Walter Cronkite.

2008, CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS, published by Rizzoli.

2008, BEYOND THE DUNES: A PORTRAIT OF THE HAMPTONS, essay by Paul Goldberger, published Random House, Monacelli Press

EXHIBITIONS: 1976 One Man Show of Painting and Sculpture, New Brunswick, NJ. 1980 One Man Show Image Bank, 1986 One Man Show Rizzoli Gallery, Chicago, 1991 One Man Show Image Bank, NYC

GROUP EXHIBITIONS: Include Celebration: New York in Color, which traveled throughout the world. Glimpses of America, the first show of American color photography in China. Photographs have been exhibited at Epcot Center at Disney World and at the Museum of the City of New York.