Aubrey Owen Jagar, or simply AJ, is the pseudonym of Tara M Schlotzhauer. She is currently a student at the University of Central Missouri and will be graduating in December of 2009. While she may be working on getting her Bachelor’s of Science in Photography (emphasis in Technical Photography), AJ’s true passion lies in digital imaging and Photoshop thanks to her photographer aunt, T Kerksiek, who introduced her to the world of digital retouch in 2002.
Through the next three years, AJ learned to use Photoshop through play, experiment, and working as a digital imagist at LeeStudio. Upon graduating high school in 2005, AJ attended Concordia University of Nebraska for one year before transferring to Central in 2006. At Central, she has focused her area of study into digital imaging and is currently taking classes to help advance her knowledge.
During the summer of 2009, AJ interned at Vedros and Associates where she was privileged to assist and learn under Nick Vedros, Gabe Hopkins, Mike Lee, and the other associates of the studio. Through their guidance, she was able to advance her abilities as a photographer and also received a first hand account on how to operate a working commercial studio.
Upon graduation in 2009, AJ plans on earning her Master’s in Technology (emphasis in Photography) at Central.
As part of her quest to be a serious digital imagist, AJ uses Adobe Photoshop CS2 and a Wacom Intuos3 pen tablet. While she may not own the latest version of Photoshop, she plans upon graduation to get the newest version and possibly a new Wacom tablet. “The technology is changing all the time. I can not afford to keep up while I am in college but I plan getting upgrades in all the hardware and software that I use; new ram, motherboard, graphics card, tablet, Photoshop, the works! No one wants an amateur with dated equipment. They want a professional who understands the importance on keeping on top of things.”
When asked about her work, AJ is quoted as saying, “It is all about the client. It does not matter how great I think some thing is; if the client does not like it, then it is wrong.”
Keeping with her love of art, AJ enjoys shooting fine art photography and creating art through other mediums such as drawing, painting, and mixed media. “I do not have much time for it now with school and working but someday I would like to exhibit some of my fine art works. It is a sort of side goal for me.” She hopes to eventually sell her fine art prints as well as hand made photographers muslims through her business, Artwork by AJ.
She is also currently working on a fine art psychological series that dives deep into the dark side of the human psyche. “Ask any of my family and friends and they will tell you that despite my bubbly personality, I have always had a very dark sense of humor and look on life. To me, this is a chance to express some of these thoughts and views. I want my images to grab the viewer and force them to see the darkness inside of them.”
Looking to her photography roots, AJ lists T Kerksiek, owner of LeeStudio, as her main mentor and one of her biggest supporters. “She believed in me before anyone else in the photography world even knew my name. She trusted a eighteen year old with no formal training to do her digital imaging for a whole year before I left for school. I was and still am completely honored by that fact and will never forget it.” AJ continues to work at LeeStudio when needed and is training to be a second shooter when able.
AJ is also thankful for all her family and friends who have supported her through “this crazy ride called life. I could not have done it without all of them! I love them so much!!!”
Self Portrait taken at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, MO (Canon EOS 5D Mark II with Canon 14mm f2.8)
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