ABOUT JAN

Ray Black

Young Jan
Jan Black’s passion for photography began when she was just three years old, tagging along with her dad as he captured sunsets on the California coast. He’d tell her—when the sun is going down and just about gone, keep watching—you’ll see the rays. His name was Ray, and for Jan, those moments became more about sharing the experience than the “perfect shot.” It was time spent together, soaking in beauty and connection.
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As the years have passed, Jan has come to realize just how deeply her father’s influence runs through her work. Without planning it, she’s found herself drawn to many of the same places he once photographed—coastal overlooks, winding trails, quiet harbors—capturing them from her own perspective, often decades later. It's as if their creative paths are still intertwined, echoing through time.
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Jan believes photography is a special memory worth sharing. It takes patience to find that “wow” moment—something that moves you—and then capture it as it is. She doesn’t use Photoshop or AI, just simple cropping, so each image reflects what she truly saw through the lens.
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In a world where images can be created without ever being present, Jan finds joy in using her Canon camera to capture real, spontaneous moments. Her goal is to take you into the scene—to evoke emotion and make you feel like you were there too. That’s the difference between a snapshot and a piece of art.
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Her Signature Collections include sunsets, boats, nature, mountains, beach and scenic views from mainly NC, SC and CA. All original photos are copyright protected.
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Jan also offers a special Historic Davidson Collection of framed prints and notecards, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Davidson Historic Society.
Ray's photo taken in Glade Creek Grist Mill, WV – 1991
Jan's photo taken in Tharpe’s Mill, NC – 2013

