Square Shooting is a commercial photography partnership, owned and operated by photographers Jennifer Burkart and Ryan Reason. Before opening the studio doors in Downtown Las Vegas in July 2013, the two have worked, independently and cooperatively, on art and commercial photography projects for nearly a decade.
Born in the midwest, Jennifer Burkart made her home in Las Vegas after spending time in Los Angeles. Applying her constant quest for knowledge with her passion for photography, Burkart specializes in the ever-changing technology associated with the craft. A native Las Vegan, Ryan Reason discovered photography at age ten and participated in scholastic photography clubs and after school programs throughout his education. Drawing from his previous work experience in logistics and project management, Reason understands how to properly execute the complexity that photography assignments often require.
Enrolled in CSN’s commercial photography program in 2005, Burkart and Reason quickly recognized each other as kindred forces in photography. Each displayed their own unique perspectives in assignments, and shared a common desire to pursue their passion into a commercial photography career.
In 2008, they began working together at Studio West Photography, inside the Arts Factory, taking on the responsibilities of photography assisting and digital editing for Burkart, and studio marketing and management for Reason. This opportunity to work within the commercial photography industry allowed them the real-world experience necessary to understand how the business of photography is carried out to deliver top quality work, and the importance of customer satisfaction in the final product.
Both have worked independently on public art projects over the years. Jennifer lead a team of creative partners from the Downtown Project to capture and install the Las Vegas contribution to the global ‘Inside Out Project’. For the uninitiated, ‘Inside Out Project’ is a movement inspired by French artist JR’s large-format street pastings, and allows anyone an opportunity to create and share portraits of everyday people, transforming messages of personal identity into works of public art. Each Inside Out display from around the world is documented, archived and exhibited online, as well as publicly in the neighborhoods where the portraits were captured. So far over 120,000 people from more than 108 countries have participated. Jennifer’s contribution is installed and available for public viewing on the north side of the historic Mission Building, at the corner of 1st and Coolidge in the 18b Arts District. Notably, this project was completed with donated time and services.
Ryan’s most notable art piece is his contribution to the ongoing public art and awareness program developed by the Las Vegas Chapter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Each year, a dozen selected artists from around Las Vegas are tasked with embellishing a three-dimensional, five foot tall, heart statue with their art for a fund-raising auction and ongoing public display. Reason’s contribution to the 2012 collection of hearts is entitled ‘You Can’t Spell Love Without L.V.’ and features over forty images of iconic buildings and landmarks that have special meaning to his life as a native to Las Vegas. This piece is on rotation and on public display, along with St. Jude’s entire collection, at a variety of locations around the Las Vegas Valley. This project was also completed with donated time and expenses.
In the summer of 2011, Burkart and Reason embarked on displaying their collection of works in gallery shows within the 18b Arts District. The first of three shows opened in May at Alios Gallery on Main Street entitled ‘Pinfluence’, which featured large format prints of pin-up influenced images they had created independently of each other. The following month, a more erotic collection of work was put together for a showing at Sin City Gallery inside the Arts Factory entitled ‘Anticipation’, and in July a more abstract collection of artistic portraits was presented at LeMur Gallery (also inside the Arts Factory) entitled ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’.
Since taking up residence inside the Arts Square Theater in April 2012, Ryan Reason has volunteered his services to Cockroach Theatre company, creating all of the images used in the promotion in their productions. Also, the signature image used by the 18b Neighborhood Association of the neon sign located at the Casino Center’s RTC transit stop was captured and donated by Reason, which is used in the marketing materials for the community.
Together, Burkart and Reason were contracted by the City of Las Vegas in 2013 to create a variety of images, specifically tailored to highlight Downtown developments and attractions. These images are currently being used in the brochures, multimedia presentations, and marketing materials promoting the revitalized Downtown area to tourist, locals, and out of town businesses considering relocation to Las Vegas.
In June of 2014, Square Shooting was unanimously selected from several of the top commercial photographers in the valley for a contract with the City of Las Vegas’ Office of Cultural Affairs to create a series highlighting the architecturally significant buildings in Downtown Las Vegas. This collection of 25 images culminated in a gallery show at City Hall’s Chamber Gallery which opened on September 17th, 2015 and ran through November 19th, 2015. Afterwards the collection becomes a part of the Las Vegas City Hall’s permanent art collection, as well as be used in the City’s future marketing materials. On February 8th, 2016 the collection was recognized by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and presented with the annual Mayor’s Urban Design Award in the category of Best Public Art.
For nearly ten years, Burkart has been working on self appointed, on-going project capturing portraits of Downtown Las Vegas business and cultural pioneers who contribute to the great diversity of the community. Reason regularly offers his time as a judge for Las Vegas photography and art contests and appreciates the exposure to new work being created by students and emerging artists.
Square Shooting is enthusiastic about their creative endeavors and the distinctly unique metropolis that is Las Vegas. As a professional photography studio, their mission is to provide fascinating images for professional and creative businesses with integrity, passionate perspectives and attentive customer service. As photography artists, they are constantly on a quest to create the perfect image, at every opportunity that presents itself for their lens.
Additional Links:
St. Judes Heart creation time lapse video
Recommendations:
‘Both photographers have an exceptional eye for formal considerations in a photograph as well as the creative experience and knowledge that brings their work to the top of the class. I have known both for several years, worked with them on projects and hired them for projects resulting in a 100% seamless, positive, professional experience. Their generosity to the arts community is legendary.’~ Marty Walsh, Trifecta Gallery
‘Square Shooting provides artistic, unique and highly professional photographs and I have used many of them for printed materials, websites, e-newsletters and have also sent high resolution images to journalists throughout the world… …and continues to be very generous in providing striking photography for our use.’ ~ Nancy Higgins, Marketing Consultant: Downtown Marketing Initiative / Symphony Park for LVRDA
‘They listen to me and take the time to understand my projects and what I am looking for. They offer great artistic expertise, and the final images always exceed my expectations. They are a pleasure to work with and I am especially impressed with the level of customer service and professionalism they provide.’~ Sheri Posey, Marketing Manager, MC²
‘Anyone who participates in trade shows knows the importance of a good display. The correct images can attract attention and stimulate conversations with potential clients. …..The final photos were beautifully composed, portray the excitement of our evolving downtown and help tell our story. ln addition to their photography skills, it is worth noting that the Square Shooting team has the temperament to deal with the most demanding clients. They are to be commended for their patience and perseverance.’ ~ Brenda Hughes, Senior Economic Development Specialist, Economic and Urban Development, City of Las Vegas
‘They have both, in official roles and personally, been staunch supporters of Las Vegas culture and the arts, their presence collectively and individually almost universal in the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. Were they not fine photographers, their contributions would still be worthy, but the fact is that their distinctive yet complementary approaches to photography make Square Shooting a truly unique photographic force in Las Vegas…Ryan Reason and Jennifer Burkart are not only great individuals, not only terrific photographers, not only bastions of the downtown cultural community, but also people I’m proud to call both friends and collaborators…’ ~ PJ Perez, Writer / Publisher / Printer