Photographic approaches and styles, from presentational (journalistic) to representational (artistic) vary with the shooter. Jay Nichols of Naples Image makes no secret that he falls squarely into the latter camp with almost everything he shoots. As this 2010 photo of Ross and Barb Smith in their 32-foot center console running off Fort Myers, Fla., clearly proves, Nichols is not shy about using digital wizardry to enhance his images. And without question it works for him—it’s become his signature style.

No matter where you are right now, you probably wouldn’t mind being here—that’s what Jay Nichols’ photography is all about. Photo courtesy/copyright Jay Nichols/Naples Image

“My processing is a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop with added special effects filters,” says Nichols. “I like vivid colors and lean toward variations that enhance details and contrast. I lighten some darker areas for better saturation in water colors.

“My processing and crop ‘moods’ vary on every shot,” he adds. “I try to bring out the energy and the jazz, and tell the story of what is happening in that moment.”