Visions of Paradise

One of the world’s leading nature and scenic photographers, Jon Ortner is the acclaimed author of seven internationally published fine-art books on such wide-ranging topics as the icons and architecture of Manhattan, the beauty of the human form, the sacred places and people of Southeast Asia, and the landscapes and geological wonders of the American Southwest. Ortner was born in Great Neck, on the north shore of Long Island. Throughout his youth he was fascinated with insects, plants and animals and became an avid naturalist and wilderness hiker. He continued his studies in ecology, eastern philosophy, and photography during his university years. In 1978, he moved to Manhattan to start a commercial photo studio with his wife and business partner, Martha McGuire. They divide their time between exotic locations around the world and assignments for corporate clients. Ortner’s photography and stories have been published in numerous magazines such as National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Travel & Leisure, GEO, and Architectural Digest.