Welcome and thank you for visiting Four Directions Photography! My name is Jon “Shaggy” McLaughlin and I've been a photographer since 1997. I grew up with a great passion for the outdoors and my sense of adventure has led me to some amazing and beautiful places that, over time, have built a strong personal connection to the Earth.

My first outdoor adventures took me to the high country as I pursued rock climbing, backpacking and mountaineering. Soon my interests expanded downward into deep canyons as I was introduced to whitewater kayaking, and I immersed myself in the river environment. A Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education from Northland College (Ashland, WI) helped propel my passion for outdoor adventure to a professional level, including several years of raft guiding, dog-sled guiding, teaching whitewater kayaking and five years as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School.

It was only natural for me to pick up a camera and start photographing all these remarkable places and activities! Whether it be on a canoe expedition in the Barrenlands of the Canadian Arctic or at a mountain bike race in the hills of Ashland, Oregon, I constantly strive to capture the best images of the moment.

About Four Directions Photography, LLC

Four Directions Photography is a freelance photography company whose primary focus is directed towards commercial, outdoor/adventure based images. As a secondary focus, I also shoot landscape and wildlife images. My images have been seen in articles and websites for publications such as Canoe & Kayak Magazine, Stand Up Journal and Paddler Magazine; and in marketing and advertisements for companies like Jetboil Stoves and Sawyer Paddles and Oars. In addition to selling images for commercial use, I do sell my images direct in a variety of print sizes. Please feel free to browse my portfolio and galleries page for the latest images.

About the Four Directions Logo

The Four Directions Photography logo is a blend of three symbols: the Medicine wheel, the camera eye (or shutter) and the Earth. The Medicine Wheel, representing the four cardinal directions, conveys my respect for Native American peoples and their beliefs. The camera eye represents my passion for photography. The Earth symbolizes my love of our planet. This logo speaks of Four Directions Photography's mission: to capture moments of beauty of the land, and people's connection to the Earth by doing things they love outdoors.

...There is beauty and adventure in all four directions!