My name is Jake Laino, and I was born and raised on Long Island, New York (not “in” Long Island). In 2012, I relocated to Colorado in search of bigger adventures and the opportunity to explore everything the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

I've been a lifelong automotive enthusiast and a proud product of the Long Island Hardcore music community, two passions that continue to shape both my personal and professional life. Over the years, I've developed a passion for photography and storytelling, using a camera and a keyboard to document the people, places, vehicles, and experiences that inspire me.

Today, I combine those interests through my work as a photographer, writer, and Editor-in-Chief of SHIFT Colorado Magazine, where I cover automotive culture, motorsports, industry events, and the people behind them. My connection to the Long Island Hardcore scene has also provided countless opportunities to document live music, capturing the energy, emotion, and authenticity that make the community so special.

Whether I'm photographing a vintage sports car on a mountain pass, documenting a live show in a crowded venue, or telling the story of a unique individual, my goal remains the same: to create compelling images and narratives that connect people to the subjects and communities I care about most.