Jon O.

More about Jon O....

What do you love about your job?

The most satisfying part of photography to me, is reaching a level of skill where I almost always have a vision of the shots I plan on capturing even before I arrive at any photoshoot. I am a list-maker and strive to have a plan for everything that I do in my life. Shooting on location creates a sense of anxiety and excitement on the job at hand and knowing what needs to be done. The thrill of those feeling comes during the editing process and realizing that the vision frequently was actually less spectacular than the final product.

What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?

I like doing portrait shoots with models with a theme. The theme can either be the costume they are wearing or more often, the background of our shoot. Some recent shoots of this nature have been with female athletes in a gym setting with dramatic lighting and shadows, ballerina performing dance techniques in a brick building city setting, and also runway type modeling around historic columned buildings. These shoots are challenging but at the same time rewarding when a character can be created through photographic captures.

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

First place prizes for photographs in local county fair in multiple years. First place awards for Ventura City contests in multiple years. Having my photographs accepted into portfolios to be sold as stock photography was a very trying process that took several attempts. Being accepted onto Maxpreps' Pro Photographers team took several years of applying and improving my skills before success.

A fun fact about this photographer

My experience of organized sports include wrestling, basketball, softball, track, field hockey, and football. I have also coached tennis, basketball, soccer, and softball teams from 5 years old all the way up to 18u travel ball teams.