More about Jonathan N....
What do you love about your job?
The story that each car has. There is always a different story with each car, and I find it fascinating. They’re like silent people that show their stories rather than speak it. I love being able to bring that to the surface through camera settings and lighting depending on what the story of the car might be.
What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?
If we’re only talking about car shoots - I offer my clients, no matter what the subject is - a completely customer centered experience. I make sure that they’re comfortable, that they know what is about to happen to them and their car, and what we’re going to do. I go over questions and make sure they know all of what they need before heading into the shoot. Once we’re done with shooting I usually offer them a variety of products to print from - for example a suede covered booked with high quality prints inside. When I deliver that product, I usually try to get a hot wheels that matches their car and a little bottle of something to make it extra special. The guys typically love that when that’s what is delivered. I mean what car person wouldn’t want that kind of treatment? I know that because I’m a complete car enthusiast at heart and treat my clients the way that I would want to be treated or how I would want my friends and family treated.
Awards, honors, and recognitions received
I was pretty excited when The NY Times published an article on a couple that I took their pictures of on the day of their elopement. That was pretty cool. Also was published in a magazine for some other wedding photos. Still waiting for awards like this for cars one day, but I’m not set on it - If I get awards it’s just an indication that I’m doing something right and the learnings are working. That’s all. I don’t strive for awards or recognition - if my clients are happy, that’s all I care about.
A fun fact about this photographer
I lived in Germany for 10 years - worked for Volkswagen AG for 7 of those years, had a mental health startup, and a consultancy for the last 3 years. It was a life-changing experience and changed my life forever.