Meet Jared Fortunato

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Fortunato.

Jared, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I picked up my first camera at nine. It was a holiday gift from my mother. I used it relentlessly. I was inspired by the same subjects that fascinate me today: trees, nature, and people.

I was an avid photographer throughout my school years, capturing my life on film and hoping for a future as an artist. After getting my degree I put the camera down to follow what I thought were more “practical” pursuits.

What followed were two careers of service: first working with refugees seeking political asylum, and then teaching elementary school. I’d occasionally pick up my camera to shoot off a few frames, though had no real path back to my first passion.

That changed a few years ago. A friend gave me a photography course for my birthday, which invigorated my passion for the arts. Soon I was taking courses at local colleges and universities, and before too long, I committed to earning my Master in Fine Art at the Academy of Art University.

I started showing my work during my time at school. First in small shows in San Francisco, and then to solo exhibitions in Los Angeles. Sales and commissions have followed, and while working as an artist remains a challenge, I’m lucky enough to pursue projects that speak to my mission as an artist: to reveal the magic of the everyday and wonder of human experience.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say building my art practice has been rewarding and very challenging. When I think of my path to where I’m at, I’m reminded of the hero’s journey. Answering the call to pursue my art started a series of events that included changing jobs, moving cities, and ending relationships. The biggest struggles, and ultimately successes, came from my moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The environment was so different I found my self in shock for the first year and struggled to find a foothold in the vast expanse of southern California.

The other huge challenge was finishing my degree while working full time. The juggling act between school, work, and my art came with some sacrifices, most notably my marriage, which couldn’t stand the pressures. Looking back I can say without hesitation that all of these struggles truly were stepping stones to bigger and better things for me, both personally and professionally, and I have no regrets. If anything, the bumps along the road have taught me to trust the process and myself. And to keep creating.

Jared Fortunato Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is really an extension of my heart. I describe myself as an artist with a purpose, to the medium of light to bring about moments of connection and pause in an ever stressful world. I offer photographic prints and services to private clients, interior designers, creative professionals, art lovers—to those with a commitment to adding a little more beauty and presence into their lives.

That can range from a personalized portrait session to a commissioned piece for a special place in a home. I’ve also branched out into retail products, including specialized greeting cards, home furnishings, and clothing design. My goal is for every environment in the country to have access to inspiring visual art and design.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Recently I had the chance to talk about my “Hollywood” project to a large audience as part of an artist speaker series here in Los Angeles. That was a proud moment. Another big milestone for me was receiving an artist grant from the City of West Hollywood to create a project based on the diverse and fascinating environment of my current hometown.

Contact Info:

• Address: Jared Fortunato Photography
  927 N, Kings Road #316
  West Hollywood, CA 90069
• Website: www.jaredfortunato.com
• Phone: 415-606-1486
• Email: jared@jaredfortunato.com
• Instagram: @jaredfortunato

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