Rising Stars: Meet Jonathan Demorest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Demorest.

Hi Jonathan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began with a simple elective course in photography, I quickly became immersed in the limitless possibilities with photography. Many other creative outlets I enjoy never opened my mind in that same way as photography could. I took more courses any chance I got that were completely aside from my major. From a professional standpoint, it started with the occasional gig with a close friend and through social media and other forms of networking, I quickly began receiving routine booking.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I believe 2020 has been the best and worst thing that could happen to those trying to maintain a professional career in photography. I obviously say worst because most photographers nowadays get most commissions through weddings and other large events where those simply just can’t happen to the same caliber as they use to. The silver lining I see with quarantine is the amount of time people have had to work on their craft, myself included. Either watching tutorials online or discovering new ideas it enabled more time to be committed towards my work. Like most other creatives, photography is not my full-time job yet, the pandemic enabled me to sharpen my skills even further and I think all in all, I’ve become a greater photographer for that reason.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I enjoy all forms of photography, however I specialize in portraits and nature photography. I feel that something that sets me apart from another photographer is I have a very analytical mind for photography. I often see another person’s work and I obsess over how someone is able to obtain a shot like that. Whether it is equipment, lighting or color grading I strive to be able to tackle more than just my own personal style when a client has a certain idea of what they’re looking for. The client work I find the most exhilarating is surprised engagement shoots. There is a certain stealth element involved as well as that added pressure to be sure to capture the exact perfect moment when someone proposes.

With photography, I am always most proud of the excitement I receive from my clients when they have my finished work. Seeing returning clients, I’m always proud to see different milestones of their lives captured over a course of time. For example, I’ve had a client where we began capturing just a small “couples shoot” for fall, which over the years has evolved to an engagement, wedding and we have a baby photoshoot scheduled soon. To see the impact my work has had on their life is the reason I believe photography is so powerful.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Los Angeles for its opportunities and countless channels in getting involved with creative communities. I have seen so many people discover their passions and interests in all artistic fields not just in photography, but music, comedy, videography and art. An often criticism I have and it does not necessarily only pertain to Los Angeles, but I feel architecture is lacking. Other densely populated cities around the world have multiple architectural marvels, something even as simple as an office building is work of art. Raised in Los Angeles our architecture is very monotonous and bland. The buildings are practical, yet there is so much more potential for the city to reflect the creatives that live here.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @jondemorestphoto

Image Credits
Jonathan Demorest