We recently connected with Jon Dailey and have shared our conversation below.

Jon, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do in photography?
My journey into photography was largely self-taught. While my formal education and early career were rooted in Electrical Engineering and Aerospace, I found myself drawn to visual storytelling and the power of imagery. I spent countless hours studying the work of photographers I love, analyzing light, composition, color, and emotion. I learned through experimenting, making mistakes, and continuously challenging myself with personal projects. Over time, I began photographing people and experiences, which helped me develop my own visual voice. Real-world experience, client work, editorial assignments, and documenting live events became some of my greatest teachers.

Knowing what I know now, what could I have done to speed up my learning process?
Looking back, I would have sought out mentorship much earlier in my career. While there is a lot value in learning independently, having access to experienced photographers who can provide feedback, guidance, and industry insight would have accelerated my growth. I also would have focused less on acquiring equipment and more on mastering the fundamentals of light, storytelling, and consistency. Building relationships within the creative community earlier would have opened doors to opportunities, collaborations, and knowledge that can take years to discover on your own.

What skills do I think were most essential?
The most essential skill has been the ability to observe and capture emotions. Photography is about seeing what others might overlook and finding meaningful ways to tell a story through an image. Past the technical skills such as understanding light, composition, and camera settings, adaptability has been critical. Every shoot presents different challenges, environments, and personalities. Communication is equally important, especially when photographing people. Building trust, making subjects feel comfortable, and understanding how to translate a vision into a captivating image are skills that have been just as valuable as technical proficiency.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest obstacles was access. When you’re self-taught, you don’t always know what you don’t know or speak on the things you don’t know. There can be a learning curve when trying to navigate both the creative and business sides of photography without formal training or mentorship. Financial limitations can also create barriers, whether it’s investing in equipment, traveling for opportunities, or dedicating time to personal projects while still worrying about being able to afford to live. Additionally, transitioning from a technical engineering career into a creative field required overcoming self-doubt and embracing uncertainty. However, those challenges ultimately strengthened my resilience and taught me the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and trusting my creative
instincts.

Today, I view photography as a lifelong learning process. No matter how much experience you gain, there is always another story to tell, another perspective to explore, and another opportunity to grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jon M. Dailey III, and I am a Los Angeles-based editorial, portrait, and travel photographer, creative producer, and the co-founder of ColorBloc Magazine. I am a first-generation college graduate originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and my path into photography was anything but traditional.

Before entering the creative industry, I earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and built my career in Aerospace and Systems Engineering. While those experiences taught me discipline, problem-solving, and technical precision, I eventually realized that my true passion was storytelling through visual media. Photography became the bridge between creativity and human connection, allowing me to document people, cultures, experiences, and moments that might otherwise go unseen.
My journey into photography was largely self taught. What began as curiosity evolved into a profession that has taken me around the world and provided opportunities to work with incredible individuals, brands, publications, and cultural institutions.

Today, my work spans editorial photography, portraiture, and creative production. Through ColorBloc Magazine, I focus on highlighting diverse voices, underrepresented communities, culture, arts, travel, and the stories that connect us as human beings. Whether I am photographing a celebrity on a red carpet, documenting a music festival on film, creating portraits for a nonprofit organization, or capturing the essence of a destination, my goal is always the same: to create imagery that feels authentic, emotional, and lasting.

One of the things that sets my work apart is my ability to blend technical precision with genuine storytelling. My engineering background trained me to think methodically and solve complex problems, while photography allows me to approach every project with creativity and empathy. I am constantly looking beyond what is happening on the surface to uncover the deeper story. I believe the most powerful images are not simply seen they are felt.

I also have a deep appreciation for both digital and film photography. Film has taught me patience, intentionality, and the value of slowing down to truly observe a moment. That perspective influences all of my work and helps me create imagery with depth, texture, and emotion.
The problems I help solve for clients often revolve around visual storytelling, brand identity, and authentic connection. In a world where audiences are constantly flooded with content, organizations, brands, and individuals need imagery that stands out and resonates. My role is to help clients communicate who they are, what they value, and why their story matters through compelling visual narratives.

What I am most proud of is the journey itself. Transitioning from engineering into a completely different industry required faith, persistence, and a willingness to start over. Along the way, I have had the privilege of seeing my work published in major outlets such as People and Vanity Fair, photographing influential figures, and creating work that reaches audiences around the world. Yet beyond the publications and accolades, I am most proud of the relationships I have built and the stories I have been trusted to tell.
For potential clients, collaborators, followers, and supporters, I want them to know that my work is rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and purpose. I approach every project with professionalism, creativity, and a genuine desire to understand the people and stories in front of my lens. Whether the assignment is large or small, I believe every story deserves to be told with care, intention, and respect.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: photography has the power to preserve moments, build connections, and inspire people to see themselves and the world around them differently. That responsibility is something I never take for granted, and it continues to drive my work every day.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the defining moments of my life came when I lost my mother on Thanksgiving night during my ninth grade year. At an age when most young people are still trying to understand themselves and the world around them, I was suddenly faced with a loss that would change the course of my life forever.
Losing a parent so young could have easily become the thing that defined me, but instead it became one of the greatest sources of my resilience. While my mother’s physical presence was no longer with me, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a community of people who stepped in to support, encourage, and help raise me. Family members, friends, mentors, teachers, coaches, and community leaders all played a role in helping me navigate some of the most difficult years of my life. Their investment in me taught me the importance of community and the power of people showing up for one another.
As I grew older, I carried that resilience with me into every chapter of my journey. I became the first person in my family to graduate from college, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. For many people, that achievement would have been the destination. Yet deep down, I knew there was another calling on my life. Walking away from the stability of engineering to pursue photography and creative storytelling was one of the most uncertain decisions I have ever made.
There was no blueprint. There was no roadmap. And there was certainly no maternal guidance to help me navigate an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into. What I did have was faith, determination, and the lessons my mother instilled in me before she passed. I also had the support of people who believed in me, even when the path ahead seemed impossible.
Today, I live and work in Los Angeles, one of the most competitive cities in the world for creatives. Every opportunity, every publication, every assignment, and every breakthrough is a reminder of how far I’ve come. There were moments when the obstacles felt larger than the dream itself, but resilience taught me to keep moving forward one step at a time.

What gives me strength is knowing that my mother’s spirit is with me every day. While she is not here to witness the milestones firsthand, I carry her with me in every accomplishment, every challenge, and every story I tell through my work. Her absence became one of my greatest motivations to create a life that would make her proud.
My journey has taught me that resilience is not about avoiding hardship. It is about finding purpose through it. It is about trusting that even when the path is unclear, you can continue moving forward. Looking back, I am proud not only of the success I’ve achieved, but of the perseverance it took to get here. That resilience continues to shape both my life and my work today.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships with people over time. I’ve never approached networking with the mindset of simply looking for opportunities or asking, “What can this person do for me?” Instead, I’ve focused on creating authentic connections, supporting others, and showing up as my true self.
I believe people can tell when you’re being genuine. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career have come from relationships that were built years before there was ever a project, assignment, or business conversation attached to them. Those connections were founded on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences rather than transactions.
I’ve also learned that consistency matters. When opportunities do arise, it’s important to be prepared. Building relationships may open the door, but your work ethic, professionalism, and ability to deliver are what keep that door open. I’ve worked hard to develop my craft, and when someone trusts me with an assignment or project, I make it a priority to show up fully, exceed expectations, and create work that reflects the confidence they’ve placed in me.
Throughout my career, whether in engineering, photography, or creative production, I’ve found that people remember how you make them feel. They remember your character, your reliability, and your ability to follow through. As a result, much of my business has grown through referrals, repeat clients, and relationships that have developed organically over time.
For me, success has never been about collecting contacts. It’s been about building community. When you combine authentic relationships with strong work, opportunities tend to follow naturally. That approach has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey and continues to be the foundation of how I grow my business today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jonmdailey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jondailey_/

Image Credits

All the images were taken by me and owned by me.