We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ethan Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ethan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
When I made the move to Los Angeles alongside my good friend Juan Flores, a fellow accomplished photographer, I dove headfirst into the world of full-time freelance photography and videography. In those early days, every gig held a special significance as I hustled to establish myself in a city teeming with creative opportunities.
Right from the get-go, it was all about the hustle – networking, refining my portfolio, and fine-tuning my craft. I quickly realized that daily dedication to my art was the secret sauce. Test shoots became my daily ritual, a playground for honing my skills, trying out new ideas, and just having fun with the creative process.
For anyone starting out, my top advice is simple: embrace the grind, and make those test shoots a non-negotiable part of your routine. It’s not just about mastering your technique; it’s about staying inspired and pushing your creative boundaries.
Networking has been another game-changer for me. In a city like LA, connections are golden. Whether it’s at industry events or just striking up conversations over coffee, building relationships has opened up doors I never knew existed.
And, of course, in this digital age, having an online game is crucial. Social media and a slick website have been my silent partners, showcasing my work and helping me reach a wider audience.
Ethan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Greetings, I’m Ethan Jones, a 25-year-old photographer/videographer based in Salt Lake City, UT. While my academic background lies in graphic design, my true passion has always been photography and videography, driven by a desire to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
My professional journey commenced with a bold move to Los Angeles, where I transitioned from a conventional day job to pursue a career in the visual arts. Eager to establish myself, I reached out to numerous studios, securing an internship at one that marked the starting point of my ascent from a photo assistant to a seasoned photographer/videographer.
A pivotal chapter in my development unfolded under the mentorship of a seasoned lighting expert at the studio. Acquiring proficiency in professional commercial lighting techniques significantly enhanced my craft. This expertise catalyzed my progression from still photography to dynamic video content, initially covering events and concerts before delving into the realm of music videos. This evolution eventually led me to undertake comprehensive roles, encompassing direction, cinematography, and post-production for all my music video projects.
Concurrently, my involvement in the fashion industry entailed capturing editorial fashion photos for both models and magazines. The amalgamation of experiences across commercial, music, and fashion domains has not only fortified my technical capabilities but has also cultivated a well-rounded skill set that distinguishes my work in the photography and videography sphere.
This ongoing journey has been both enlightening and rewarding, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to evolve in my craft.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My ultimate goal is to dive into the world of documentary filmmaking. Growing up immersed in these powerful narratives, I felt the profound impact they had on me — inspiring and moving me in ways words couldn’t capture. I’m drawn to the idea of creating documentaries that showcase the beauty in our world, narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression. My aim is to craft stories that not only inspire but also foster a genuine appreciation for the extraordinary within the ordinary. This is more than a career path; it’s a calling to share the beauty and richness of the human experience through the lens of documentary filmmaking.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the essence of being an artist lies in the transformative power of perspective. It’s a profound appreciation for the ability to view the world through a unique lens. Each moment becomes a choice between seeing the good and the bad, and interpreting it through my artistic vision. This mental challenge is a crucible, but I cherish the shift in perspective. It’s through this lens that I create art that not only captures the world but also inspires me to see its beauty even in its complexities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toggetherr.com
- Instagram: Jibhound
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-jones-58400b192/
- Other: Vimeo-https://vimeo.com/user46360681
Image Credits
Shot and Edited by me