About Jason
Expression Collector + Communicator + Photographer
Hey! I’m Jason.
I’m originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania USA where our only claim to fame is that Billy Joel song from the ‘80s.
My work/ life has been quite a ride! Back in 1996 I left my hometown for a career in live theatre… wound up working as a wilderness guide all over the world… and eventually became a professional photographer (and an Australian citizen!) Most of this plan wouldn’t make sense on paper; but somehow an unwavering belief (and probably blind optimism) has gotten me quite far.
My Purpose - So Much More Than ‘Personal Branding’
At some point I realised that this is so much more than just making great pictures…. It’s about making a difference.
What we say, and think, and do matters. How we communicate with the world matters. How we show up matters. How we represent ourselves and our values matters. Who we truly believe we are matters. How we communicate that to ourselves matters.
“Taking someone’s picture” is just pressing a button. I do a lot of button pressing… that’s just photography. But deep down this isn’t about photography. My portrait sessions are a chance to explore and express who you really are. This is a chance to see your own highest ideals reflected back to you; clearly communicating your unique perspective, vision and values.
And the coolest part is that you get to make a choice… moment by moment you get to reflect and critique. It’s an oscillating dance of self-expression & self-reflection - back and forth… back and forth. Does this identity serve me? If yes, then we refine that and personalise it until it’s right. If no, then we experiment until we find a spark and a deeper truth worth investigating. It’s an incredible chance to choose who we are - and sometimes more importantly, who we are not.
This is so much more than photography. These portrait sessions are about 1000 chances to visually reaffirm who you really are... or to experiment, expressing something new - every time I press the button.
Everything I do is guided by Clear Purpose, Communicating with Integrity, and Living Authentically - both in front of the lens and when there's no camera around. And that’s what I hope to infuse into all the images I create.
A Bit of My Background
I started out as a Lighting Designer for live theatre and worked all over the United States for about 5 years. I was obsessed with creating these dramatic, shifting lightscapes for the actors on stage to move through… whether it was replicating something as boring (and tricky) as office light or a laser-pointer-esque, dramatic spotlight. I was painting the audiences’ experience with light. It was super creative and super technical.
I also loved the ephemeral nature of theatre… only existing in the moments in which it’s created and hopefully living on in the hearts or minds of those who were there to experience it.
At a certain point I had come to an expected crossroads. One can only do the regional circuit for so long. It was time to move to New York City and commit to that career on a whole new level… or do something else entirely. But I knew there was more out there for me…
So I walked away from my life in the theatre and talked my way into a job as a Wilderness Guide with a company in the Appalachian Mountains - even though I had never been camping before! It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. And from there I went on to work all over the world for over 8 years - all over the USA, Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean and eventually Southeast Asia. The ability to live out of a backpack meant I got to live and work in some of the most magnificent places on earth.
It’s an industry that prioritises the ability to do amazing, technical things like rock climbing and whitewater kayaking… specifically because it means keeping people alive. And even though I had picked up plenty of the ‘hard skills’ needed to have fun and be successful out there, I specialised in the “soft skills” - communication, team building, and leadership. My specialty was in demand so I was able to pick up gigs almost anywhere I wanted.
But by 2008 I was finishing a contract in Malaysia and realised I was completely done with the wilderness guide thing. I had been a professional transient for so long and all I just wanted to have a house and a girlfriend and other regular ‘normal’ guy stuff. But I guess my version of ‘normal stuff’ by that point was pretty skewed because I decided that I would move to Australia and become a professional photographer next - even though I never really owned a camera and knew nothing about photography… or Australia! Are you noticing a pattern here?
The Photography Life
I was on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland when I bought my first camera. I told the sales guy at the camera store (Ritchie) that I needed a good one because I was going to be a professional photographer. He kind of laughed at me. Ritchie was a good guy and had given it a crack himself… so he knew some of what I would be up against. I was 100% certain it would work out just fine. So I set about the task of figuring all this out. I’m actually still in touch with Ritchie.
I started out taking pictures of anything and everything someone would pay me for. But I had mainly immersed myself in the world of Commercial Photography - first as an assistant to other notable australian photographers and then eventually taking the plunge and going out on my own. I got into the Commercial side because I knew I wanted to create images that would be used. Images that a lot of people would see.
In the very early days a mentor casually remarked “we aren’t exactly saving the world here”. This photography thing was definitely a career change but I wasn’t any less motivated to make a positive, powerful difference in the world. So when he said that I thought to myself, “No. That’s not right.” We all have a responsibility to create something that makes the world a better place. That’s why I’m so passionate about making more than just great pictures. I want to make a difference. 14+ years later and I’ve worked all over the world as a photographer, but I definitely call Australia home.
What My Clients Are Saying
“Get yourself in front of the lens with him. The experience is something else entirely. Best money you’re going to spend on your personal brand.”
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“...redefining the art of the headshot... He sees you with fresh eyes and deep knowledge. Worth every cent.”
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“...brilliant! You've really captured my strength and personality; and given me some incredible brand assets.”
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“It couldn’t have been easier for my first time in front of a camera”
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“You captured qualities which I value but are rarely exhibited in photographs... Your approach allowed me to see myself differently.”
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“I absolutely love my photos ❤️ words cannot express how happy I am 💥 I just wanted to say you are phenomenal 💥 It is worth every cent just for seeing yourself in different ways let alone the amazing photos”
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“My session with Jason was one of the most profound and stunning experiences ever. I have to say I was totally stunned that this result was possible in such a short period of time. I’m still stunned and ecstatically happy with the photos.”
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“Going forward, I’ll never trust my face and brand with anyone else but Jason!”
World-Renowned, Award Winning Portrait Specialist
Jason's work can be seen on the pages of Entrepreneur, GQ, Forbes, Financial Review, dozens of book covers and billboards & bus stops all over the world.
His understanding of light, lines and gesture is only surpassed by his understanding of the entrepreneur's journey.
He has been photographing 'professionals on the rise' exclusively for over 10 years and loves working closely with real people doing great things.
Anyone who has been photographed by Jason understands that the images are secondary. His clients know the real value of his process is the chance to profoundly redefine themselves and communicate that on a deeply fundamental level to your audience. It's an opportunity to hold up a mirror and - if you're open - give yourself a chance to see yourself differently.
Merely making you look good is a given. The point is to fully portray you... in a way that honestly reflects your vision and value. Jason helps the world see 'the you' you're meant to become.
If you are actively crafting your impact and influence in the world... When Trust, Authenticity and Integrity are at the very top of your list, it may be time to work with Jason.