Hello, I'm Jonathan
I’m a proud Latino photographer based in Long Beach, California. By day, I work a full-time corporate job, and by passion, I pursue photography capturing meaningful moments that tell authentic stories. I’m fueled by iced coffee (no matter the weather), and I have a deep love for collecting records, handwritten letters, and photographs. My French Bulldogs, Saint & Max, are my constant companion and source of joy. I have a wild & creative spirit, but I find peace in quiet places.
My photography journey began in 2015, when, at 22 years old, I followed a bold dream to turn my passion into a career. Just a year later, a devastating setback struck. My car was broken into, and all of my photography equipment was stolen. The loss was heartbreaking, and I took it as a sign to step away.
Photography never truly left me. Over the years, it remained a quiet presence in my life. Friends and acquaintances often asked, “Do you still do photography?” The answer was always complicated, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t finished.
In 2022, at 29, it felt like something had shifted. My Saturn had returned, and with it came clarity. I picked up a second job as a server and began saving with one goal in mind: to reignite my dream. By 2023, I had a camera in my hands again and a renewed the fire in my heart.
This isn’t just a career, it’s my calling. And I’m grateful to be here, capturing moments that matter.
MY JOURNEY BEHIND THE LENs
My photography journey began in 2015, when, at 22 years old, I followed a bold dream to turn my passion into a career. Just a year later, a devastating setback struck. My car was broken into, and all of my photography equipment was stolen. The loss was heartbreaking, and I took it as a sign to step away.
Photography never truly left me. Over the years, it remained a quiet presence in my life. Friends and acquaintances often asked, “Do you still do photography?” The answer was always complicated, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t finished.
In 2022, at 29, it felt like something had shifted. My Saturn had returned, and with it came clarity. I picked up a second job as a server and began saving with one goal in mind: to reignite my dream. By 2023, I had a camera in my hands again and a renewed the fire in my heart.
This isn’t just a career, it’s my calling. And I’m grateful to be here, capturing moments that matter.
MY INSPIRATION
My inspiration is rooted in the nostalgia of old family film photographs, the emotion of music, and the quiet beauty found in imperfection. When you receive your gallery, each image will carry its own character, distinct in tone and feeling yet together they will form a cohesive, artful story that reflects the authenticity of your moments
my brother & i
One of my favorite photos of my brother and me, shot on film. Just two kids, no posing, no pressure. Boys being boys.
My sister & i
I remember this day so clearly. I thought my parents had forgotten my birthday (they worked a lot), but my sister showed up like she always does. She’s the reason I grew up loving birthdays.
my mom, sister, & Brother
Before I was born, a quiet moment from my sister’s birthday. Proof that celebration and love lived in our home long before I arrived.