"Hello, I'm Jon..."
Since I got my first camera at 8 years old, I've absolutely loved taking photographs.
I've been a pro photographer since 2004 and I love it just as much today as I did when I started. I’m very much a ‘people person’ - that’s what I love to shoot and not only what I’ve built my career on, but what I find the most rewarding too.
I've lived in Ashtead since 2017, married to the lovely Anna, and hands-on Dad to an 11-year old an 8-year old. Life is busy!
Any spare time I have is taken up with playing guitar, listening to music, riding motorbikes, running, seeing friends and trying not to buy any more guitars.
Fun fact: I don’t like peas.
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME
I’ve always been fascinated by people so I’ve naturally gravitated towards photographing them. That could be for an ad campaign, a portrait, a sporting event, a school classroom or a big party; the thing that ties everything together – and the thing I love to capture in my photography – is the humanity, personality and authenticity of the people and the moment.
I've got over 20 years’ experience as a professional photographer, both nationally and internationally (you can see my work at www.jonathancolephotography.com if you'd like to) with a degree in graphic design and also eight years’ experience as an Art Director in the Ad Agency world. It has been and continues to be a whole lot of fun and I feel my love for what I do really shines through in my photography.
After spending all that time working for agencies and big companies, I thought it was time I created a more personal, affordable photography service for individuals, rather than corporations and the idea for 'Life by Jon Cole' was born.
As a hands-on Dad of two I’m very aware of just how quickly time can just disappear, and just how important it is to capture some of those moments before they disappear!
My career has been built on human connection and I always approach each shoot with a smile – clients often comment on how easy and enjoyable I’ve made the shoot experience for them, which is always great to hear.
Family time is the best time for me, and it’s a privilege to be trusted and given a window into another family’s life and to create something special for them that will last forever.
Bringing stories to life with the camera still feels like magic to me.
Another fun fact: I've been on both Popmaster and Ten To The Top on Radio 2 (I absolutely love a music quiz).
I'm not great at using socials, but here's a few recent snapshots!
WELCOME TO THE STUDIO!
Photography Studio. Playpen. Music Room. Whatever you like to call it, I have a fully-equipped, air-conditioned 35ft x 12ft studio space at home which is perfect for all kinds of photography. And band practice, but that's another story!
I have Elinchrom flash lighting, continuous lighting for video work, drones, gimbals, clamps, gopros, stands, backdrops, microphones, clamps, clips, softboxes, reflectors a vinyl record player and guitars hung on the wall. It's my happy place for sure.
It's a fantastic and versatile space for both individual/group portraits and family shoots too. Pet are very welcome!
You can choose from a variety of coloured backgrounds, beautiful colour images or classic, timeless black and white. The only thing we're restricted by is out imaginations!
Here's a selection of images shot in the Studio. Come and visit and see for yourself soon!
