Meet Jona Deocampo | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jona Deocampo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jona, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always grown up with an appreciation for photography. My best childhood memories stem from my grandma taking my cousin and I on our annual road trip to San Francisco. She would buy us disposable film cameras from the drug store and drive us to all the tourist locations where we could take photos of anything and everything. Later in life, my husband and I were fortunate to travel to some of the most beautiful places, where I discovered a genuine appreciation for photography. However, it was becoming a mom that ignited my passion for capturing moments in time I thought were lost. I don’t have the best memory, so taking photos is one way I can bring myself back to a time that was once forgotten. As a mother, I realized how important photographs are because one day, your baby’s hand will no longer fit snug in yours. My husband is in the military, so he wasn’t home to capture those raw and real moments that happen in motherhood. When our first daughter was six months, I remember going through my phone and crying because I didn’t have any photos of her and I together. I decided to pursue a photography career because I didn’t want others to have that same regret. Photography is so much more than clicking a button; it’s the ability to encapsulate memories that will last a lifetime.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My ability to connect with my clients is what sets me apart from other photographers, and it’s the reason my clients keep coming back. I believe in prioritizing people over profits, because what I can do for them is worth more than just monetary gain. It fills my cup to encourage others to embrace their natural beauty and have it captured on camera. I’ve come to realize that we tend to be overly critical of ourselves, especially when it comes to our physical appearance. As a photographer, one of my biggest challenges was posing my clients. However, I quickly learned that building a strong connection and making my clients feel comfortable before the shoot is key. By sending questionnaires beforehand and taking the time to talk with my clients before even taking their first photo, I was able to create more meaningful and authentic photographs that truly capture their essence. This experience has shown me the importance of taking the time to connect with others and the value it can bring to any creative endeavor. This has helped me greatly in creating more natural and genuine poses that truly capture the personality and character of my clients. They are the heartbeat of my business and Jona Deocampo Photography wouldn’t be where it is today without their continued support.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a military family, we have gained “extended family” from all over the United States. Unfortunately, many of them have never visited San Diego, CA. If they ever decide to come to visit me, I would recommend that we spend a morning at Scripps Pier enjoying breakfast burritos while watching the surfers ride the waves. For lunch, we could check out Little Italy and later, head to Salt and Straw for some delicious lavender ice cream. We would also visit the museums in Balboa Park and enjoy some short rib pappardelle at Cucina Urbana for dinner. To make the trip even more memorable, we could take a trip to the San Diego Safari Park and Seaworld, as both places offer a great experience for both adults and kids. I would recommend visiting Urban Bubble, my favorite boba spot in San Diego, before leaving the city. The Thai tea bubble drink, paired with a savory basil chicken snack, is an unparalleled experience that will make them want to plan another trip to San Diego sooner rather than later.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my success to my husband, Dionee Deocampo, for giving me the support and love I needed when I felt less than. I would also love to recognize that I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today if it were not for my family, Angela Deocampo, and Dianne Sabas, for always giving me the encouragement and confidence to keep going.

Website: www.JonaDeocampoPhotography.com

Instagram: @JonaDeocampo.Photography