Meet Jonathan Villa | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Jonathan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The reason behind why I pursued a creative career happened so naturally. Growing up I was always a creative person and my main hobby was drawing, in fact I was going to school for animation right after high school. However due to reasons outside my control, college didn’t last long for me. While making a career out of drawing wasn’t looking good, I knew there had to be something else out there I can do creatively. While this was happening, a friend at my church had been teaching me photography and I had actually been booked a few times to help shoot weddings. During this time I didn’t know this would eventually evolve into what my career is now. Its safe to say I was constantly surrounded by creative environments and creative people so before I knew it photography was my full-time gig and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

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.
As a creative in the photo and video industry standing out can be a huge challenge, especially in recent years. What I can say that sets me apart is the genuine moments captured with clients. Whether it be weddings, proposals, or interviews, I make it a point to capture the most candid moments. Throughout my creative/professional journey a common challenge was the fear of bigger opportunities. Every so often an opportunity would come that seemed way above my skill level. It would be easy to pass up but by stepping out of my comfort zone I learned this is the life of every successful entrepreneur. Getting out there and just doing it. What I would want the world to know about me is that I didn’t have this figured out all at once, it was a constant battle of self doubt and hitting creative blocks but also taking a every opportunity seriously and bringing a creative touch to every project I worked on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am blessed to live in Southern California where you can find just about anything to do within a few hours from you. While having a handful of major theme parks, miles of beaches along the coast, mountains, and deserts. It’s hard to not find adventure. However would I choose to do with a friend would start at the shores of Laguna Beach where you will find just about the best golden hour lighting ( every photographers favorite lighting ). Then grab dinner at one of Laguna’s many resturaunts right off of PCH. Second would be my second favorite pass time which is off roading to Santiago peak in Orange Country. This trail offers in my opinion the best view in all of orange county and be driven by almost any Jeep or truck with enough clearance in less then an hour.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Some people that must be recognized in my story are a few friends, my family, and God. Starting with my friends Marcus Hernandez and Anthony Lopez are the two people that taught me about photography, and are by far some of the most creative people I know. From teaching me simple settings to getting dynamic shots they were and continue to be a huge help in my career. Second, my now wife Yainel Villa came in at the start of my career as just a friend and was quick to become a huge support system and fellow creative. Yainel encouraged me during times of self-doubt and was there to support when business was booming. Now Yainel is a photographer herself and helps with nearly all my Gigs. Also, I would not even have started photography without my mom, literally, she bought me my first camera and could not thank her enough for all the love and support she has shown throughout the years. Lastly, I cannot tell my story without giving the glory to God. As a believer and creative person I’ve always relied on prayer when making decisions and taking risks. God has always shown his faithfulness to me in my personal life and business.

Instagram: @jonvizuals