Meet Jonathan Betz | Portrait Artist

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

Hi Jonathan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The start of my professional photography career was with a multi-location portrait studio in St. Louis. I gained valuable insights from this job, not only in my craft and expertise behind the camera, but importantly, watching all the aspects of the client experience in motion. That being said, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and knew that I wanted the ability to choose every aspect of my own portrait studio. Shortly after my wife and I married in 2004, we set a timeline to move out West within two years. While I know she already knew that move would launch a portrait business, she wasn’t expecting an invitation to do that together. I’m thankful she accepted that invitation as our unique strengths fill all the essential roles and responsibilities for our studio We wanted our own business for a variety of reasons…we have full control over every aspect of our business; we give our personal touch to everything; we are able to choose our schedule; and we serve our clients from our hearts. We work incredibly hard yet love all the rewards of owning our own business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I strive to push myself to be the best at what I do. Along the way, I’ve been incredibly blessed to have been mentored by multiple master photographers. I’m fortunate to have learned my craft in the film days as that solidified mastery of getting the image right in camera. My first mentor taught me to see light with my eyes so that I could then help the tool in my hand to capture the light. Today I continue to seek to elevate what I do behind the camera and make the experience of being photographed fun for my clients. Our business centers on believing in the power of legacy. We have a print-based approach to every session and believe that an image is complete when it’s printed. We love knowing that what we do today will outlive us and that we provide finished prints and products that grow in value as time passes.

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.
We’d head up to the mountains and ride some ATV trails in the summer months and skiing if the winter months.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Attending Imaging USA convention annually by Professional Photographers of America has been a key to our success within the photography industry. Our attendance each year provides essential continuing education, ensures we keep up with the pulse of our industry, sparks fresh ideas and insights, energizes us for our next year in business, and surrounds us with vibrant photography business owners (who are now some of our closest friends and mentors) from across the country.

Website: www.jonathanbetz.com

Instagram: @jonathanbetz

Image Credits
(c) Jonathan Betz Photography