Photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about preserving moments, emotions, and stories that last a lifetime. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Fischer, a talented photographer known for his ability to capture genuine smiles and authentic expressions. With a passion for storytelling through his lens, Jon has built a career rooted in creating meaningful and impactful portraits. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey, unique approach to photography, and insights for aspiring photographers.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE
Beverly Hills Magazine: Jon, it’s such an honor to spend some time with you today. Could you share with our audience a bit about your journey into photography? What inspired you to pursue this career?
Jon Fischer: Thank you for having me! My journey into photography began when I was young, fascinated by the power of capturing moments. What truly inspired me was the ability to preserve genuine emotions and tell stories through images. It became my passion to freeze time and create lasting memories for people.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your work focuses on capturing genuine smiles and emotions. How do you manage to make your clients feel comfortable and relaxed during a photoshoot?
Jon Fischer: It is all about creating a comfortable environment. I start by getting to know my clients, understanding their personalities, and building a rapport. I use humor, casual conversations, and sometimes even music to help them relax. The key is to make the session feel natural rather than staged, which helps in capturing those genuine smiles and authentic moments.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You have a unique approach to photography, emphasizing authenticity. Could you elaborate on your philosophy and how it differentiates your work?
Jon Fischer: My philosophy revolves around authenticity. I believe that true beauty and emotion come through when people are being themselves. I focus on candid moments, natural expressions, and real interactions. This approach sets my work apart as it creates images that resonate on a deeper, more personal level with my clients.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You mentioned on your website that you love telling stories through your photos. Could you share a memorable story or experience from one of your shoots?
Jon Fischer: One memorable experience was a family shoot where the children were initially shy. We started with some playful activities, and gradually, their personalities shone through. By the end, the entire family was laughing and enjoying themselves. The final images captured their genuine bond and love, which was incredibly rewarding for me.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your expertise includes capturing various types of portraits. How do you tailor your approach when working with different subjects, such as families, professionals, or individuals?
Jon Fischer: Each type of subject requires a unique approach. For families, I focus on interaction and connection. With professionals, I aim to highlight their confidence and personality. For individuals, it is about capturing their essence and uniqueness. Understanding the purpose of the shoot and the personality of the subject is crucial in tailoring my approach.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Technology has significantly evolved in photography. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and tools in the industry?
Jon Fischer: I am constantly learning and experimenting with new techniques and tools. I attend workshops, participate in online forums, and follow industry leaders. Staying curious and open to innovation helps me stay ahead and offer my clients the best possible experience.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You have a presence on Matchmaker.fm, which is a platform for podcast guests and hosts. How has this platform helped you in connecting with a wider audience?
Jon Fischer: Matchmaker.fm has been an incredible platform for expanding my reach. It allows me to share my expertise, connect with diverse audiences, and collaborate with like-minded professionals. It has opened doors to new opportunities and helped me grow my personal brand.
Beverly Hills Magazine: As someone who captures precious moments for a living, what advice would you give to aspiring photographers who want to create meaningful and impactful work?
Jon Fischer: My advice is to focus on your passion and authenticity. Understand your subjects, be patient, and always strive to capture the essence of the moment. Stay dedicated to continuous learning and never underestimate the power of storytelling through your images.
Jon Fischer: Oh, I started as a kid and loved it. When I did photography in high school, I fell in love with it. About 15 years ago, I took a photography course, and I just knew this was what I wanted to do. Years ago, I made a career change because I wanted to do something I truly loved. Before that, I studied teaching and worked in therapeutic roles helping kids. At some point, I just decided—I’m going to do this because I love it.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I believe that God creates us all with unique gifts and talents, and I think they manifest when we’re kids. Since you discovered this as a child, maybe you were created to do this!
Jon Fischer: That’s an interesting perspective.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How do you approach capturing genuine emotions and smiles in your portraits? How do you get someone to be real in front of the camera?
Jon Fischer: That’s a really great question. With online dating photography, I primarily work with divorced women, many of whom feel insecure. They don’t look like they used to, and they don’t want to be doing this again. My gift is that I can see their amazingness—even when they don’t see it themselves. I think of it as a “God view.” I help them see what I see, and once they believe it, they start to transform in front of me. That’s when I take the photos, capturing them in their truest essence.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Having your photo taken is a pretty intimate experience. You have to be vulnerable, and your gift is making people feel at ease in that space. That’s incredible!
Jon Fischer: Thank you. What’s interesting about online dating photography is that people accept that it’s personal. It’s not like a business headshot; it’s something deeply tied to who they are. That openness allows me to be fully present and bring out their authenticity. It’s a transformational experience for them, and for me, as a photographer.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s so powerful! Especially for someone seeking love after heartbreak and rejection. Those experiences can be traumatic and affect self-image. You help them reconnect with their true selves through your photography.
Jon Fischer: Exactly. There’s something profound that happens when a person sees an authentic photo of themselves. They can go one of two ways: they either say, “Wow, Jon, you took such a great picture,” or they say, “Wow, I didn’t know I was that.” The latter is life-changing because they see a true representation of themselves—beyond insecurities, beyond self-doubt. It’s no longer just a great photo; it’s a revelation.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is so powerful!
Beverly Hills Magazine: Jon, you’re on a mission to talk about authenticity. Can you share more about that?
Jon Fischer: Absolutely! I want to dive deep into authenticity. I even have a course on it. There’s so much available to us when we embrace our true selves. And I actually have a trick I can share with your audience if you’d like. Would you like me to share it?
Beverly Hills Magazine: Yes, of course!
Jon Fischer: Great! First, I want to say to everyone: You are beautiful, wonderful, and amazing. I know we all have filters and layers we put in front of that, but beneath all of that is your true self, and that is stunning.
A lot of people say they aren’t photogenic, but that’s just not true. The issue is often that they feel uncomfortable in front of a camera. If a photographer can help them relax and just be their true selves, that’s where the magic happens.
Here’s a little trick for you: If you’re taking selfies or having a friend take a picture, the key is to forget about the camera for a moment. It might sound silly, but it works. Let me show you.
One simple hack is to look up at the sky, make a goofy “monkey smile,” then look back and snap the photo. That split second captures your real joy. A fake smile is useless—it’s obvious. But if you can tap into genuine joy, that’s what will shine through in the picture. Try it.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I love that! I even felt my spirit relax while doing it. That’s such a great way to bring out genuine joy.
Jon Fischer: Exactly! When you take a picture in that moment of true joy, you can’t fake it. It actually enhances how attractive a person looks because confidence and happiness radiate outward.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Even the Bible says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” without flaw. That natural joy is part of who we are.
Jon Fischer: That’s beautifully spoken.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Do you have another tip?
Jon Fischer: Yes! The second hack is about who is behind the camera. If you’re being photographed by someone who truly sees and appreciates you—like a best friend—you’ll feel different. Your insecurities fade, and you relax into your natural wonderfulness. That’s when the most beautiful, authentic moments are captured.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I love your energy! I can see why people would feel comfortable with you behind the camera.
Jon Fischer: Thank you, that’s so sweet!
Beverly Hills Magazine: What role does storytelling play in your photography?
Jon Fischer: Surprisingly, I don’t rely on traditional storytelling. When I worked with dating photos or individual shoots, I sometimes incorporated a story. But what I’ve developed instead are techniques—like the monkey dance—that quickly get people into an authentic emotional space.
A great photographer doesn’t need hours of conversation to bring out authenticity. I often only have ten minutes with a client, so I use simple, effective tricks to get them to relax. These methods work even for introverts because they shift focus away from the camera and onto a positive, natural emotion.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You’re on a mission to re-educate photographers with these strategies. Are you writing a book?
Jon Fischer: Yes! I have a book in the works, though it’s not quite published yet. I also have a course that isn’t live yet, but everything is coming soon.
Beverly Hills Magazine: So, how can people contact you? Are you on social media? Where can people find you?
Jon Fischer: Yes! People can find me on Instagram at @jonfischerphotography. I’m also on YouTube and Facebook. I have a team managing my social media, so there may be new names appearing, but Jon Fischer is the name to look for.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Lighting has always been considered a crucial part of photography. How important is it in your work?
Jon Fischer: Lighting is essential for making a photo look professional and meeting industry standards. For example, a lawyer might need more shadowing, while a therapist might benefit from a more natural, relaxed look. But lighting only gets you so far.
A well-lit photo makes you look professional, but it won’t make people choose you over someone else. What draws people in is authenticity. When someone looks at your photo and feels like they “get” you, that’s what makes an impact. Good lighting is the foundation, but capturing a person’s essence is what truly matters.
Jon Fischer: My website is currently being updated, but it’s jonfischerphotography.com. However, what I really want to share is my mission—to bring awareness to the power of authenticity in photography. Authenticity should be as important as lighting, posing, and composition. It makes the headshot do its job—it makes people connect. More importantly, it allows the subject to see their true self and believe in it. It’s not about taking an amazing photo—it’s about revealing the amazing human in the photo.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s a beautiful mission, Jon. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and your passion with us!
Jon Fischer: Thank you!
Jon Fischer’s dedication to authenticity and storytelling shines through in his work, making his photography truly special. His passion for capturing raw emotions and creating lasting memories is an inspiration to both clients and aspiring photographers. As he continues to innovate and expand his reach, we look forward to seeing more of his incredible work. Be sure to check out his website and follow his journey as he continues to bring moments to life through his lens.