Growing up - As a kid, I was in awe of my dad’s home videos made with a Kodak Super 8mm film camera. Getting the projector out to watch the same 3 min reels never got old. When My dad upgraded to a VHS camcorder, I was old enough to experiment around with it. With the help from my neighborhood buddies, we made music videos and hilarious SNL type skits. 

Wedding Videography - As I got older, getting a 9 to 5 job seemed like the most practical way to make a living. But the light bulb went on in early 2001 after shooting several vacations and a friends wedding. Ahhh...I can make a living doing what I love to do. From 2004-20015, I shot and edited over 300 weddings under the business name of Schulte Productions.

Photography 2006 - I had another ah ha moment when needing an animated video clip for a wedding video edit. The moment I discovered istockphoto was a life changer. I bought my first DSLR in 2006 and I took photos of concepts of my choosing. Wow! I started uploading commercial stock photos and video to istockphoto.com in 2007. Through that site, I learned the technicals of what it takes to be a skilled photographer. Understanding quality, lighting, camera settings....etc. And with a little luck, I was able to sell my work around the world. My work has been used by thousands of companies... appearing on book covers, motion pictures, TV shows, commercials and even The Ellen Degeneres show. I parlayed that into being a contracted creative photographer with Getty Images. I still work with both istockphoto and Getty Images to this day.

Day Job - From 1996-2017, all the while working on expanding my photo and video business, I also held a full time “day job” a Macys Inc. working in the Media Center, Marketing, and Finance departments. I’ve always wanted to work full time on my business but with raising a young family (married father of 3 daughters), being secure with a full time job and insurance seemed more responsible...but with the support of my wife, I was able to quit my “day job” and start down the road of being a “Full Time” photographer and videography in September 2017. So here I am. With the help from God, I will be able to help people with my creative talents and meet the needs of my family. I appreciate all the support from my family and friends in the past, present and future.

Thanks for reading.

Jon

Proverbs 3:5-6

• 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.