Jonathan Owen Photographer

My name is Jonathan Owen and I am a professional freelance photographer based in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex. I specialise in event photography including festivals, private events, nightclubs, weddings, family occasions and parties as well as photo shoots either on location or at my photography studio situated in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

I started out taking photos on film of friends and music artists at events around my hometown of Southend-on-Sea in Essex in the late nineties. This was partly due to my involvement with events at the time, I ran club nights, live gigs and charity functions quite regularly back then and still throw the odd party now but it's hard to come close to the parties we used to put together. The photography hobby turned into a passion and I ventured into London and various universities around the UK to capture and create moments and record valued memories. My love for the arts crossed genres and I started taking on various projects including web design, music, graphics and multimedia but my passion for photography grew and as my skills developed I committed myself to photography as a career and have been a dedicated freelance photographer since 2003, though I still take on the odd bit of graphic design, old habits die hard!

Since starting to freelance I have been involved in a huge variety of projects, both commissioned and inspired by others as well as myself and it has taken me around the UK and Europe. As I worked I tested my skills at various genres working on projects that took my out of my comfort zone, learning different photographic techniques and discovering what inspired me and what specific styles of photography I am drawn to. I can't say there has been any specific inspirations or hero's for me, I grew up with a creative family including my dad who often had his film camera to hand so I think that was definitely noted. I think innovation and anything out of the ordinary tends to stop and make me think, and that's what drives me rather than any specific photographer or style. All I have learnt has come from reading, trial and error and keeping my eyes open to the world around me, photography is something that can be taught but for me having an eye for a shot is truly a matter of taste and perspective.

In 2009 I set up my photography studio in Southend-On-Sea, it gave me and others the opportunity to work in a dedicated professional photographic environment as well as a creative hub to try ideas and concepts. This has enabled me to build a business both working on photo shoots and covering events, I enjoy them both equally for different reasons although both allow me to indulge my creativity.

Throughout my career I am lucky enough to have worked with some amazing clients, stylists, models and fellow photographers all who have driven me to push the boundaries and stay true to my own style. I am currently mainly working in the Essex and London areas taking on commissions from both private clients and the general public including studio photography, location shoots, and event coverage ranging from festivals and parties to weddings and private functions.