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

Hi Jim, so before we jump into specifics about your story and work, let’s start higher level. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned a number of different lessons through my time pursuing photography, One of the most impactful lessons is about authenticity, to be authentic to who you are in your pursuits. There are a lot of paths toward success, and you might see others doing things differently with more success. But its a marathon, not a sprint. just because others are successful now, doesnt mean that you arent laying a foundation for future success. We often times see what others have but don’t recognize the effort and time it took for them to get there. I try to focus on doing that best I can and “running MY race”. In this world of social media, many of us live out our brands. People recognize and respond to authenticity and passion.

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.
Its hard to think about what makes my work so different, but one of the more frequent comments I get about my work is about its colors and vibrance. It definitely does show in my work and subjects I work with. From automotive and music to events and cosplay, I really do enjoy the vibrance in life and trying to capture those elements. I don’t usually like to stick to one style. I like to experiment and explore different techniques and styles, and by doing that, I’m able to bring new tools into my work and projects with clients. Its been an interesting journey filled with a lot of fun experiences and people. I greatly admire the work by my photographer friends, and as Ive matured in my skills, Ive learned to not compare my work to theirs but be able to celebrate that we all see and shoot things differently. My work is greatly driven by trying to capture special moments and show things in a unique way, also while making the process as simple as possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel like LA is filled with lots a great spots. The LA arts district and jewelry district are filled with alot of character to explore, with some great food along the way. I also can’t miss swinging by WeHo and cruising around the Sunset Strip. But definitely can’t miss PCH and the beach, along with the Santa Monica Pier and cruising up through Malibu. Lots of great views to enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like there is a small collection of people in my life that have all helped play a role in my success and progress. Very early on, my uncle Brian played a huge role in getting started. I had always played around with photography but never thought anything more of it than just a hobby. While I was in college, Brian jumped into photography and was making great work. It was very different and really got me to thinking differently about photography styles. And it honestly got me to think that if he could jump into it, why couldnt I? Even as I started, he gave me some of my first chances to shoot in a studio, and I could always show him what I was working on to get his thoughts. I can honestly say that without his inspiration, encouragement, and instruction, I would not be photographing how I am today.

Website: jimdonnellyphoto.com
Instagram: @jimdonnellyphoto
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdonnellyphoto/
Twitter: @jimdonnellyfoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimdonnellyphoto/