StudioTalk LIVE with Jonny Edward: Curiosity, Gratitude, and the Power of Portraits
/This week, we hosted a StudioTalk LIVE on Instagram with an insightful conversation with Denver-based artist and HSM Legacy Member, Jonny Edward. In this 60-minute chat, we discussed the balance between gratitude, humility, and creative leadership — and how these qualities shape not only Jonny’s photography and teaching, but also his interactions in everyday life. We explored the flow of creativity in the studio, the importance of mindset, and how staying curious can open the door to more intentional portrait work.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in and joined us for this StudioTalk LIVE on Instagram.
Special thanks to Jonny for sharing his time, stories, and thoughtful insights with us.
For those of you who enjoy a read in addition to a watch and listen, we’ve created a short blog excerpt below. [↓]
Please enjoy and feel free to comment with any questions.
Cheers, Dwayne.
Curiosity, Gratitude, and the Power of Portraits
Our latest Headshots Matter StudioTalk featured Jonny Edward, a Colorado-based photographer and educator whose work balances technical craft with a deep sense of empathy. Jonny’s approach is rooted in humility, curiosity, and gratitude—values that shine through in every story he tells and every image he creates.
Throughout our conversation, he spoke about how his own struggles and challenges shaped the perspective he brings to photography today. For him, gratitude isn’t an afterthought—it’s a starting point.
“Every day I wake up, people ask why I’m in a good mood. I tell them, well, I’m above ground—that’s my precedent.”
That outlook, simple yet profound, colours the way Jonny interacts with clients. He doesn’t just set up lights and angles—he builds conversations, listens to people’s stories, and creates a space where they feel genuinely seen.
Jonny also spoke candidly about nerves and imperfection. Despite his international reputation, he admitted he still feels anxious before shoots, workshops, or live talks.
“Before every shoot, I get nervous. But to me, that’s a marker that I care.”
That honesty is part of what makes his teaching and his photography resonate. Rather than presenting an image of effortless perfection, he shows that vulnerability and curiosity can be strengths in creative work.
For headshot photographers in London, New York, or anywhere in the world, Jonny’s perspective is a powerful reminder: photography is more than technical execution. It’s a practice rooted in empathy, gratitude, and the courage to stay curious.
In reference to our exchange about photowalks and shooting personal work, everyday if possible, he expressed how paramount constant shooting is:
“It’s not optional—it’s foundational. If we don’t stay connected to ourselves and to our art, we can’t be of service to the people who come to us.”
In the end, Jonny summed up his philosophy with clarity: creativity isn’t optional—it’s foundational. If we don’t stay connected to our own art and to ourselves, we can’t truly serve the people who step in front of our cameras.
You can view Jonny’s work at: www.jonnyedward.com and follow him on Instagram at: @JONNYCREATIVE
