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Jonathan Ong

Jonathan Ong

Jonathan Ong

Career Roadmap

Jonathan's work combines: Design, Journalism, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

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Day In The Life

Photographer

I'm a visual storyteller; photographer for weddings.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Design and Visual Communications, General

    Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Photographers:

Bachelor's Degree: Design and Visual Communications, General

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Since I was young, I wanted to be an Investment Banker and drive a Ferrari.

  • 2.

    During my big college exams, I got really sick and didn't do well for my Economics Paper.

  • 3.

    Took photos for fun on weekends and blogged it.

  • 4.

    Someone commented on my blog to follow him for a wedding.

  • 5.

    Assisted him for 18 months. Then opened a studio together in Singapore & worked full time for 1 year.

  • 6.

    Moved to Melbourne to Study Graphic Design for 4 years.

  • 7.

    Now a full-time wedding photographer, and loving it.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    When are you going to get a real job? (referring to wedding photography as not a real job)

  • How I responded:

    I think parents are just concerned about their kids having a good future; their opposition comes from a place of love, so I don't believe in being disrespectful to my parents. Once you can show them that what you love to do can also pay the bills and let you lead a comfortable life, they will be more open to coming along side your dream. Be responsible and mature about decisions, especially when it comes to finances.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I'm dyslexic, so academics was never easy for me. But hard work definitely pays off. Keep your chin up and just work at it, because later when you look back, you won't regret it.