Jon Carmichael
World-renowned astrophotographer and keynote speaker who inspires leaders and teams to aim higher and redefine what they believe is possible.
World-renowned astrophotographer and keynote speaker who inspires leaders and teams to aim higher and redefine what they believe is possible.
In a time where uncertainty and rapid change define everyday business, Jon Carmichael helps leaders and organizations reimagine what’s possible. Known worldwide for capturing the acclaimed image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse from 39,000 feet in the air, Jon’s journey is a powerful reminder that progress begins when we challenge accepted boundaries. Through striking visuals and compelling storytelling, he transforms a seemingly impossible dream into practical lessons on innovation, resilience, and bold decision-making. Jon doesn’t motivate through theory, he inspires through lived experience, showing audiences how vision, grit, and courage can unlock extraordinary results.
Jon Carmichael is a world-renowned astrophotographer and keynote speaker whose work and message center on pushing past perceived limitations. His rise from passionate photographer to global inspiration is rooted in a simple belief: when we dare to aim higher, new opportunities appear. Jon’s ability to translate creative ambition into actionable insight has made him a sought-after speaker for organizations looking to elevate mindset, leadership, and performance.
Jon captivated the world when he revealed his image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse, captured from an airplane flying at 39,000 feet. The photograph was the result of years of preparation and an audacious idea—convincing the captain of a commercial airliner to adjust its flight path at a critical moment. The obstacles were real, the risks significant, and the outcome unforgettable. This story sits at the heart of Jon’s keynotes, illustrating how bold vision paired with trust and persistence can lead to remarkable breakthroughs.
At the core of Jon Carmichael’s speaking is his signature Eclipse Mindset. This framework challenges individuals and teams to look beyond conventional goals and question the limits they accept as fixed. Jon shows how uncertainty can be a strategic advantage, how courage fuels innovation, and how obstacles can become launching points rather than roadblocks. His message resonates strongly with leaders navigating change, growth, and high-stakes decision-making.
With more than 20 years of experience, Jon has served as lead photographer for globally recognized brands including Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN. His ability to perform under pressure, align with diverse stakeholders, and deliver excellence at critical moments mirrors the challenges faced by modern organizations. These experiences add depth and credibility to his message, grounding inspiration in real-world execution.
Jon Carmichael’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, in The Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and displayed in Times Square. His portfolio also includes collaborations with influential figures such as President Obama, the Dalai Lama, David Copperfield, Lady Gaga, and even Batman. A defining milestone came in 2015 when Elton John became the first collector of Jon’s limited-edition photographs, marking a turning point in his artistic journey and global recognition.
Jon Carmichael doesn’t deliver a standard keynote, he creates an immersive experience tailored to the audience’s challenges and ambitions. Whether the focus is leadership, innovation, resilience, or daring to think bigger, Jon combines stunning imagery, heartfelt emotion, and moments of reflection and humor. When you book Jon Carmichael for your event, you give your audience more than inspiration, you give them a renewed perspective on what they can achieve when they choose to aim higher and act boldly.
Keynote by Jon Carmichael:
Jon Carmichael’s journey to capturing one of history’s most breathtaking images of a solar eclipse wasn’t just about photography, it was about perspective, audacity, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this inspiring keynote, Jon shares how embracing The Infinite Mindset, one that sees beyond obstacles and reimagines limitations, allowed him to turn uncertainty into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Through captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Jon takes audiences on his journey from a childhood dream to a high-stakes mission at 39,000 feet, where teamwork, intuition, and bold thinking led to a breakthrough moment. Just like an eclipse reveals a hidden beauty that’s only visible for a fleeting moment, Jon shows how our biggest opportunities often emerge from the shadows of challenge and change.
Audiences will leave equipped with:
Jon’s story proves that when we step into our eclipse moment, where preparation, intuition, and risk-taking collide, we can transform setbacks into breakthroughs and create history.
Keynote by Jon Carmichael:
Whether your focus is on adaptability, innovation, teamwork, leadership, or embracing uncertainty, Jon weaves his message through incredible, real-world stories of chasing audacious dreams and redefining what’s possible.
From capturing history’s most breathtaking eclipse image at 39,000 feet to meeting icons like President Obama, Elton John, and the Dalai Lama, Jon shares powerful lessons of curiosity, resilience, and bold thinking that resonate across industries. His ability to tailor his storytelling ensures that every audience, from corporate leaders to creative visionaries, leaves with actionable inspiration and a renewed mindset for breakthrough success.