Jonathan “Puka” Pearson

wassup, I'm Jonathan, but most people call me Puka, a nickname my mom gave me. born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and my journey with photography wasn’t planned at all. Back in 2013, I was at a friend’s video shoot, and they handed me a camera just to help out. That simple moment changed everything for me. A lot of my friends were into music, and I found myself naturally drawn to documenting their journey—whether it was at showcases, studio sessions, or video shoots. For about a year, I didn’t even have my own camera. I was just borrowing gear from friends, grinding it out until I could finally afford one.

Over time, I found myself juggling both photography and music videos, but I knew I had to pick a lane. I chose photography and tried my hand at everything—weddings, fashion, maternity shoots, baby showers—you name it. But trying to do it all honestly left me drained. I was spreading myself too thin and couldn’t give my clients the experience they deserved.

When 2020 hit, like everybody else, I had to sit down and take a real look at my life and my work. It made me slow down and really figure out what I wanted to do. I spent that time learning, reflecting, and getting my mind right.

2021 felt like my year. Business was steady, I even bought my first car, and I finally took that leap to quit my day job and go all-in with photography. But, just when I thought I had it all figured out, things slowed down, and I ended up losing my car. It was a tough hit, but during that time, I turned to street photography to keep myself going. There’s something about roaming the city and capturing those raw moments that’s just... therapeutic. It brought me back to why I picked up a camera in the first place.

So here I am, a few years later, with a clearer sense of purpose. I’ve found my groove in brand photography for music artists, and I’m ready to use my skills to help artists tell their stories. It’s been a journey, but I’m here, more focused than ever, and excited for what’s next.