Keynote speaker (45–60 minutes), visual storytelling presentations, leadership and innovation sessions.
Corporate leaders, creative professionals, innovation teams, and organizations seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve bold goals.
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 Eclipse 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:
• A powerful shift in perspective—how to eclipse self-doubt and old ways of thinking
• Strategies for embracing uncertainty as a launchpad for innovation
• The courage to take bold action, even when the path is unclear
• A renewed sense of curiosity and limitless possibility
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.
Jon Carmichael is an award-winning astrophotographer and speaker celebrated for his breathtaking capture of the 2017 Great American Eclipse—a feat hailed by media worldwide as “history’s most amazing photograph.” His story of determination and vision, taken from a commercial airplane at 39,000 feet after years of planning, exemplifies what’s possible when audacity meets preparation.
Through his signature Eclipse Mindset, Jon inspires organizations and individuals to reimagine their boundaries, embrace uncertainty, and convert challenges into opportunities. Drawing from his personal journey and two decades as a creative professional and brand photographer for companies like Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN, he shares how bold thinking and persistence can transform impossible dreams into tangible results.
Jon’s message blends artistry with practical wisdom, showing leaders and teams how to elevate performance, cultivate resilience, and see potential where others see limits. His storytelling leaves audiences not only inspired but ready to take action toward their own breakthrough success.
Jon Carmichael helps organizations and individuals transform their perceived limits into launching points for breakthrough success. Jon’s journey from passionate photographer to worldwide inspiration proves that when we dare to reimagine our boundaries, we discover opportunities we never knew existed.
A world-renowned astrophotographer celebrated for capturing the critically acclaimed “history’s most amazing photograph,” Jon Carmichael captivated the world when he unveiled his image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse, taken from an airplane at 39,000 feet after years of meticulous planning. His relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible vision—convincing the captain of a commercial airliner to alter its course—embodies the power of audacity, empowerment, and aiming higher. The thrilling story behind the photograph and the obstacles he overcame have inspired audiences worldwide.
Beyond his stunning visual work, Jon is a remarkable storyteller and business motivational speaker. His signature Eclipse Mindset challenges individuals and teams to push past perceived limitations, embrace bold thinking, and elevate their goals beyond what seems possible. Through his inspiring keynotes, he shares how vision, grit, and daring action lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. His storytelling compels audiences to take risks, defy expectations, and confidently navigate uncertainty—turning obstacles into stepping stones for success.
Jon’s captivating work has been spotlighted on Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and even Times Square. With over 20 years of experience, he has been the trusted lead photographer for top brands such as Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN.
His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable figures like President Obama, the Dalai Lama, David Copperfield, Lady Gaga, and even Batman. A pivotal moment in Jon’s career came in 2015 when Elton John, a renowned photography enthusiast, became the first to collect his limited-edition photographs, marking a transformative turn in his artistic journey.
Jon Carmichael doesn’t just deliver a speech—he takes audiences on an immersive journey that aligns with their unique challenges and aspirations. Whether the focus is on leadership, innovation, resilience, or pushing beyond perceived limits, Jon weaves his message through breathtaking real-world stories of chasing audacious dreams and redefining what’s possible.
With stunning visuals, heartfelt emotion, and moments that make audiences laugh, reflect, and dream bigger, Jon’s keynotes are more than just talks—they’re transformative experiences designed to ignite ambition, fuel innovation, and inspire people to aim higher than they ever thought possible.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
In this 11-minute talk, world-renowned astrophotographer and keynote speaker Jon Carmichael shares the remarkable story behind his once-in-a-lifetime image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse—a powerful lesson in vision, persistence, and possibility.
In this captivating presentation, Jon Carmichael reveals the extraordinary story behind his viral photograph of the 2017 Great American Eclipse—an image that would later be hailed as “history’s most amazing photo.” Combining artistic vision, scientific precision, and relentless determination, Jon recounts how a seemingly impossible dream became a global inspiration.
He begins by describing his fascination with astronomy and photography, and how the rare total solar eclipse presented the ultimate challenge: capturing a perfect, never-before-seen perspective of the celestial event. After years of planning, Jon took a bold leap—purchasing a seat on a commercial flight that would align with the eclipse’s path of totality. What followed was a breathtaking sequence of challenges, from coordinating with the flight crew to securing an unobstructed view at 39,000 feet.
Jon shares the tension, the obstacles, and the sheer persistence it took to convince the airline captain to adjust the flight path—an audacious request that ultimately made the shot possible. As he relives the moment of totality, he invites the audience to see the eclipse not just as a photograph, but as a metaphor for pursuing big, risky, world-changing ideas.
Through his vivid storytelling and cinematic visuals, Jon connects his creative journey to universal themes of leadership, courage, and innovation. He challenges viewers to adopt what he calls The Eclipse Mindset—a belief that limits exist only until we decide to rise above them. The video closes with Jon reflecting on how this once-impossible image has inspired others to see that audacity and belief can transform vision into reality.
It’s Jon’s framework for achieving extraordinary results by blending imagination, resilience, and strategic action—seeing possibility where others see barriers.
He aligns his story and visuals with each organization’s goals, focusing on innovation, leadership, or navigating uncertainty.
His cinematic visuals, gripping storytelling, and relatable insights create an emotional and intellectual experience that drives transformation.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
It’s Jon’s framework for achieving extraordinary results by blending imagination, resilience, and strategic action—seeing possibility where others see barriers.
He aligns his story and visuals with each organization’s goals, focusing on innovation, leadership, or navigating uncertainty.
His cinematic visuals, gripping storytelling, and relatable insights create an emotional and intellectual experience that drives transformation.
Scott Amyx is a dynamic leader in the world of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As the Chair & Managing Partner at Amyx Ventures, he spearheads investment strategies and guides startups towards success. With a notable presence in the business world, Scott is a member of the Forbes New York Business Council, showcasing his esteemed position […]
Clara Durodié is a technology strategist specializing in the business and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services. She is internationally recognized for her expertise, advising Boards of leading financial institutions, think-tanks, governments, and academia. She also mentors AI startups on governance, funding and growth strategy. She is consistently named on numerous global lists […]
As America’s Hottest Illusionist, Jason Bishop might read your mind one second and make a goldfish appear the next. His performance abilities have led him from LA to NYC and Mexico to Sweden, as well as every state and many countries in between. Bishop’s combination of modern music, fast-paced magic, sleight of hand, and audience […]
Danelle Umstead is an extraordinary individual, a beacon of inspiration whose journey transcends sports and embodies the resilience of the human spirit. As a top inspirational keynote speaker and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist, Danelle has not only conquered the slopes but has also conquered the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Alongside her husband […]
Theron Schaub is not just a magician; he is a master of creating unforgettable experiences that leave audiences both astonished and inspired. With a career spanning over two decades, Theron has honed his craft to become one of the most sought-after magicians and mind readers in the world. His performances blend the art of illusion […]
Arjun is Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, a strategy and analytics firm with offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. Prior to Cogknition he was a senior executive at GES, serving as Senior Vice President of Analytics and Insights. He was also an award-winning Professor at the Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business, having played a […]
Paris Norriss is not your average TV personality and public figure – fuelled by insatiable curiosity and thirst for adventure, this Dubai-based force of nature is unstoppable. From early on in his life, being conventional was never in the cards for him and that’s one of the few things he never dared to try. Growing […]
Jess Ekstrom is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with her powerful message of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise that has donated over one million headbands to children battling cancer, Jess exemplifies the power […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
