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.
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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.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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