Jon was amazing. His story made us laugh, cry and feel energized to go be creative! Jon is a wonderful person who everyone should have a chance to cross paths with.
7 X 24 Exchange of the Carolinas Helpful 0
Jon Carmichael
- World-renowned astrophotographer who defied the odds to capture “History's Most Amazing Photo”
- Challenges individuals and businesses to aim higher, take risks, and redefine what’s possible through innovation and resilience
- Blends breathtaking visuals, captivating storytelling, and actionable takeaways to empower teams and leaders
- Featured on Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and even displayed in Times Square, showcasing the global impact of his work
Travels From
Nevada
The Inspiring Story Behind "History's Most Amazing Photo"
Good Morning America - Jon Carmichael and David Copperfield in Pursuit of the Impossible Photograph
Jon Carmichael Speaker Biography
In a world of constant challenges, success depends on our ability to reimagine what's possible. Through stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, 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.
The Eclipse Mindset: How to Break Barriers, Adapt, Innovate, and Create History
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.
Chasing the Impossible: How Curiosity Led to History’s Most Amazing Photo
In today’s fast-changing workplace, organizations aren’t just facing disruption — they’re facing disconnection. Teams are burned out, innovation has stalled, and leaders are struggling to reignite the energy and purpose that drive progress.
That’s where Jon Carmichael comes in.
A world-renowned astrophotographer, Jon spent years chasing an audacious dream: to capture a total solar eclipse from 39,000 feet in the air. The result — hailed as “history’s most amazing photo” — was only possible through relentless curiosity, bold problem-solving, and a shift in perspective that convinced a commercial airline captain to change course mid-flight.
Jon’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, and in Times Square. He’s collaborated with world leaders and icons like the Dalai Lama, Elton John, President Obama, and Lady Gaga, and led visual storytelling for brands like Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN.
In this unforgettable keynote, Jon brings audiences on that high-stakes journey, blending breathtaking visuals with vulnerable, inspiring storytelling. He helps organizations reconnect with curiosity — an often overlooked key to creativity, resilience, and innovation.
Audiences leave with:
• A renewed sense of purpose — both individual and collective
• Reignited curiosity as a driver of innovation and transformation
• Greater resilience and confidence in the face of change
Attendees leave Jon's keynote energized and purposeful. This isn’t about fleeting inspiration — it’s lasting transformation. Jon’s story reminds people what it feels like to care again, believe in what they do, and see themselves as part of something meaningful.
Customized for Every Audience
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.
October 22, 2025
Jon was fantastic - not only was he great to work with, he took the time to connect with us about our audience and made sure his talk was relevant to our group. He is a great speaker with a great story and message!
Rotary Zones 25B & 29 Institute Helpful 0