PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER / CONTENT CREATION
Jimmy Ienner, Jr. has spent over three decades catching the moment between the pose and the person—that unguarded instant when an artist's true self emerges. It's become his signature.
As Chief Photographer and Video Director at Sony Music Entertainment Inc. for nearly two decades, Jimmy worked with hundreds of the biggest talents in the business, becoming one of the most published photographers in the entertainment industry. His work has graced dozens of CD and DVD covers, publicity campaigns, tour merchandise, major feature films, and music videos. His unmistakable style—revealing his subjects' true personality and vulnerability—has become iconic in an industry built on image.
He has photographed and directed some of the biggest names who've defined our era—from Roger Waters, Michael Jackson, and Mariah Carey, to actors including Peter Boyle and Kevin Bacon, and even presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
At twenty-seven, Jimmy became one of the youngest photographers to land professional endorsements from Leica and Fujifilm. Since then, his roster of brand partnerships has grown to include Sony, Apple, Filson, Holdfast, Saddleback Leather, and Lift Safety—companies that recognize both his technical excellence and his influence in the field.
After documenting decades of musical history, Jimmy felt a natural pull to pass that knowledge forward. From 2007 to 2008, he designed and taught a graduate-level class on Entertainment Marketing at Fordham University's Graduate School of Business. From 2010 to 2012, he served as co-chair of the Visual Arts Committee of The Recording Academy NARAS (GRAMMYs) for Video Direction.
From 2009 to 2020, Apple Inc. employed Jimmy to mentor employees and the public in photography, videography, and personal technology.
When Jimmy's not holding a camera, he's likely fly-fishing. The patience required to read water, the stillness needed to observe without disturbing, the intuition for when to act—these are the same qualities that define his approach behind the lens. His expertise has earned him endorsements from Orvis, Sage, Thomas & Thomas, and ExOfficio, and he has served several terms on the Board of Directors of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum.
Today, Jimmy combines the freedom of freelancing with his passion for visual storytelling. He works on hand-selected projects throughout New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, shooting for magazines and websites while contributing his time and talent to help small businesses grow.
What drives Jimmy now isn't just capturing the image—it's capturing the truth within it. Whether he's documenting a rock star, a Fortune 500 CEO, or a fly-fishing guide on the Beaverkill River, he's searching for that authentic moment when someone forgets the camera is there and simply exists. That's where the real story lives, and that's where Jimmy does his best work.
Professional Organization Involvement
(GRAMMYs), The Recording Academy NARAS; New York, NY - FamilyCook Productions; New York, NY - (FOP) The Fraternal order of Police; Washington, DC - The Institute for American Indian Studies; Washington, CT - New York City International Film Festival - Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum; Livingston Manor, NY - Habitat For Humanity; New York, NY - New York Cares; New York, NY - Regional Small Business Associations - WWOOF-USA - Loft Artists Association; Stamford, CT - Americares; Stamford, CT - Hospice; Stamford, CT - Catskill Fly Tylers Guild; Roscoe, NY -- WaterFire Providence; Providence, RI - Rhode Island Wood Operators Association; Providence, RI
Previous Full-Time Positions
Staff Photographer for Old Mill Road Media and its publications Berkshire Magazine, Vermont Magazine, Manchester Life Magazine, and Stratton Magazine - Apple Inc. retail; Greenwich, CT, Creative - Fordham University Lincoln Center; New York, NY, Adjunct Graduate Professor - SONY Music Entertainment, Inc.; New York, NY, Chief Photographer Video Director
Testimonials
Mark Arnold
Publisher Milford City Lifestyle Magazine
Jimmy has been an amazing partner and mentor. For me, this is a rare opportunity to be able to work with someone of Jimmy's caliber. He is a force multiplier, has raised the quality of my work and opened up my thinking to what is possible: technologically, visually and editorially.
Lucinda Rowe
National Recording Artist
To work with Jimmy Ienner Jr. on a project is an honor. To be able to work with Jimmy on many projects is a privilege. While commissioning Jimmy for a photo essay covering my own music career it was quickly discovered that we had similar ideas and visions that he so aptly brought to life. Our creative connection allowed me to assist on a project or two growing into the role of assistant producer and assistant director on numerous subsequent projects. His ability to engage his subjects with respect and lead them to a comfortable place with no intrepidation always cultivates the finest of results. His capture of person, place or thing coupled with a moment in time is incredibly special. I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to see his process through his lens and celebrate in his client's complete satisfaction.
Dave Santaniello
Integrated Marketing & Entertainment/Brand Partnership Executive
I’ve known Jimmy for more than 20 years and his creative vision is only matched by his love and passion for capturing images. He’s a lucky guy being able to do what he loves for a living while also being incredibly good at it. But I’ve also been lucky having worked with him for my entire career at Sony Music. Whether shooting Mariah Carey at the Tokyo dome, filming an EPK of an unknown artist to launch their career or trudging through the snow in Vermont for that illusive shot, Jimmy has the same subtle and powerful ability shooting a music artist or capturing nature in its most pure form.
Now if he could only make my head shot look better…hey, he’s an artist, not a plastic surgeon
Luz Garcia, MBA, CAMS
Lead Analyst & Investigator at GE Capital
In the past year I've had the pleasure to work with Jimmy on several assignments and each time he as done astonishing work with his exceptional eye for detail. Jimmy has gone above and beyond of what was expected of him with the upmost professionalism. Jimmy's love and passion for photography really made it an enjoyable work experience.
Michael B Borofsky
Owner, Reverse Angle Productions
Jimmy was just born with a keen eye. He can turn the unseen subtleties of the sublime into the most fascinating element in the frame.
Lynn Fredericks
Founder & President at FamilyCook Productions
I first hired Jimmy to direct, film and edit a documentary in 2009 that proved to be challenging technically as well as the subject matter required great sensitivity. Jimmy’s skill set — both technical and creative — addressed all the challenges we faced when shooting and later cutting the film, and the results far exceeded my expectations.
What other clients are saying
"Exceeded all expectations!”
"Jimmy did a great job....really professional and on point with our idea .....those pics are stunning....will highly recommend him "Jimmy was very friendly ....very professional and very artistic with his shots ......we had an amazing experience “
"Jimmy goes above and beyond the call of duty and has an impeccable taste that looks to perfect your vision.”
"Jimmy was a total professional. Very organized and knowledgeable. Great experience.”
"Jimmy is awesome! He’s knowledgeable, friendly and creative!!!”
"Jimmy was a pleasure to work with! He was attentive, professional, and knowledgeable and really took our group’s preferences into consideration. He cared and it showed. “
"Very friendly, thoughtful, and thorough! “
"What a pro! Great guy, early - knows all the tricks, not in a rush like most in the past. Actually took his time to make sure the product is what we want as well as overall quality. More like him!”
"Attention to detail was great!!”
"Great! Very patient and detailed”
"Jimmy was fantastic to work with. He was so professional and made every aspect easy. The pictures came out great. Would highly recommend him. “
"Great person great photographer “
"Jimmy is just great. Amazing client service and so through and professional. A joy to work with. A+"