I'm Jon Hillenbrand, a professional photographer, videographer and podcaster based in the Chicago area. For more than two decades I’ve led photography and video production for marketing and corporate communications at Endeavor Health in Evanston, I have run the photo/video studio managing a team of producers, videographers and editors, I've managed digital assets since 2013 through Canto Cumulus, and I created, recorded, edited and hosted the Healthy You Podcast. I love turning ideas into visual stories and building strong teams to bring creative projects to life. My work has earned multiple Golden Trumpet and Telly Awards. I’m a world traveler and marathon runner who enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to deliver meaningful content. I’m passionate about the creative process, brainstorming compelling content, and mentoring others to grow their skills while delivering results that inform, inspire, and engage audiences.

Jon Hillenbrand

I'm Jon Hillenbrand, a professional photographer, videographer and podcaster based in the Chicago area. For more than two decades I’ve led photography and video production for marketing and corporate communications at Endeavor Health in Evanston, I have run the photo/video studio managing a team of producers, videographers and editors, I've managed digital assets since 2013 through Canto Cumulus, and I created, recorded, edited and hosted the Healthy You Podcast. I love turning ideas into visual stories and building strong teams to bring creative projects to life. My work has earned multiple Golden Trumpet and Telly Awards. I’m a world traveler and marathon runner who enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to deliver meaningful content. I’m passionate about the creative process, brainstorming compelling content, and mentoring others to grow their skills while delivering results that inform, inspire, and engage audiences.

Available to hire

I’m Jon Hillenbrand, a professional photographer, videographer and podcaster based in the Chicago area. For more than two decades I’ve led photography and video production for marketing and corporate communications at Endeavor Health in Evanston, I have run the photo/video studio managing a team of producers, videographers and editors, I’ve managed digital assets since 2013 through Canto Cumulus, and I created, recorded, edited and hosted the Healthy You Podcast. I love turning ideas into visual stories and building strong teams to bring creative projects to life.

My work has earned multiple Golden Trumpet and Telly Awards. I’m a world traveler and marathon runner who enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to deliver meaningful content. I’m passionate about the creative process, brainstorming compelling content, and mentoring others to grow their skills while delivering results that inform, inspire, and engage audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Team Lead - Media Production at Endeavor Health
January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026
Responsible for all photography, oversees video production for Marketing and Corporate Communications, founder and host of the Healthy You Podcast, Digital Asset Manager. In charge of photo/video studio and equipment purchasing. Led multiple awards for cinematography and documentary production.
Freelance Photographer/Website Designer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Provided freelance photography and website design services for clients, including portraits, event coverage, and marketing assets.
Manager at Telusys Inc./SmartyPants Media
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
Led teams in media production operations, project management, client relations, and production workflows.
Director of Photography/Editor at SimmComm, Inc.
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Directed photography and editing for multiple projects; oversaw visual storytelling and post-production workflows.
Photo Assistant at Ambrosi, Silver Lining
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Supported photo shoots and studio operations; assisted senior photographers and production teams.
Team Lead - Media Production at Endeavor Health, Evanston
January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026
Responsible for all photography and oversees video production for Marketing and Corporate Communications. Founder and host of the Healthy You Podcast. Digital Asset Manager. In charge of the photo/video studio and equipment purchasing. Led efforts that earned multiple awards for cinematography and documentary production.
Manager at Telusys Inc./SmartyPants Media
December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Managed operations and staff across media production, coordinating projects, budgets and delivery timelines.
Director of Photography/Editor at SimmComm, Inc.
December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Directed photography and edited projects, ensuring visual storytelling aligned with client goals and production standards.
Photo Assistant at Ambrosi, Silver Lining
December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Supported photographers, organized gear, assisted shoots, and contributed to post-production workflows.

Education

B.A. Communications (Radio, TV, Film) at Loyola University Chicago
October 1, 1992 - January 1, 1997
BA Communications (Radio, TV, Film), Minors in Biology and Political Science
USC Independent Feature Production Workshop Graduate at USC
May 6, 1996 - August 30, 1996
Avid Media Composer Certification at Columbia College
May 8, 2000 - June 5, 2000

Qualifications

Golden Trumpet Award
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
NorthShore Healthy You
Golden Trumpet Award
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Connections Magazine (print)
Golden Trumpet Award
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
NorthShore 125: An Interactive Timeline
Golden Trumpet Award
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Connections Magazine (Digital)
Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Training
June 1, 2016 - September 30, 2019
Received training at various Adobe Photoshop and LR training seminars over the years
Telly Award Winner (Bronze and Silver) x 5
November 13, 2015 - November 13, 2016
Received Telly Awards for Infomercial, Cinematography, Web Series, and Documentary categories

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education, Gaming, Non-Profit Organization, Computers & Electronics, Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate & Construction, Software & Internet
    paper Nebulous Escape

    My entry into the 48 Hour Film Project in which I was the Cinematographer.