DAVID JAKLE

Studied at Fullerton College

Worked at Go Sports

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.

Interested in coaching?

Select a category below to view DAVID’s offerings.

About DAVID

For more than 25 years, I've helped brands, creatives, and production teams create world-class visual content while building successful careers in photography, creative production, and brand marketing. I began my career as First Assistant to legendary photographer Herb Ritts, spending seven years mastering lighting, visual storytelling, production, and creative leadership on some of the industry's highest-profile commercial campaigns. That experience became the foundation for a career producing and photographing campaigns for brands including Eddie Bauer, Disney, SwimUSA, Boston Proper, Spiegel, and Formawell Beauty featuring Kendall Jenner. Beyond my commercial work, I spent nearly a decade teaching Advanced Studio Lighting, Commercial Production, and Visual Storytelling at both the New York Film Academy and UCLA Extension, mentoring hundreds of photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals. Helping people discover their strengths, refine their craft, and confidently navigate their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. Whether you're looking to land your first creative role, transition into leadership, strengthen your portfolio, prepare for interviews, optimize your LinkedIn profile, or leverage AI to stay competitive in today's creative landscape, I'll provide practical, candid guidance based on decades of real-world experience. My coaching style is collaborative, encouraging, highly individual and results-driven, with one guiding belief: there's always a way.

Why do I coach?

I coach because I believe every photographer has a unique perspective worth developing. Helping aspiring creatives discover an authentic visual style, build confidence in their work, and take meaningful steps toward a successful career is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. My personal website is www.davidjakle.com

Work Experience

Senior Creative Content Lead

Go Sports

September 2022 - December 2025

Led integrated brand content and campaign execution for a national consumer retail business with over 1,000 SKUs, partnering closely with marketing, merchandising, and design teams to support seasonal initiatives, product launches, and promotional campaigns. • Translated brand and merchandising strategies into cohesive creative programs across eCommerce, digital marketing, and retail channels • Partnered with marketing leaders to shape seasonal storytelling frameworks, ensuring consistent brand expression across campaigns and product categories • Served as a cross-functional hub between marketing, creative, and operations teams — aligning priorities, timelines, and deliverables for high-volume content initiatives • Supported go-to-market efforts by aligning product narratives, visual assets, and campaign deliverables with broader marketing objectives • Built scalable content planning and production workflows that improved efficiency by 12%, while maintaining brand integrity and creative quality • Provided regular stakeholder updates, offering visibility into campaign progress, risks, and opportunities for optimization Creative Content Production, Post-Production and +7 skills

Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing

UCLA Extension

October 2016 - March 2020

Taught advanced visual storytelling and creative development courses, mentoring emerging professionals while helping evolve curriculum to reflect changing industry standards and marketing trends. • Guided students in translating creative concepts into purposeful visual narratives aligned with brand and communication goals • Provided mentorship on creative problem-solving, concept development, and professional creative workflows • Collaborated with faculty to modernize coursework in response to shifts in digital media, marketing, and content production Professional Mentoring, Curriculum Development and +3 skills

Faculty

New York Film Academy

November 2010 - September 2016

I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students in the MFA Program at New York Film Academy, enhancing their photography skills and career readiness. • Delivered engaging lessons in Advanced Studio Lighting, Business of Photography, and Digital Printing. • Provided personalized academic advising to a diverse group of students, including combat veterans. • Cultivated a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged artistic expression. Advanced Lighting, Teaching and +3 skills

Photographer & Creative Producer

David Jakle Creative Production

March 2001 - Present

Strategic creative partner to national brands, retailers, and agencies, helping translate marketing objectives into integrated visual campaigns and brand storytelling initiatives. • Collaborate with brand, marketing, and agency teams to develop and execute multi-channel campaigns spanning digital, retail, social, and advertising environments • Interpret brand positioning and campaign strategy to guide creative direction and ensure cohesive storytelling across platforms and touchpoints • Develop campaign roadmaps, production strategies, and cross-functional workflows that support marketing goals and customer engagement • Partner with internal stakeholders and external creative teams to bring brand initiatives to life — balancing creative ambition with timeline, budget, and operational realities • Contributed to campaigns and brand initiatives for Disney, Kohl’s, Eddie Bauer, VaynerMedia, and other consumer and lifestyle brands • Act as a bridge between creative execution and marketing strategy, ensuring brand intent carries through every stage of development Creative Content Production, Post-Production and +7 skills

First Assistant Camera - Producer

Herb Ritts Photography

January 1994 - March 2001

I began my career serving as First Assistant to legendary photographer Herb Ritts, where I developed deep expertise in production leadership and on-set team management for high-profile shoots. Led and coordinated teams of assistants and grips, fostering seamless collaboration in fast-paced production environments Directed lighting execution, shaping the visual tone and impact of each project Partnered with national and international lighting crews, strengthening global production relationships and networks Advanced Lighting, Travel Planning and +2 skills

DAVID was also given offers to work at