Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathon Leach.
Hi Jonathon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into photography and filmmaking has been anything but traditional. I served in the Army National Guard for over a decade, including two deployments to Iraq, where I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. After my military service, I worked in the flooring industry for several years, but I always felt a strong pull toward creativity and storytelling.
That passion eventually led me to start Shots by Cash Productions. What began as a love for taking photos and creating videos has grown into a business focused on helping people and organizations tell their stories through photography, cinematic filmmaking, and FAA Part 107 drone services. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings, community events, real estate, businesses, and sports while continuing to develop my skills as a filmmaker.
Today, I’m expanding beyond client work by creating original short films and screenplays. Storytelling has become a major part of my creative vision because I love creating projects that entertain people while showcasing locations and communities here in North Carolina.
Another goal that’s close to my heart is launching Flight Klub, a youth drone education program designed to introduce young people to aviation, technology, photography, and filmmaking. I want to help inspire the next generation of creators and drone pilots by giving them hands-on experiences that can lead to future careers.
Looking back, every chapter of my life—from the military to construction to entrepreneurship—has helped shape who I am today. Each experience taught me something valuable, and I try to bring those lessons into every project I take on. I’m excited about where the journey is headed and grateful for every opportunity to keep creating, learning, and serving my community through visual storytelling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe every challenge has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Like many entrepreneurs, one of the biggest hurdles has been building a business from the ground up. You’re not just the photographer or filmmaker -you’re also the marketing team, accountant, editor, customer service representative, and everything in between. Learning how to wear all of those hats has taken time.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with business. As artists, we naturally want to focus on creating, but I’ve learned that running a successful business also requires planning, networking, pricing your work appropriately, and building lasting relationships with clients.
There have also been moments where opportunities didn’t work out the way I hoped or projects took longer to develop than expected. Instead of looking at those moments as failures, I’ve learned to see them as lessons that made me more patient and prepared for the next opportunity.
One thing that has kept me moving forward is my willingness to keep learning. Whether it’s earning my FAA Part 107 certification, studying filmmaking, exploring new camera technology, or developing programs like Flight Klub, I’ve always believed that growth comes from continuing to invest in yourself.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges because they’ve strengthened my work ethic and reminded me that success is rarely a straight line. Every obstacle has helped shape the person and business owner I am today, and I’m excited to continue building on that foundation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Shots by Cash Productions, I specialize in photography, cinematic videography, and FAA Part 107 drone services. I work with a wide variety of clients, including businesses, real estate professionals, event organizers, couples, and families, helping them tell their stories through high-quality visuals. Whether it’s capturing a wedding, creating promotional content for a local business, filming a community event, or producing cinematic aerial footage, my goal is always to create work that people can connect with and remember.
In recent years, I’ve also expanded into narrative filmmaking. Developing original short films has become an exciting creative outlet because it allows me to combine everything I’ve learned about cinematography, storytelling, lighting, and editing into projects that entertain while highlighting locations throughout North Carolina.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building this business from the ground up. Every client, every project, and every opportunity has been earned through hard work, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for the craft. As a military veteran, I bring the discipline, professionalism, and attention to detail that I developed during my years of service into every project I take on.
I believe what sets me apart is my versatility. Many people focus on just one area, but I enjoy bringing together photography, videography, drone cinematography, and storytelling to create a complete visual experience. I don’t just want to deliver photos or videos—I want every project to have purpose, emotion, and a story behind it.
Looking ahead, one of the projects I’m most excited about is Flight Klub, a youth drone education program that will introduce young people to aviation, photography, filmmaking, and technology. My hope is that the same passion that changed my life can inspire the next generation to discover new opportunities and creative careers.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: create meaningful work, continue growing as a storyteller, and leave every client with something they’re genuinely proud to share.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t measured only by income or awards—it’s measured by impact. Of course, building a profitable business is important because it creates opportunities and provides stability, but I believe real success comes from using your talents to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
When I look back at my journey, success is seeing how far I’ve come—from serving in the military, to starting a business from the ground up, to having the opportunity to tell stories through photography, filmmaking, and drone cinematography. Every new client who trusts me with their vision and every project that challenges me to grow feels like another step forward.
As I continue building Shots by Cash Productions, one of my biggest goals is to create opportunities for others. That’s a big part of why I’m developing Flight Klub. If I can introduce young people to drones, filmmaking, and technology, and help even one student discover a passion or career they never imagined, I’ll consider that a success.
I also believe success means never becoming comfortable. There is always another skill to learn, another story to tell, and another way to improve. I want to keep growing creatively, continue serving my community, and create work that people remember long after the project is finished.
At the end of the day, success is knowing that I gave my best, stayed true to my values, and left a positive impact through the work I create and the people I help along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shotsbycashproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbycash13
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhEjR9i5M/?mibextid=wwXIfr
