We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jake Schneider. Check out our conversation below.
Jake, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
In the last couple of months, I have been getting calls about shooting with 35mm film, which is the main goal of switching from a hybrid workflow with digital to film only. I’ve been both excited and incredibly nervous about it, film can be a tricky thing at times, especially when shooting a show or a very time sensitive event, and majority of the cameras are older which has causes a ton of issues. However, Leica still makes brand-new 35mm cameras, so I went and bought a brand-new Leica MP, which has been my main camera, and has been a faithful companion in both work and personal photography projects.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yeah, My name is Jake Schneider. I’m a professional photographer from the Dayton Ohio area. I consider myself as a documentary photographer / photojournalist with specialty in analog methods (35mm, Medium format, darkroom printing etc). I’m inspired by photographers from the 1960s-1970s such as Larry Burrows, Mary Ellen Mark, Jim Marshall, and Joel Meyerowitz.
I recently released my first photography zine called “Day Pass” which showcased my time at the 2025 Darke County Fair. It was a limited edition and sold out within three days, which was an incredible feeling.
I do a lot of longform photo projects, one of my big ones is “Doors at 8, Music at 9”. Doors… is a documentation of Dayton’s vast music scene, mostly off stage, during the quiet moments, but I also include stage performance. Another project is “Swing Your Partner” a shorter project working with Greenville’s “Swinging 8’s” square dance club.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My dad was huge influence when it came to work ethic, he was always working on something, right after work he would go straight into working on the next thing in the garage or building/fixing things around the house.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Definitely, more than once. What keeps me going is looking at other’s work inspires me to keep pushing. I also remember watching a Van Neistat video on a diagram he made called the “Gratitude/Resentment Diagram” in the middle of the diagram is a wall, where most stop, which leads to resentment, where as the “veteran” artist pushes beyond that and keeps at it until the project is complete ending with gratitude for working through the tough times.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m pretty committed to “Doors at 8, Music at 9” I initially had set for a year’s worth of photos, but diving head first into the community that is Dayton’s music scene, I don’t believe that I could do it justice with a year worth of work. I plan to see this project through no matter how many years it takes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Heavy question. I hope people tell a story of a person who used the camera to capture the world and it’s people, documenting the small moments. I want to leave behind a legacy of work that the viewers can connect to many years after I’m gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jake-schneider-/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakesphoto_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobschneiderphotographer/
Image Credits
Personal Photo: @Libnnni
Additional Photos: Jake Schneider
