Jon Cherry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American photographer whose work moves across disciplines with a single animating impulse: to find the true spirit of America in the people and moments that define it. His style has been described as deeply romantic, yet joyful. Cherry is drawn to stories of politics, social inequity, housing insecurity, and the human weight of domestic policy. Cherry was awarded with the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for his and the Getty team’s coverage of the January 6 Riot at the US Capitol.
Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to parents in the US armed forces, Cherry has spent his adult life earning the title he wears most proudly: Kentuckian.
Cherry brings a student's mind and a holistic worldview to his practice, approaching each story as an invitation to interrogate how we see, feel, and make sense of the world around us. His love for public art and music has expanded that practice beyond the still image into projects that blur the lines between visual journalism, fine art, and community benefit.
He is trained in first aid, hostile environment operations, digital security, and risk assessment, carrying into the field both technical rigor and a deep responsibility to the people he photographs.
"L'illusion est la première apparence de la vérité." ("Illusion is the first appearance of truth.") — Gaston Bachelard
Cherry is honored to be a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Getty Images, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, Reuters, and many other esteemed publications.
Jon is based in Louisville, KY, available for editorial assignments, corporate campaigns, and public sector storytelling across North America. A strong understanding of visual language has led to meaningful partnerships with Ford Motor Company, Nike, NASCAR, the ACLU and others.
Cherry proudly serves on the boards of multiple nonprofits and steering committees.
