The Man Behind the Camera

JESSE BRAVO, founder and president of BRAVO IMAGES, is a multiple award-winning photographer whose career has been an eclectic mix of celebrity portraiture, photojournalism, fine-art, commercial photography and breakthrough technology. He is also a highly accomplished businessman whose experience informs his approach to art and science.

Highlights

• He received a bachelor's degree with honors from Brooks Institute of Photography Arts and Science in Santa Barbara, where he was honored as class valedictorian. His graduate work includes stints at the University of California Santa Barbara, Claremont University School of Management under Peter Drucker, and Eastman Kodak business systems.
• Upon graduation, he entered the field of commercial photography in San Diego, shooting everything from food to architecture.
• After completing a Grand Tour of Europe and the Mid-East, he began his career in photojournalism as a United Press International photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. His assignments brought him the opportunity to meet and photograph celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Kingston Trio, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eric Burden and the Animals, Mel Torme and Steve McQueen (who became a sports-car racing colleague).
• His knowledge of photographic technology saw him next entering the field of micro graphics, joining Mark Larwood Company, where he became President and CEO. Later, with TRW, Jesse became president and general manager of the Imaging Systems Group, until he left to pursue the next phase of his career in 1990.

Awards

Achievement Award - Brooks Institute of Photography

California Press Photographers Association - Beatles Coverage

Professional Photographers of America - Beatles plus commercial work

Community Service

• Rotary Club of Sacramento
• Shriners Hospital Concours Co-Chair
• SCCA Chief Concours
• Fair Oaks Theater Festival Volunteer
• Foothill High School Accreditation Committee
• Saint Johns Elementary School Accreditation Committee
• Sutter Hospital Foundation Board
• Sutter Club Past-President