Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaleesa Burroughs.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jaleesa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I never planned on being a photographer. I’ve loved pictures since elementary. I would jump right in front of camera, ready to pose but, my favorite part was to be the one to capture the picture. I just love seeing people smile and capturing that moment of happiness. I’ll take selfies all day or I’ll make my family get together for a group picture. While I was in school I always had my camera and if I didn’t, I would take pictures on my phone. I would always say, “we can’t forget this moment! Hold on, let me take a picture!” Being a photographer NEVER crossed my mind. One day, sitting in the living room with my father having a great conversation, he asked, “Why you won’t be a photographer?” I looked at him and said I had never thought about it. I thought about his question for a full year. I thought to myself over and over, “Why, don’t I want to be a photographer? You love seeing people smile. You love making people feel beautiful. You love the camera. Why not?” The reason I’m where I’m at right now is because of my parents Gerald and Annette Burroughs, my friends, and my clients. They’ve all taught me so much about patience and how to turn a negative situation into a positive situation, being creative, understanding, and so much more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth?! Oh no. My road is actually still under construction. I didn’t know how much came with being a photographer. I just thought it was as simple as snapping a picture on the phone. I had my first official shoot October 23, 2016, and I shot my friend and her family. Snapping that picture came with a whole lot – depth of field, aspect ratio, lighting, aperture, shutter speed, focus, iSO… I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After the final edits, I thought the pictures were pretty good. Then, I got on social media and started to look at other photographer’s work. I had to remind myself that they had to start somewhere as well. My friend posted her family picture on social media and people were complimenting the picture and had a lot of lovely words to say. Not everyone though, one individual collaged my image with another wonderful photographer’s and captioned it “Name Brand vs Great Value.” “Great Value” was on my picture. My feelings were so hurt. I apologized to my friend several times for ruining her family pictures. She told me, “this is your first shot, you’ll get better. My family and I love our pictures.” That boosted my confidence for a moment, but for a few days, I was down and I felt like giving up. But I thought to myself, “people will talk about anything you do, no matter what you’re doing.” I kept that picture as a reminder to go harder and to show myself that I am a great photographer.
The biggest struggle was starting my own business and seeing the friends I once had started to slowly disappear. I work a full-time job and I shoot on my off days, Friday and Saturday. That means a lot of late nights, studying, and editing photography throughout the week. So, it can be hard. The most difficult thing for me was, I would always support all my friends in what they did but when it came to my photography, I didn’t get much. The lack of support tended to bring me down as if my work wasn’t good enough to support! Now, that I’ve been doing photography and gaining confidence in myself and my work, nothing bothers me! People either support me or not. I’ve grown to realize my business means the world to me. This is my baby and I will cherish it as such. So, as my road continues, I will continue to perfect my craft and I will become one of the greatest female photographers out of Dallas, Texas.
Please tell us about J&W Photography.
J&W Photography is a Photography company. Most people think the J is for my name Jaleesa, and they wonder what the W is for. The J&W are for my grandmothers, Willie Mae and Johnnie Ella. They meant so much to me and I felt like I didn’t get the chance to make them proud, so I named my photography business after them. I feel like I can make them proud through my photography. I’m known for shooting a little bit of everything, but I’m learning that my field might be with fashion models and family portraits. They say you should pick one and leave the others alone, however, I love and am known for both.
I’m very proud of the growth of my business and clientele. Hearing my clients speak about my growth is so wonderful and it really helps me to keep going. Being able to see the smile on their face when they see the moments I capture is amazing! Another big moment that made me so proud was seeing my work published in Elegant Magazine. It was breathtaking. I was a published photographer! “Great Value” didn’t turn out to be so bad after all.
My personality sets me apart. My main goal is making sure that the clients are comfortable while shooting so that we get great shots. My sense of humor and easy to talk to demeanor helps to keep models and clients at ease in front of the camera. It’s like always getting your picture taken by a friend with me! My continued desire to grow as a professional photographer, the studying, and learning of new techniques helps to set me apart from other photographers as well. I am constantly enhancing my skills so that I can continue capturing amazing images. and providing quality work.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t think I would start over necessarily if I didn’t go through all that I did I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today. However, if I could go back, I would change the equipment I bought. I put in my head that I was going to be a photographer and didn’t give it any more thought. I just purchased a camera and lights to get me started. I didn’t think about the quality – I just wanted to get started! I picked the cheapest camera on the market because I was afraid I would change my mind after deciding to embark on this photography journey. Believe it or not, I’m still using the same camera though – I just bought some higher quality lenses.
Contact Info:
- Email: jaleesaevette.photo@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/_j.w.photography
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/.ladyburroughs
- Other: https://jwphoto.as.me/
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