We’re so pumped about our conversation with Jaren Collins. Jaren is a Photographer & Videographer and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Jaren below.
Hi Jaren, thank you so much for sitting down with us again. For folks who might have missed our initial interview, can you start by briefly introducing yourself?
Hi! I’m Jaren Collins and I am the owner of JCi Creatives. JCi Creatives is a photography, videography and photo booth services company based in Dallas, TX. We service companies nationwide through large event coverage. We also work with small business owners, influencers and individuals to document their every day lives. And – one of our favorite things to do – is capturing couples special moments on their wedding day.
At JCi, when it comes to photography and videography, we are capable of many things. But through the years, we have learned our niche to best serve our customer.
What is being a full-time photographer like? Is this career sustainable?
Being a full-time photographer is incredible! I love the freedom and autonomy of running my own business. When I quit my job 5-years ago, I worried about everything. Will they evict me? Cut my lights off? How will I pay my internet bill? But my biggest concern was, is this business sustainable? Could I survive and provide for myself as a full time photographer taking pictures every day?
And that answer is yes!
Through the years, my photography business has grown and changed. And with that – I have created systems and practices that helped me not only sustain my business but also generate 6-figure gross revenues! Quitting my job went from being a fear to the best decision I have ever made. And now – I want to move into the next step. Which is teaching others how to escape their 9-5 and become a full-time sustainable photographer!
What is next for you with JCi Creatives?
JCi Creatives is creating fresh content that will be geared toward educating the creative to become a sustainable content creator. I know you worry about how you’ll pay the bills and I’m here to tell you IT’S POSSIBLE.
The Sustainable Photographer program will focus on teaching creatives how to create quality content, first. Then, it will pivot to showing creatives how to maintain quality business practices. Through my experience, I have learned that both are necessary to have success in the industry.
Why expand into education?
I have decided to expand into education because I want to help those who are interested in becoming full time creatives successfully transition from the 9-to-5 into their own business. When I left corporate America, the resources felt few. I didn’t have a mentor, I didn’t know who to ask, and my google searches were wearing thin.
I have a background in education, having graduated with my masters and taught, briefly at a collegiate level. And I believe that many fail for lack of knowledge. It is my goal to give people the tools they need to succeed through shared knowledge and experience.
Alright, so before we go, how can our readers connect with you to learn more and show support?
You can show support by following me at instagram.com/jcicreatives – shoot me a DM if you’re interested! We’d love to connect with you. To see more of my work, visit jcicreatives.com and look out for thesustainablephotographer.com launching soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: jcicreatives.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/jcicreatives
- Twitter: @jcicreatives
Image Credits:
Jaren Collins, JCiCreatives.com
