Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Duran.
Jo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Watching human behavior has always been something I have enjoyed. From going to the airport as a child to people watch to studying sociology at the university, to working in a middle school as a classroom teacher, to being a wife and mom, to getting people in front of my camera, there is one piece that is consistent and that is watching human nature as it happens.
Human nature has always intrigued me, and what better way to see it than from behind a lens?!?!
The biggest challenge is to help people see themselves in the way I see them…
Powerful.
Beautiful.
Strong.
Elegant.
I started on my photography journey back in high school with a film camera and I spent time in a darkroom bringing those images to life. Now I predominantly spend my time shooting Empowerment Photos and High School Senior Photos, helping each client feel as amazing as they look!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Be Present Studios has just celebrated our 4th anniversary!
For about three years, I ran Be Present Studios part-time. I had my day job and took these creative jobs on the side when my schedule allowed for it. During August of 2020, I was laid off from my day job like many other people. #Covidlife threw all of us a curve but little did I know that this was the opportunity I’d hoped for… an opportunity to take Be Present Studios full-time and to work with more people, telling their stories!
During this past 15 months, I have experienced many ups and downs. I have been learning in the style of “trial by fire,” as I go through different business experiences that I had no context for, but the most exciting piece of this rollercoaster has been discovering the support that I am surrounded by! My husband is my biggest cheerleader and my family and my tribe of ladies that surround me lift me up and help spread my business voice all across social media and word of mouth!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a photographer, I have the opportunity to work with many different people, helping bring their visions into reality! I have been able to shoot weddings, families, and pets, but my main focus has been Empowerment and Seniors!
Empowerment Photo Sessions are my twist on boudoir photos…. these are meant to help people see themselves as we all see them. Sometimes they are cheeky and other times they are powerful. I work with each client to develop their vision and to bring that vision into reality; allowing me to help tell their story!
My High School Seniors have a unique experience that is personalized based on their interests and high school journey. We work together to clarify their ideas and to bring those to fruition! From styling to location, we have a partnership that makes this part of their senior year an event to remember!
Something that helps set me as a photographer apart from other photographers is that I do offer access to my client closet for all of my clients. This includes two sets of gorgeous, life-sized wings, beautiful gowns, crowns, body jewelry, and so much more! My clients love using my closet to accent their own wardrobe to create a perfectly unique look for their photo sessions! Also offered as an option is professional hair and makeup. Many of my clients take advantage of this option as part of their experience! A bit of primping and pampering enhances my client experience and adds to our overall session!
My goal is to personalize each client’s session based on their ideas, creating a unique experience that brings their stories to life!
What matters most to you?
I want people to feel good: When we do a shoot, I am always showing my clients the back of my camera so they can begin to see how amazing they look! I bring speakers so we can play music during our shoot… it makes things a lot of fun! When people are having fun, they settle in and start to be more comfortable in front of my camera. That allows their true self to show up in the images!
I want to tell people’s stories:
I have been honored to have many people that have trusted me to help tell their stories. From working with ladies celebrating milestone birthdays to high school seniors looking to showcase their school journey, each client’s session is personalized in order to tell their story! I work to connect with all of my clients on a personal level, and that translates into my client experience!
During 2021, it’s been so important to communicate ideas and emotions, but let’s face it… there’s been a lot of negativity and struggle. Because of this, I started really focusing on each client and figuring out what makes them tick. This brings in joy and fun into our consultation and planning sessions, and that transfers to our photo session! Everyone needs someone to hear them… they also need to feel good and to tell their stories… and I’m here for them every step of the way!
Pricing:
- $450 Session Fee – Hair and Make Up included
Contact Info:
- Email: jo@bepresentstudios.com
- Website: https://bepresentstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bepresentstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bepresentstudios
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BePresentStudio
Image Credits
Be Present Studios
