Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Munford.
Jason, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love of photography started at a very early age. I still remember when I got my first camera! I was eight years old and my dad gave me his old Polaroid camera. That camera, a Polaroid Sun 600 Series, shot on a 3.5 x 4.2 piece of square film and provided instant gratification and hours of fun!
My love of photography followed me throughout my early years of high school where I went on to produce several small film projects and short skits that got the attention of my piers and teachers. The photography bug was getting even stronger inside me and I struggled with deciding whether I should pursue a college degree in film. I did a brief stint in film school but felt that I didn’t have the freedom to pursue my own style of photography and eventually switched my degree and graduated with a BA in Psychology.
I worked as a market analyst for several years to pay the bills but always did photography and film on the side. I started Munfy Productions in 2001 with a focus entirely on motion film and editing! I created and directed several short films, music video documentaries, commercials, and highlight videos for local business. Between 2002 and 2003, I began integrating “still life” or portrait photography into my workflow and slowly cut back on creating films. I changed the name from Munfy Productions to Munfy Photography and started photographing High School Seniors, weddings, and families.
I even branched out to commercial shoots and had the opportunity to photograph several popular figures such as President George W. Bush, Josh Hamilton, Amy Grant, Dr. Ben Carson, Mercy Me, and Need to Breath. My clientele grew quicker than I expected and my business began running at a steady self-sustaining pace. I utilized Facebook and Instagram to advertise Munfy Photography simply by asking clients to tag me or mention me in their postings. It was and remains the only way I advertise Munfy. And it’s Free!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing but I have been blessed to stay afloat even in difficult times. Some of the harder times come during the winter months when it’s just too cold to photograph clients outdoors. The majority of my clients do not like the look of a studio so we are forced to wait until the winter months. As such, there is always a lull in January and February but I use this time to plan for the new year!
When I started Munfy I never planned on it being a FULL-time job. In fact, Munfy came about as it always had been in my youth, a fun hobby. So I never went all in and risked everything. I always had a backup job. The only reason I quit my “real job” or what I call any job that is not photography, was when I made the same amount of money as my “real job.” Most importantly, I have been seriously blessed to have a great wife and family that support me and my business in the hard times.
Munfy Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the creator, owner and only photographer for Munfy Photography. The word “Munfy” is actually a nickname given to me by guys on my high school baseball team. They would shorten my last name from Munford to “Munfy” and most that know me call me Munfy instead of Jason. Munfy is my baby and I treat it as such. I love what I do and I want others to love what I do as well! I want them to love their photos as much as I love taking them!
I love all types of photography but I specialize in High School Senior photography. I always knew I wanted to work with High School Seniors but I didn’t want the same old senior photos that I has in my senior year of high school.
I am proud to say that no two Munfy senior sessions are the same. I take a lot of pride in each senior photo shoot and I don’t want any of my shoots to look the same. Each senior is unique and each one wants their own look. We choose the locations together, we match the clothes together and even collaborate the style of the entire shoot. I don’t want their photos to look like their friend’s photos. I want them to look unique to their own style.
I think the amount of time and planning the locations and the amount of locations we do on an average senior shoot sets me apart from other senior photographers. We do not just pick one location and stop. I still collaborate with each HS senior that books a session with me! We plan out everything together, the clothes, the locations, the style, and the look of their photos! Their ideas become mine and my ideas becoming theirs.
Although these photos are for my client, the senior, their photos also represent my work as a photographer and my reputation as a professional artist as well. All of these factors challenge me to be the photographer I am today and I have made tons of friends along the way! As a result, we are constantly on our toes and inspiring each other with humor, candid moments of laughter and fun the entire session! I love to joke around with seniors to bring out the real and natural smiles and laughs! Catching that moment is magic. Seniors inspire and challenge me to think outside the box daily!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Photographing President George W. Bush. Being awarded one of the most 100 favorited senior photographers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Munfy.com
- Phone: 817-504-1585
- Email: munfy@mac.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munfyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munfyphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MunfyPhoto
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
