Today we’d like to introduce you to Jondra Cottrell.
Jondra, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Always Dancin’, Taco Loving, Cat Lady…That’s me! I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I’m a mother to an amazing teenager who keeps me on my toes. My love for cats and tacos seems strange to some, but they are absolutely a necessity in my life. Dance is in my DNA. When I was a little girl, I would create dance routines and perform them in the mirror or for anyone who would give me a couple minutes of their time. Over the years, I’ve choreographed routines and performed on various platforms. My love for dance has evolved with me and in 2015 I became a member of the M.O.M. crew dance team.
In 2017, we opened The Black Ivy, which is a creative space utilized for photography as well as small events, workshops, and classes. This space is really magical. If you have a vision, I can help you bring it to life! Photography is a gift that I didn’t share with the world until friends pushed me to do so. I birthed Cei J Photography to fulfill my fanaticism of beautiful people, places, and things. I pay close attention to the smallest details to enhance the beauty in front of my camera.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I don’t like to put myself in a box of only shooting one way. I’ll shoot a maternity session with as much love as I will an urban or lifestyle session. In all that I do, I have a passion for bringing my clients’ vision to life. I enjoy the spontaneity of discovering an impromptu location for a shoot. I also love that not one session is ever the same. In addition, personality goes a long way. I feel it’s important to create a relaxed environment, to bring out the best in my clients. I can transform the shyest client into a bubble of self-confidence. By the end of our session my clients anxiously await the delivery of their images.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
The industry is always changing and it forces you to keep growing. I wouldn’t say it’s a challenge for all, but possibly for some. Learning new techniques, being bold enough to try different things, looking at images from a different point of view. As a photographer, we can be our biggest challenge. If we don’t change and grow with the industry, we get left behind.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’m a firm believer in word of mouth. I love when my clients post or share my work with others. I’ve had amazing feedback with Cei J Photography and The Black Ivy. Referrals, truly, are my best friends and I appreciate when people enjoy what I do. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3002 Commerce St Ste B. Dallas, Tx 75226
- Website: www.ceijphotos.com
- Phone: 469.844.0609
- Email: inspire@ceijphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceij.photos/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEIJ.Photos/
- Other: https://www.theblackivy.com/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Cei J Photography
Models:
Realtor – Kathy Morrison
Urban Model: Harith Talib-Busady
Urban Model: Autim Dillard
Mother: Felicia Filmore
Mother: Caroline Afriyie
Urban Model: Colin Shaw
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.
