Today we’d like to introduce you to Suraj Jinadu.
Hi Suraj, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young 12yrs old, I grew up in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. I was fascinated by the whole idea of photography dating back to the old days of Kodak films and developing pictures in the darkroom. I never took a photography class or went to school to learn the skills. I was gifted my first camera by my uncle Soji Brown, the rest was history. I migrated to the United States at the age of 23yrs and have lived in the Dallas metroplex since then.
I graduated with my bachelor from University of North Texas in 2012 and MBA from Dallas Baptist University in 2018. I have been working at a telecommunication company since the summer of 2007.
Few years ago, I met a friend (Tope Ajayi) here in Dallas who needed a few pictures taken. After I finished editing and gave him the pictures, he asked if I had a social media page to spread the word. But I told him I only take pictures for fun; I love my day job and I can’t manage building a brand alongside a corporate job. He insisted I create an Instagram page to post my pictures which he personally created for me(j.suraj_photos). Before Tope made the suggestion about me taking my skills to another level, my then girlfriend(now my wife) suggested the same thing but I just wasn’t ready for the whole idea of what they saw in my photography.
The whole journey started as something I love to do and fascinating to me no matter how many times I have done it. With the help of social media, word of mouth and countless hours behind the camera it grew to what it is today.
I have consistently learned from every shoot, watching other photographers, examining how they create art content for social media, and adjusting to technology of photography as it evolves.
Alright, 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’s never an easy journey, there were several challenges along the way. I don’t believe anyone who is an entrepreneur will say their journey was easy or a cake-walk . Also, in my early days as a young photographer, I tried not to spend too much money on my gear, but I quickly realized to get stunning images, I needed to spend money on top-dollar equipment. I also had to decide which style of photography to better showcase my skills and how to perfect it. A lot of people don’t understand the simple fact that my job doesn’t end after taking the pictures. I still have to go through the selection process before editing, and possibly revision before delivery.
I had to learn quickly that all photography sessions will be different and need to adapt to my subject and surroundings. Also it’s very important you make your client relax and feel comfortable, understanding how they would like to see themselves and bring out the bright side of them through the pictures. Photography can be intense and stressful depending on the situation so you have to make sure you get things right the first time because you can’t recreate a certain event when missed. People are willing to pay for quality, expertise and guarantee that you will make them look good for their family pictures, weddings and birthday ceremonies without any fear or doubt in your craft or ability.
As a business owner, you also need to learn and understand how to wear different hats to survive in this space. You are not only the photographer but also the accountant, social media manager, customer service, technical support, and salesperson all in one.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I still have a day job alongside photography, most of my clients know me for Portrait photography but I do all kinds of photography. I love portraits because it lets me focus on the person and show the side of them people don’t see that often.
What sets me apart from my other photographers is taking my time to get the job done to perfection. I strive to ensure all my clients get their money’s worth for my work. Most importantly character really matters because money is not everything.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I can be reached via Instagram, email and also have my contact number listed for questions or inquiries. I receive a lot of messages on Instagram to work and collaborate with other entrepreneurs which is always welcome as long as we both stand to benefit(somewhat). I try my possible best to create time and work with others and learn from them in the process.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.suraj_photos/
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/suraj.jinadu.71
