Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Stork.
Hi Jay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From an early age, I enjoyed capturing photos. I remember having a blue 110 film camera that I would use. At that time, I took pictures of basically anything. I eventually put my camera down and focused on other forms to express my creativity. In 2006, I took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica and decided to obtain a point-a-shoot camera to share this new adventure with my family and friends in the United States. Subsequently, I returned to the U.S. and graduated from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). The skills that I obtained as a member of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, from MVSU and while living in Costa Rica aided me once I moved to Honduras after graduation. While there, I picked up my camera again to photograph friends and some nature and essentially document my time there. Much like before, after this adventure, my photography outlet took the backburner to other interests. Although I was not actively taking photos, the desire to use this medium as a creative outlet did not disappear. Fast-forwarding to late spring of 2020, the world entered a global pandemic. Coping with the stress of the time propelled me to get serious about photography. This time, however, I was more intentional about the type of equipment that I would use and the subject matter that I wanted to photograph. I began by taking nature walks at local parks. This forced me to slow down and appreciate the environment that moves simultaneously with us even if we are not paying attention to it. Wanting to diversify my portfolio, I decided to photograph friends until I felt confident to work with paying clients. Nowadays, I take various types of portraits, events, and nature photos both domestically and internationally.
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?
It has not always been a smooth road. At the beginning, I would get frustrated as I learned to use my camera to share with others the perspective that I saw. From the business standpoint, I had to learn that effective communication with clients is paramount so that we both have a positive experience before, during, and after the photo session.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in providing an amazing photo session experience. Although I photograph events, I enjoy taking photos of individuals and families. The types of sessions range from branding, birthday, family portraits, fashion, and creative. Seeing clients’ faces light up or shed tears of joy when they see their photos is amazing. I believe that my positive energy sets me apart from others. Often, I have clients that want to take photos, but they are not sure how to pose. I direct clients throughout the session and also solicit their input on poses that they would like to try. It is important that the clients are having fun. This helps yield the best images. I also like to hear the clients’ visions and use my experience to partner with them for the desired outcome.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned that regardless of what is going on around us, it is important to maintain balance. We should also take positive approaches to address our mental health. I consider myself blessed to have a supportive wife who is very supportive and encourages me to be the best I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jcphotography1914.com
- Instagram: @jc_photography1914
Image Credits
Kara Stork
Jay Stork
