Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Jaynes.
Hi Janae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with a trip to Austin in 4th grade. I had this purple Vivitar I used as my first camera. It was so old that there was tape holding down the battery cartridge. My first set of interest was landscapes and architecture. I explored the earth’s grounds and infinite skies in the early years of middle school. I enjoyed the look of the world and how every day the small details changed whether it was the color of the sky at sunset or how the light hit the buildings at the different hours of the day. I was captivated by the minute details of the world. In 8th grade, I received my first DSLR, a Nikon D80. I used this camera to take pictures of my family, friends, and even my trip to Florida in 2019. Since I was still so young and clueless about the functionality of the camera, beyond clicking the button to activate the shutter, my friends and family would give me cheat sheets to learn. I still have the same printed cheat sheet from almost 5 years ago, and I still look at it every now and then to touch up on the basics. During my freshman year, I got the opportunity to be a photographer at the Mansfield Dance Academy’s annual recital along with a family-owned production company. The family saw the potential I had and wanted to take a shot on me joining their team. They ended up using 150 of my images in the video production along with adding my images to the dance company’s website. Never in a million years did ten-year-old me think I’d get where I was then. When sophomore year approached, I figured I’d expand my knowledge in photography, so I joined my school’s photojournalism program. During my junior year in high school, I participated in the yearbook committee and then went on to become the head editor my senior year. My teacher saw the leadership skills I provided and allowed me to become her student teacher for her Photojournalism one class. Little did I know that would be the start to all the achievements I have now. I am 18 years old with a successful and still upcoming photography business. Within the past couple of years, I was able to add Creative Director to my skill set. I noticed I had a passion for leading styled shoots and creating different looks with other young and upcoming artists. Although I still have so much to learn and many goals to reach, I enjoy taking portraits for the people and families around my city.
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?
Being in the midst of an obstacle you may think that you won’t get through it and then a few months pass and you’re living in a new truth and way of life. It isn’t easy being an independent artist but also having to rely on the same people who turned their backs on you when you needed their guidance the most. Since then, I have now come to accept the things that happened to me, in order for me to get to where I am today. I may not have all the expensive equipment and the most reliable transportation to get me to and from different shoots. However, I always had optimism to carry me through the days I don’t have photoshoots or social events scheduled. Instead, I use that time to teach myself more about the things that I do have. I currently use the same Canon T3i I was gifted three years ago to do photoshoots with today and although I have advanced in the knowledge of using that DSLR I am ready to upgrade and face new obstacles with better equipment. When I started photography, I had no idea of the cost my passion would cause me financially and mentally. I had to sacrifice a lot of things and save towards getting new tools. I have so many years ahead of me, but I still struggle to have pride in the things I have already accomplished. Although social media isn’t an ideal place for posting your hardships and struggles, I want to express that behind the camera and captions there is always an underlying struggle the individual is facing. For example, I can’t necessarily travel to the places people would like to book my services due to having no car. I have to work on my parents’ schedule in order to get there and that doesn’t always fall through. In the end, I will always do what I can to reach and exceed the goals I have in place for my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative director and photographer, I specialize in portrait photography, specifically for families, couples/engagements, senior, and or personal or professional use. My creative directing comes from leading and designing styled shoots with other photographers, videographers, models, and other creative individuals. I am able to lead and produce a variety of concepts in order to practice my craft. I take pride in my ability to boost the confidence within my clients and create a safe, friendly, and welcoming session environment. I offer a variety of ideas and inspiration for my clients to choose from while still having control over my own style of editing. I believe my passion and individualism I carry throughout my work sets me apart from other photographers. Not only that but being able to have open and honest communication between a client and I. Which is the most important thing to me because of the amount of trust they have to place into my creativity and good judgement.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is from every beach trip my family has gone on. We used to always have races on the beach to see who was the fastest out of all five of us. Can’t say I came in first for any of them but my mom and dad swear they were better than my siblings and I. Being on the beach is one of my favorite places because the water is so calming and relaxing. All while getting to eat fresh fruit as sand is in between your toes, there wasn’t a care in the world. Just the ocean and my family’s laughter.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Macie Torres
Janae Jaynes
