Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Johannes.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
Around 7.5 years ago, I was in an art class that focused on photography in one of the units. We were provided with a Nikon point-and-shoot camera and an assignment designed around a certain type of photography, such as portrait, micro, macro, nature, etc. At first, I was so interested in using the camera, that I would often ask to rent it out during sporting events. In the beginning, it was about the technical use of the camera and learning the different buttons. However, shortly it became more about freezing time and capturing people’s memories. Within weeks I purchased my own camera, which was the same as the schools. Looking back on the camera today, it was horrid and such terrible quality. But we all have to start somewhere, right? I quickly realized its quality was not up to the level I needed and decided it was time for an upgrade. I bought a Nikon D3200, which was a pretty good starter camera. It allowed me to practice and grow without putting a 16-year-old in massive debt. Over middle and high school, I only shot pictures for my school, occasionally took photos for my mom’s friends, and whoever else would let me practice on them.
My business took off during the summer going into my senior year of high school. I formally introduced myself and began presenting myself professionally. I mainly started with graduate sessions since many of my friends had connections and wanted their own pictures done. By the end of my senior year, I was so busy with clientele, yet not happy with how my pictures were turning out. So, AGAIN time for an upgrade. I upgraded to a Nikon D750 with a 70-150mm Tamaron Lens, which is my current main setup. By this time, I had captured graduates, families, engagements, newborns, weddings, and so much more! My first year of college (2020-2021) was a pretty difficult year for a lot of businesses. Only a few people were seeking pictures at the time, which made it a slow year for my business. End of 2021, I decided to change my college major to Elementary Education with hopes of following both my passions, teaching and capturing pictures. How convenient that summer is the busiest season for photographers and teachers don’t work?! Today, in August of 2022, I have successfully captured 100+ sessions of all kinds, and things are gracefully back to normal. I am continuing to expand every day and am now looking at my first national wedding. Life feels so surreal, considering I was only 13 years old with no idea of the future when I first started. Now, at 20, I have my dream career and the continual opportunity to capture people’s joy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
Of course, every road has a pothole or two. One of my biggest struggles was people to taking me seriously. Most of it was due to being so young. I didn’t learn how to present myself professionally until my senior year. It took a lot of practice and routine for me to create the difference between just having a camera and being willing to take pictures and formally being known as a photographer. Now that I am older, it easier since people are usually drawn to me for my work and don’t seem to notice my age.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most photographers specialize in one specific type of photography, whereas I don’t. Over the years, I have captured so many different types of sessions that I am comfortable doing anything. My passion is based on capturing people in their lives, and I don’t want to be subject to only one type. I want to tell everyone’s stories. I am most proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. There have been times I’ve wanted to quit when business was slow, but I didn’t and kept going and growing. I am still young and feel like I have achieved so much, yet not nearly enough. I am different from most photographers because nearly any photographer can deliver the same image, but my clients do not only receive a gallery of photos. They receive a personalized experience along with laughter and friendship.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as finding the inner fulfillment of joy and contentment with life. It is not limited by money, material objects, praise, awards, or business opportunities. Purely and only by being fully happy with the life you’ve created and the person you are to yourself and to those around you.
Pricing:
- Regular sessions range from $150-$350
- Weddings: base price is $1200
- All pricing can be adjusted to accommodate your needs. If you cannot afford my pricing for any reason, please let me know and we will figure out something that works!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jadajohannesphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadajohannesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jadajohannes.photography/
Image Credits
Jada Johannes Photography
