We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jens Honoré. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jens below.

Hi Jens, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Photography has always been my passion, and I’ve been fortunate to turn this passion into a thriving career. After graduating with a degree in photography, I started my professional journey at a studio, specializing in catalog work. This period was crucial for me—it was a time of learning, earning my dues, and honing my craft from the ground up.

Driven by my dream to create and share my own vision, I took the leap into self-employment and started my own business. This move allowed me to explore the realms of advertising, where I’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients. Each project has been an opportunity to tell unique stories through my lens.

I firmly believe that there are no shortcuts to success. The long journey I’ve taken only makes sense to me because, for me, the journey is the destination. This perspective continues to inspire me to keep going, to stay curious, and to remain open-minded. These qualities are paramount in creating meaningful work.

Over the years, I’ve developed a specialization in capturing real people’s lives in their own environments, using natural light to enhance the authenticity of their stories. My approach to creating visual content, both stills and video, is quite classic and, therefore, timeless. This approach has not only distinguished my work but also deepened my love for storytelling through photography.

Jens, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Jens Honoré: A Life Behind the Lens
I’ve spent my professional life exploring the world through myriad lenses. My active engagement with both my subjects and surroundings has enabled me to create images that have garnered distinction among my peers and clients, as well as international awards in commercial, editorial, and literary categories.

Equally at home in a traditional African village or a pharmaceutical company boardroom, I have a unique ability to connect with people and collaborate with them to tell their stories. The compassion and ease with which I approach those in challenging physical and social conditions always inform my work.

Time and again, I push my advanced technical skills towards creating successful pictures rich in artistry and empathy. I use strong relationships to create powerful imagery with both commercial and humanitarian purposes. My journey is driven by the belief that there are no shortcuts in achieving true excellence. The journey itself is the destination, inspiring me to stay curious and open-minded.

My approach to creating visual content, both stills and video, is classic and timeless, capturing real people’s lives in their own environments using natural light. This dedication to my craft has led to incredible projects, many culminating in books and exhibitions. These works are more than just professional achievements; they are a testament to my lifelong passion for storytelling through photography.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, we as a society can do more to better support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. In today’s landscape, I observe a troubling trend: creatives no longer run creative businesses. Instead, outside consultants have placed a price tag on what they think creative work should cost. Advertisement agencies are increasingly driven by procurement management styles focused solely on profit, making it difficult for creatives, especially freelancers, to make a living.

It’s not a new phenomenon to see creatives on the losing end when it comes to influence and financial rewards. However, I firmly believe we can do a much better job of making society appreciate creative work. Where would we be without creative outlets enriching our lives? A society without culture is poor and malfunctioning.

We can improve by putting creativity higher on the agenda in our schools. Imagine if we emphasized creative thinking and work as much as we emphasize math. This shift could cultivate a greater appreciation for the arts and support the development of a vibrant creative community.

Creativity makes our lives richer, and fostering it should be a priority. By supporting creatives and valuing their contributions, we can build a more enriching and well-rounded society.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I truly understand why non-creatives can struggle to understand the journey of a creative. When dealing with a process driven by creativity, the outcome is often unique, deeply personal, and not definable by normal measurements. How do we value it fairly? How do we provide stability for the artist in a life marked by volatility in both work and finances?

Gaining experience and becoming better at your craft requires trust in oneself and faithfulness to one’s creative abilities. It’s crucial to maintain integrity while producing work that meets client expectations. I view my profession much like that of a professional athlete. You need to engage in projects, whether commissioned or not, to keep yourself in the loop and continually hone your craft.

Creativity makes our lives richer, and fostering it should be a priority. By supporting creatives and valuing their contributions, we can build a more enriching and well-rounded society.

Contact Info:

• Website: jh@jenshonore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenshonore/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-honoré-2b27894/

Image Credits

©JensHonoré