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

Jaya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

This answer changes often for questions like this. Each phase of my life I look back to work I’ve done to inspire me now. My first ever photoshoot was a pivotal one. At that time I only had one light, a sheet for a backdrop. Two of my friends came to my house and we made it a whole production. That was the first time I put a mood board together and executed a photoshoot. It showed me using what I had was enough to at least start somewhere. I gave myself grace knowing it was something new but I was extremely determined to make it happen, to create. That photoshoot is the foundation of my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve loved taking photos since I was 10 years old. Highschool was when I finally got most familiar with photography, art history, and graphic design through year book and digital media classes. Then when getting to college I decided to get back into the craft and take it more seriously. I use a Canon camera with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. My go-to work is creative directing and photographing conceptual, editorial fashion photoshoots. My work sets me apart because I put people outside of their comfort zones when I photograph them, and my authenticity is felt through my work. I connect with the subject as much as I can because that shoot is new for the both of us. I want people to know my work is something I’m very passionate about. Its my first love, and I’m always grateful for the support.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A big goal of mine is to work with some of my most favorite artists, both peers and elders. Along with just seeing how far I can go with consistency, since I’ve come so far already. I’ve shown myself so much new things I never knew I could do until I did it, especially with art. So I want to see how good this can get. My creative journey has made me learn myself, what I like and don’t like. It was the beginning of my life truly, when I finally started to see myself. My connection to myself is what’s driving my creative journey.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The types of sacrifices you are willing to make just so you have the ability to create. How its something you just cant stop thinking about at times. The time alone you need to fully process how you will be able to properly execute your work and accepting it will never be perfect. The balance of making work that people will enjoy but also never forgetting your art is for you. Building an audience, which is something I look forward to figuring out cause at times it’s hard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m00dyphotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-nicole-94b18a166/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYfC_o1Jpc_D5yOR625Haw

Image Credits
All photographed by Jaya Nicole