We recently connected with Jessica Wayman and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I was starting over, I would have gone all in. I would have had my prices be representative of my time and skill, instead of restricting myself to what I thought people would be willing to pay. I would have focused all of my energy and time into improving and growing early on.

I would have skipped the photography degree that I felt boxed me into a style that I did not enjoy. I spent years thinking that degree was what would help my photography and my art succeed, whereas experience and being unafraid of failure is what has really allowed for growth.

I would make more of an effort to network and learn from those who had found success around me, instead of drowning in an environment that survived on competing against instead of supporting and collaborating with fellow artists.

If I were to start over, I would remind myself often to achieve my vision of success, as opposed to others versions of success.

Encouraging and supporting MYSELF and MY DREAM would be my top priority from the start if I was starting over.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into my industry by realizing the passion I had for art at a young age. Once in high school, I took a photography class and fell in love with the way I could capture a moment in time that would never reappear again.

Recording a memory that may be lost without a single photograph amazes me, as does creating an image that tells a story through tones used in editing, makeup application, where the shadows fall across the subjects face, and the direction of the eyes.

I photograph many different subjects, with my favorite being couples sessions and creative sessions with female subjects.

The sessions that have brought me the most pride have been when photographing events for organizations such as San Diego’s Access Youth Academy, which provides opportunities for underprivileged youth in our county recieve education and resources to support them through college and into their careers.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the look on a client’s face when they see the completed product.

Seeing ourselves through the eyes of another can be a powerful thing, and being able to provide that vision to a client is beautiful.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

It may sounds silly, but I honestly wish I had thought to use YouTube as a resource more often. They videos that I have found over the years on how to use editing software, and even how to better work with my camera have been extremely helpful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jwaymanphotography
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jwaymanphotography/