We recently connected with Zamiyah Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Zamiyah, appreciate you joining us 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 were to start over with the knowledge I know now, I would definitely stop continuing to procrastinate and comparing myself and my work to others. I feel like that played a huge part when I first started out doing photography because I just knew I wanted my work to look like whoever I was inspired by at that moment and I was overwhelmed by trying to get it done just like them. Also, I would’ve did more research about cameras, lenses, and what long term lighting, stands, and backdrops I would need to invest in. I could get where I am today faster than before by putting my foot forward and just get out there while keeping myself motivated and focused. I would’ve learned more about what I could do now that I couldn’t do then, like editing for example. Editing is very tedious and I didn’t know much about anything, editing wise, back then so I now know more than what I used to , but I know it is always room to learn more.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Photography has many great aspects. From having your own unique perspective of how you would like for your photographs to turn out to actually having the creative freedom and seeing your vision come to life then seeing the final product after editing and most importantly, seeing your clients reactions to their pictures. I’ve been in the photography industry for about 2 years now, but have been really interested in photography for about 5 years. I originally was only taking pictures for my own enjoyment or for my friends and family who were interested in my craft and supported me fully. In 2021, I believe I started taking photography more seriously by researching on my own and gaining clientele for my brand, Captured By Zee.

I provide a variety of services such as, Lifestyle/ Portrait Photography, Branding Photography, Event Photography, Automotive Photography, and Pet Photography. I am also very big on Nature/ Landscape Photography and Astrophotography. Any photography that involves a nice scenery, good color coordination, and the ability to just be as creative as possible will always make me feel good about knowing why I got into this business.

Communication is a major component of photography, so the client and photographer are both on the same page when the day comes to capture their amazing photos. I am always open to questions and concerns when it comes to my craft and creativity, I listen to my client and provide the best service I can, not only for the pictures to turn out amazing, but also so that they will come back and reference me to other people. Any problems that may turn up for either parties, are explained in my contract and communicated directly, if need be.

I am most proud of how far I have came despite giving up on myself multiple times and all my doubts and worries. I always believed in my potential and even when I may not have clients some days, I am still working on improvement for myself and my future clients. I know exactly where I want my brand to go, so I will continue to work towards those goals and make the most out of my journey. With the help of God, my friends and family, and people who have supported me over the years; Captured By Zee will be big someday.

I would like any potential clients to know that I care and respect them and is prepared to make their experience with me one to remember while delivering outstanding customer service and high quality pictures for them to share amongst others.

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

I’ve always had two long term goals that is driving my creative journey in the photography industry. One of those is having my very own photography studio, where I can take pictures and do all of my business related projects in and have my own staff that is helping me with my busy schedule and to stay organized. I also want to be able to rent out my own studio space to others who may be in need of it no matter what their creative aspirations may be. I have a vision of everything and I just need to make it a reality. My second long term goal is to create my own ‘Selfie Museum’. I want it to consist of two stories filled with different fun and interesting themed rooms where everyone can enjoy themselves. There are a lot more goals that I am entrusting in myself to get done and be committed to, but those are my top two.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Photography is very expensive and requires a lot of investment. I had made my own free website for my business, but couldn’t really afford the subscription it was providing at the time for such basic necessities to actually use the site. So I found something else that was much more affordable and that let me do everything I needed to grow my brand and was paying a minimum $15 a month for a booking website even when I had no clients coming in at all. When I used to work at Walmart, I would set some of my money aside just for buying photography equipment. I believe my first pieces of equipment were a ‘T-Shape Portable Backdrop Stand’ and two Non-Woven Backdrops in the colors black and white. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I had to work with it until I found something better. In 2021, that’s when I started putting more effort and money into my business. I bought a better backdrop stand, Polyester backdrops in multiple colors, props, a flash and diffuser soft box light, SD cards, and I even bought myself a new camera , that I still currently use. It is way more things that I have bought just for photography alone, but I just wanted to create a visual of my “started from the bottom” and now we’re here.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedby.zee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capturedbyzee/
• Other: Email: [email protected] Tiktok: @capturedbyzee