We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jolanta Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jolanta , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Jolanta Young is a Minnesota based Fine Art Photographer and filmmaker. She believes in capturing life’s most magical moments. She also brings the raw beautiful presence of life to a new reality. Jolanta is an artist and a visionary storyteller through her lens. She has been internationally published in various fashion magazines and publications. She loves to take a concept and give it a new story or meaning behind the image. Jolanta loves to explore and travel. She has a sharp eye for details.
Jolanta , 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 media production through my dad. He worked behind the camera doing documentary work and was a sound master for our local television station in Trinidad and Tobago. It was natural for me that, I would want to be an artist like he was and work in media entertainment. I wanted to expand my creative eye in the world of Fashion, Beauty, Weddings, Special Occasions and styled creative concepts. I like taking something out of the ordinary into something extraordinary. It could be from tulle dresses to body art concepts. I like playing around with light. I would like to think that I can go from light to moody depending on my editing style and the nature of the shoot. I work with a photo studio in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her Canvas LLC has provided a space for me to be creative. I had a home studio for many years where I dabbled and tapped into my creativity. I was never into trends. I was doing home studios became a thing. I would explore other creative means during the pandemic to stay active. I did photoshoots until April before the world shut down. I remember watching America’s Next Top Model, I was inspired by Nigel Barker. And, I looked up to his style of work and that is what I inspired my work to be like. Some other people I looked up were Sue Bryce and Peter Hurley. How to do headshots and portrait work. I joined the Headshot Crew to grow my portfolio. I would attend model meetups and collaborate with other models and fashion designers to build on their portfolios. I also started my own as well. I don’t believe in cutting corners to get to where you are in life. You have to have a burning passion to do what you love. I offer creative services such as portrait photography, red carpet, and press photography, event photography, real estate photography, drone photography, branding design, and post-production film work which can all be found on my website. What sets me apart from others is my dedication and the passion I have for the industry. I am more than willing to go the distance to learn something to spark the creative light that I have inside. I am proud of the work that I do and can display online. You can find some of my work in various online magazines. I believe in giving other people a chance to help them pursue a passion for portrait photography or filmmaking. I work with a collaborative team and it is always fun. I am not limited to one location and I am available for travel.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
My motto has always been you have to master the art of people before you photograph them. I have always said that because it is my way of making a lifelong connection. The beauty of this industry you get to see people who become a friend and stay in touch with you or refer you to others. I think that the best reward is the relationships you make with people. I strongly believe that. I have had friends who invite me to special occasions to capture their big wedding day. Photos and memories are timeless and that is one thing you can’t get back the opportunity to capture something beautiful.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was letting go of imperfections and learning to roll with the punches. I like learning from YouTube or from other people to help me become better. I wasn’t always the strongest photographer or filmmaker, but taking feedback about my work helped me be where I am today. It’s a good opportunity to see how you grow. Having genuine support from my friends and family. Being around a supportive community is key as well. There are also accidental photos that can make or break or work. Not all images are equal. The quicker you can learn to fail the better experience it will be. I have had my own major ups and downs. I have had people tell me I wasn’t always good enough but I took that with stride. Taking your own narrative as a visual artist helps you become better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jolantayoungphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolantayoungphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolantayoungphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/82015228/admin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolantayoungphotography
Image Credits
1st Photo Vi Garretts Vi Photography Jolanta Young Jolanta Young Photography Pine Lane Weddings by Renee Terry Stoe Photography Behind The Scenes Photo