Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephen Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephen, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned what to do or should/ve how to do just by trial and error; Embracing the suck. I found myself shooting and shooting until I found a groove that I truly liked. I had to trust my mind in the creative space, I’ll shoot it exactly how I saw it mentally. One of the things that could’ve sped up the learning process, is shooting more often. We can learn and learn and Learn, But, until we look through the viewfinder, what are we doing? The aforementioned skill I talked about is most essential, Embracing the Suck. Not every shot is gonna be the Cover Page of a Magazine but, with practice, you will literally see a shift in the work you shoot. Another skill to have in your backpack of skills is to have fun! No, it’s not a race but a marathon everyone isn’t going to shoot like you but, it’s your job to shoot like you. God gave you two eyes so use them! The obstacles that stood in the way of learning more were Social media and personal distractions. With Social Media, you have to be careful, you have to take it in doses. because if you take too much inward. you might compare yourself to other peers and it was never meant to be that way. Personal distractions like procrastination are a killer of all good things, So please if need be, set aside time to work the craft ..all you have is time!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello My name is Stephen Jackson, I’m a photographer based out of Virginia, but I do travel. I got into this industry by just shooting and continually shooting. When you do the work internally, when you work on your craft, people will show up for your services. I provide portrait sessions ranging from creative, maternity, and even family portraits. One of the problems clients have that I’ve seen is portrait selection. The one thing to alleviate that issue is that I show them the whole session via Lightroom. I Send them the link that showing them every photo in that session and from there they can select the photos they want to be edited. One of the things I’m proud of when it comes to client work is seeing the end result and also seeing the look on the clients faces when I show them, them! I love creating the vision that the clients see. I love seeing vision from just thoughts to actual images in front of you and me, US. Regardless of brand work, clients,, or even my own creativity. I love seeing the vision come to pass.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

PAY THEM THEIR PRICES!!! if you can’t pay them, share their work. Do not talk them out of their prices either pay or support. It’s Real simple!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Youtube and other creatives are on the same level as mine. Both are free and both really accessible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sshotj
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SshotJ/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamshotj
• Other: www.tiktok.com/sshotj

Image Credits
Models Instagram @itsgijane @schavonspringer @sandygyal_