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

Hi Coco , thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I think the kindest thing someone has ever done for me was to give me a chance when I was just starting out as a photographer. One of my really good friend had been a professional photographer for a while and one day after seeing some of my work, took me aside and told me I really needed to do this professionally. She took the time to mentor me, to answer any and all questions I had and she had me as an assistant for a while so I could learn all aspects of the business.
She never asked me for anything in return. She just really believed in me and offered to help and to this day I know that I could not have had the career I have if it wasn’t for her.
I truly think this was the kindest thing for me, my career and my self esteem.

Coco , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Coco Jourdana and I am originally from France and I am now a photographer and an actress based in NYC. I specialized in Actors portraits, editorials and fashion shoots.

I started photography when I was really young (I got my first camera at 10 years old!) and slowly but surely started taking it very seriously.
Being an actress really helps me with my photography as I can direct people from a storytelling point of view.
I think that really makes a difference in the way people feel when I photograph them. Thinking outside of yourself and more in terms of characters allows you to feel more comfortable and have a lot more fun!

I truly love what I do and meeting so many different artists has truly change not only my career as a photographer but also as an actress. I have networked with people from all over the world and I am so grateful for that!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

More than books or materials I think surrounding yourself with people you admire is crucial. Studying your heroes – how they started, how they got to where they are, where did they study and also studying their social media presence will be so incredibly helpful. Make sure you really filter the information that you consume and make sure it aligns with your goals, your aspirations and what you want to achieve.
And if your heroes are people in your circle, tell them!! and take them out to coffee to ask questions and get inspired!
I think this is one of the biggest thing that artists to miss. Society tell us to be jealous of each other but on the contrary we should really really help each other and learn from one another!!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have had to pivot a few times in my life and my career. First one was of course leaving France to move to the US. I was only 18 and it was a huge change in my life. I became an adult in the US and the way I am now is definitely a mix of my French roots and my American upbringing. It was a challenge sometimes of course but it truly made me who I am today.

The second time I am thinking of is when I decided to quit my safe restaurant job to become a full time freelance photographer. It was terrifying but I knew that I had to do it in order to give my career a chance. Not having the financial safety net was very hard for months but I was truly fulfilled creatively and it was something I needed to do!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studiococonyc.com
• Instagram: @studiococonyc @cocojourdana
• Linkedin: Coco Jourdana