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

Jacelyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Here’s the thing, I don’t do photography full time. I didn’t get a degree in business or photography. I have learned most things the hard way. But I LOVE what I do and I have learned a lot about my craft.

I have always had a love for taking photos. I was the kid doing “photoshoots” on ipod touches with my friends and always taking photos of SOMETHING. I quickly understood what I liked to take photos of and how I wanted the photos to look, but I didn’t start really investing in education or learning my craft until a few years ago.

When I was graduating high school and going into college, I had gotten paid a couple times to do some photos for friends and I realized I wanted to really stick with it – so I started diving into whatever education, tips, tricks, videos, webinars, anything I could get my hands on to “know what I was doing”.

Looking back, I still admire my desire to learn and find any resources I could on my (very) limited budget. I learned about using manual mode, and started practicing. I am a hands-on learner, so after I watched a video or read something I would pull out my camera and try it. Pay attention to the differences in the quality, coloring, lighting, etc. as I learned how to make my camera work for me. I truly believe that getting hands on and practicing was most essential for me.

I think a big obstacle in the photography world is that with such an oversaturated market, there is always someone screaming something about do this or do that and so much of it is conflicting. There will always be someone who will tell you that what you are or aren’t doing will ruin you or make you – it’d not easy to get started. For me personally, I learned that finding my personal style and learning how to use my personal gear to accomplish that style is the key.

I learned a lot about running a business in my state and in the U.S. and I determined that being full time self employed was not the best avenue for me. There are a lot of people who will tell you that going full time should be your goal, but again, do what works for YOU. Understand the laws, rules, and taxes and make the best decision for your life.

Being in my craft doesn’t mean I have to fit into a mold, that’s one of the best parts about a creative space!

Jacelyn, 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?

I specifically do portrait photography! This includes Seniors, Families, Couples, Headshots, Friends, etc. – the main thing is that I take photos of people. However, I don’t do events, boudoir, or weddings. Whatever reason you want photos done, we’ll make it happen! I do shoots in studio or outdoors, or at a location of your choosing!

I use bright lighting and natural coloring. I edit with vibrance and light, where you are the star!

One of the most meaningful things in my business is the heart behind how I edit. I do all natural colors and I don’t do any reshaping or retouching on my clients.

I don’t want anyone that I do photos for to look at their photos and see a version of themselves they wish they were – I want them to see their photos and get a confidence boost because they are seeing their real self! I truly believe that all of my clients are beautifully made in God’s image. I don’t believe anyone “needs” retouching, reshaping, or “perfecting”.

Joyful Point of View was born out of the darkest time in my life. I was diagnosed with a life changing chronic & idiopathic illness, recognized that I was being abused and was saved from the situation, developed PTSD, was dealing with eating disorders & depression, and lost my best friend to suicide. I was at a point where if my perspective didn’t change – I wouldn’t survive.

I started paying attention to the little things that brought happiness to my life – the point of view shift changed my life. As I went through recovery with my mental health and began to process losing my best friend – I realized that wanted to share with people how God made them, how beautiful they are, and I wanted to show people love. That lit a passion in me, and my business, for authenticity.

It has been an amazing journey so far! It brings me so much joy to see my clients love their photos, and to see the way they simply glow seeing themselves the way God made them!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing how I can positively impact people.

I could say a lot about this! It’s the whole heart behind why I’m a photographer, but I would love to let some of my clients share the impact from their perspective.

“Everything felt so natural in the session! I’ve always had a hard time feeling beautiful in front of a camera, but Jacelyn managed to capture photos that made me feel good about the way I looked. If you want to feel genuinely beautiful in photos, she’s definitely the best choice!!”

“Jacelyn is incredibly creative and passionate about her craft, an absolute joy to work with. The most amazing aspect of her work is her commitment to authenticity and embracing physical flaws rather than editing them out. Her passion and joy are inspirational and I cannot reccomend her enough. 10/10”

“When Jacelyn did our first photo shoot back in person I realized I never before had anyone take photos where I actually liked myself in them, so I decided then and there that I wanted her to do my senior photos”

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth is HUGE!! I get nearly all of my clients because a previous client recommended me!

Give your clients an amazing experience, show them grace, and deliver above what you promised. People will tell their friends and family about you if they have an a reason to. In creative fields it is so incredibly important to have good client relationships.

People will look at your website and be impressed, but know that you’re only showing them the best. But when a friend or family member says “I used ____ and had a great time! You should hire them!” they will listen.

Don’t put customer/client experience to the side, because it will truly make a difference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jacelyntolosaphoto.wixsite.com/joyfulpointofview
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulpov/?hl=en
• Other: Email: [email protected]