We recently connected with Jack Garcia and have shared our conversation below.
Jack , appreciate you joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
When I first started J.D.G. Images, all I had was a Canon Rebel T7, a dream, and a whole lot of determination. Starting a business from scratch is no small feat, especially in photography, where gaining experience and building trust with clients is essential. I quickly realized I couldn’t do it alone, so I reached out to two close friends, Moi and Alexa Sarduy, the talented owners of M.A.S. Memories. They graciously offered me an internship, and that opportunity became the foundation for my journey.
During my time with them, I worked on a wide range of sessions, from maternity and graduation shoots to photographing my very first wedding. Those experiences gave me the confidence and skills I needed to navigate client relationships and manage the demands of a professional shoot. It wasn’t an instant success—like most startups, I had to start small. I offered free sessions to build my portfolio, sharpen my craft, and showcase my work on social media.
Consistency was key. By continuously posting and sharing my progress online, I started gaining traction. Gradually, the inquiries turned into bookings. Every dollar I earned, I reinvested back into the business, whether it was for upgrading equipment or improving my services. A few months ago, I was thrilled to upgrade to a Sony camera, a milestone that felt like a tangible reflection of how far J.D.G. Images has come.
Looking back, it’s been a little over a year since I officially launched my business, and I’m truly amazed by the growth I’ve experienced. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but each twist, turn, and lesson has shaped me into the photographer and business owner I am today. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, my clients, and the community I’ve built. Scaling J.D.G. Images has been about passion, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to creating timeless memories for my clients.
Jack , 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?
Ever since I was a little kid, photography has been a part of my life. I vividly remember borrowing my parents’ old iPhone 4 at the age of 6 or 7 and taking pictures of anything and everything that caught my eye. When I turned 13, I got my first camera and spent countless hours capturing photos of my pets and landscapes. But as I grew older, I drifted away from the craft.
It wasn’t until my senior year of high school, when we were assigned a summer internship, that I rediscovered my passion. I was overwhelmed by the options and unsure of what I wanted to do. That’s when I thought back to my love for photography and the success of two close friends, Alexa and Moi Sarduy, who own the thriving photography business M.A.S. Memories. Their work inspired me, and I decided to give photography another shot by interning with them.
That internship was life-changing. I gained hands-on experience working on graduation shoots, maternity sessions, and even my first wedding. Alexa and Moi taught me not just the technical aspects of photography but also how to connect with clients and make sessions memorable. Another close friend, Odalys Coffield, helped me navigate the business side of things, teaching me how to market myself and use the right tools to grow. Their guidance gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own business.
In September 2023, I officially launched J.D.G. Images. I specialize in capturing graduations, weddings, couples, and families, creating timeless and emotional memories for my clients. What sets me apart is my ability to make every session fun, comfortable, and tailored to each client’s personality. I believe photography is more than just snapping pictures—it’s about preserving life’s most special moments in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.
Now it’s been a little over year now and I’m incredibly proud of how far J.D.G. Images has come. From humble beginnings to consistent bookings, I’ve built a brand that reflects my passion and dedication. The thing I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to capture their milestones. I want potential clients and followers to know that with J.D.G. Images, they’re not just getting a photographer—they’re getting someone who genuinely cares about creating memories that last a lifetime.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Building genuine relationships with my clients is at the core of J.D.G. Images. From the very first interaction, I strive to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I understand that reaching out to a new business can feel intimidating, so I make it a point to be warm, approachable, and genuine in all my communication.
After the shoot, I always ensure my clients have my contact information by giving them a business card. It’s a simple gesture, but it not only keeps me top of mind but also makes it easy for them to refer me to friends and family. Beyond that, I like to connect with clients on social media, especially Instagram, where I share my work and stay engaged with their lives.
What truly fosters brand loyalty, though, is that I don’t treat my clients as just customers—I see them as people I can genuinely connect with. Many of my clients become friends, and that personal connection is what keeps them coming back. For me, photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about building relationships and being a part of my clients’ most meaningful milestones.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building a social media audience takes time, strategy, and consistency. It’s not just about posting regularly—it’s about creating content that resonates with your audience and continually promoting your work to expand your reach. One of the most effective strategies I’ve found is creating Instagram reels. Reels tend to get a lot of views and engagement, especially when paired with targeted hashtags specific to my area. This has been a game-changer in attracting local clients and growing my audience organically.
Another key aspect of building a social media following is networking with others in the industry. I make it a point to connect with other vendors and creatives on platforms like Instagram. Collaborating and engaging with them not only strengthens relationships but also helps get my name out there, as my work is shared across their networks as well.
Engagement is equally important. It’s not enough to just post content; I make an effort to interact with my audience by responding to comments, liking their posts, and genuinely engaging in conversations. This shows people that I’m more than just a business—I’m a real person who values connection and community.
Having a presence across multiple platforms also helps broaden my reach. While Instagram is my primary platform, I also share my work on Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. Each platform offers a unique way to connect with potential clients and provides more opportunities to attract bookings.
By staying consistent, networking, engaging authentically, and diversifying where I share my content, I’ve been able to steadily grow my social media audience and, in turn, my business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.d.g._images/profilecard/?igsh=bjVqd28wajFzNmNh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/184BDPAtoH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/J.d.g._images
Image Credits
Photos by J.D.G. Images