We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jada Dodd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jada, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Being self-taught has been a fun, but stressful challenge. I attempted to go to school for photography but always had trouble with wanting to stay focused in the classroom for various reasons. The main reason was that I wanted to challenge myself to see how far I could go with this new craft on my own. It’s something that I wanted really bad at the time, but I had no idea how much photography would change me. Being able to be my own person and do what I want with my photos was the most essential part of who I am today. The main obstacle that got in my way was myself. Mental health issues, among others, really discouraged me from wanting to even look at a camera several times. I’m so thankful that I never gave up on my dream and blessed that I can still grow from here.
Jada, 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?
From a very young age, I have always loved playing around with cameras. We have a family friend that would let me take photos of events that she would shoot. I fell in love with what you could do with a camera and always dreamed of having my own. In 2013, that dream finally came true and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Watching myself grow in my photography has been absolutely amazing. I started out as strictly a portrait photographer, but have expanded my services to weddings, events, birthday shoots, etc. I am SO GLAD I got out of my comfort zone and started doing other types of photo shoots. I’ve met some amazing people along the way. The thing that makes me the most proud of myself is branching out and conquering the challenges I have faced. Not only have I grown as a photographer, but I’ve also grown as a person. I have found myself through my photography.
What sets me apart from others is the personal connection I try to have with each and every one of my clients. By the end of the shoot/event, I want it to feel like I’ve been friends with my client for a long time. I also have amazingly affordable prices compared to many other photographers. Although the money can be a blessing, I do this because I truly love the art of photography. Seeing others happy and being happy with my work is the biggest blessing I could ever receive.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The people I get to meet and the experiences I get to have. I love bringing ideas to life, whether they be mine or someone else’s. Having free will to fully be myself and allow my creative mind to flow really brings out the best in me.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
To have my own photography studios would be the ultimate dream come true. I want to be able to do more indoor shoots without having to rent someone else’s space. I also want to be able to give different kinds of photographers and creatives a space to bring their ideas to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.placeswewalk.com
- Instagram: @placeswewalkphotos