We were lucky to catch up with Jada Leedunn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jada, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Being self-taught, I was able to really dive into any direction of photography that I wanted to go. The possibilities were endless and the sky was the limit! When it comes to learning a new skill that I’ve been introduced to, I find it best to learn my own way and take my time with crafting said skill. I love being able to go at my own pace when learning new photography techniques and finding new ways to be as creative as I want. At first I stood in my own way by thinking that I had to be like other photographers. But once I learned to be true to myself and go by my own creative eye, I became much happier with my work.

Jada, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Photography was a passion of mine from a very young age. A family friend introduced me to the art when I was about 5 years old and the rest is history. It’s always been the career path that I have wanted to follow! I was gifted my first camera back in 2013 and slowly began to find the style that Ioved the most. In 2017 I upgraded my equipment and fell head first into my shooting and creative style. Like any skill and small business, things have not been easy. I wasn’t able to fully support myself with just my photography and had to pause my dream of being a business owner to follow a much different path of life- being a preschool teacher. Over the years I have been mainly focused on working full time while doing photography and dog sitting as more of a hobby. Now I’m so proud to say that I officially own my business name (Places We Walk Photography) and am able to do what I absolutely love part time while still teaching full time.

I offer all kinds of portraits and headshots, as well as all things wedding related. Last year, I added business sessions to my portfolio in hopes of reaching the small business community! I have developed more of a lifestyle/candid style of photographing which I absolutely LOVE! My main goal with each session is to make my clients feel as comfortable and happy as possible while capturing their memories. I can honestly say that what makes me the most proud is seeing how happy I make others. I have a servants heart and want to make sure that I am always providing the best service for anyone I have the pleasure of working with. Having more of a friendship with my clients is what I strive for. I want them to keep coming back because of the fun atmosphere that I offer while doing a photo shoot. Photography isn’t just a career for me, it’s a passion that I have made fun for myself and anyone I work with.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

THE PEOPLE!!! I ove meeting new clients and creating a friendship with them! It warms my heart when I have the privilege to make someone smile with my art. That will always be the most rewarding part. There isn’t any amount of money in the world that compares to an encouraging message or phone call from one of my clients exclaiming how much they love my work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal in photography, and life in general, is to create a community where I am a safe space. I want my clients to know that they can confide in me and trust me to help them love themselves more and accept themselves for who they are! It’s something that I struggled with for the longest time; not feeling a sense of belonging or encouragement. I don’t want anyone to ever feel alone or like they are not enough. Everyone deserves to feel love. Everyone deserves a safe space. I want to create that with my photography every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.placeswewalk.com
• Instagram: Places We Walk Photography
• Facebook: Places We Walk Photography